How to check the ventilation in the apartment

One of the parameters determining the comfort of the microclimate in the apartment is the cleanliness of the air in the room. Its characteristics must comply with the requirements of SNiP 41-01-013 and other regulatory documents. In most apartment buildings, the desired composition of the air is provided by the supply and exhaust ventilation system with natural motivation. The arrival of fresh masses occurs through the windows, windows, doors and special valves, and the removal of unpleasant odors through special channels in the bathroom and in the kitchen. To analyze their effectiveness, you need to know how to check the ventilation in the apartment. Based on the data received, measures are being taken to maintain the indoor air at the proper level.

Causes of air exchange disorders

The principles of operation of supply and exhaust ventilation with natural motivation are based on the difference in density and temperature of air inside and out. Light and warm masses disappear through the ventilation duct into the street, and in return fresh ones arrive. The performance of such a system depends on many nuances that must be taken into account, otherwise its operation will be ineffective. And most importantly ─ you need to know the causes of poor ventilation in order to eliminate them in a timely manner.

Lack of air flow

Replacing old wooden frames new plastic windows with double-glazed windows allows you to reduce the noise level in the apartment and get rid of drafts. However, complete sealing prevents the penetration of fresh air into the room, resulting in increased humidity and the appearance of mustiness and dampness. Regular and prolonged ventilation increases heat loss and heating costs.

Clogged ventilation ducts

It occurs for several reasons. Firstly, as a result of the natural collapse that occurs in old houses. Secondly, due to redevelopment and repair. In this case, there is another threat to ventilation efficiency. The output of more powerful channels to the main mines can completely disrupt the air exchange of the apartment.

In addition, the causes of poor ventilation are:

• installation of a cooker hoodthe power of which is greater than provided by the area of ​​the ventilation duct;
• installation of climatic equipment that increases the temperature difference inside and outside;
• Insufficient vertical channel length, which should be about 2 m (relevant for apartments located on the top floor of the building).

It is also important to observe the temperature regime, as this determines the efficiency of the ventilation. In hot weather, it is significantly reduced.

Methods for checking ventilation

The simplest method for studying the efficiency of air exchange is performed using a sheet of paper or newspaper. For this, a strip 2-3 cm wide and 15-20 cm long is placed at a distance near the ventilation duct. If it rests on the grill without outside help, then the system functions normally. In the case of short-term adhesion of the leaf ─ the air flow is weak and needs to be strengthened. Deviation of paper from the grille indicates the presence of reverse traction.

Advice! In the absence of supply valves, ventilation checks should be carried out with ajar windows or windows.

There are recommendations to use a lit match or a lighter to check the draft in the ventilation duct. However, this method is unsafe, and not only in houses with a central gas supply. In clogged ventilation ducts, a rotting process is often activated, resulting in the formation of combustible gas. Open flames can cause explosion and destruction.

A more accurate result is given by checking the ventilation using a special device ─ an anemometer, which shows the speed of air passage in the ventilation duct. Using the data and special tables, as well as the cross-sectional area of ​​the vent, determine the volume of masses passing through it for an hour.

According to the established standards for a bathroom, toilet and kitchen with an electric stove, this figure should be equal to 25, 25 and 60 m3 / hour, respectively.

Advice! You can focus on the air condition in the apartment. If the CO2 content does not exceed the established norms and the level of relative humidity is within acceptable limits, then the ventilation functions. When moisture condenses on windows and in corners, measures should be taken to eliminate the defects.

Air circulation

For proper air exchange in the apartment, it is necessary to remove the blockage of the ventilation duct and keep it clean and tidy. You can also apply the following measures:

• install double-glazed windows with the function of micro-ventilation, which will ensure the influx of fresh air and avoid the isolation of the room;

• provide for the installation of a kitchen hood, which should be equipped with an odor neutralizer;
• purchase an electric fan and install it in an outlet or fix a similar unit in the section of the ventilation duct.

If the above measures have not yielded results, then you should consider installing a more efficient system.