Check ventilation: evaluate the effectiveness of different

01-04-2018
Ventilation

How to check the ventilation in the apartment, they know, probably not many. Meanwhile, monitoring the performance of this system is very important. In our article we will tell why it is necessary to periodically perform such checks, how to carry them out in different ways, and also what to do, as a result, we received disappointing data.

Air exchange control is an important aspect of home climate control

Why do I need to check

Verification of the effectiveness of ventilation systems is carried out both in production and in residential buildings.

It is carried out to solve a number of tasks, namely:

  • First, by evaluating the work of air exchange networks, we will be able to tell how well the indoor climate is in compliance with sanitary standards.. Of course, this is only the simplest and most affordable method of control, but it allows you to establish at least an approximate suitability of air for breathing / intensive work without complex instruments.

    Exhaust flows in the apartment

  • Secondly, after studying the functioning of the inflow and exhaust, we will have the opportunity to assess the performance of many household appliances.. For example, when installing a gas stove or heating boiler ventilation control is mandatory.

Note! According to current regulations, the frequency of checking the ventilation ducts is at least once a year, and with year-round use of heating and cooking equipment (ovens, boilers) - at least twice.

  • Finally, the detection of malfunctions in the operation of this system may be the basis for carrying out repair work (cleaning of ventilation ducts, equipment for additional airbags) or installation of special equipment.. Such devices include, for example, fans for forced exhaust, intake valves, etc.

As you can see, you need to check the operation of the air exchange network. Most often this is done by specialized organizations, but for control and timely troubleshooting, you should learn how to do it yourself.

Control methods

Use of available tools

Instructions for checking the operation of exhaust ventilation in an apartment building is quite simple. You can perform this task practically without tools, using only a piece of tissue paper (tissue or toilet paper).

If a sheet of paper is held in the same way as in the photo, or even better, then everything is fine.

Inspection of ventilation systems is performed as follows:

  • In any room of the apartment we open a window to create a sufficient inflow.
  • We bring a sheet of paper to the grate covering the hole in the exhaust duct in the bathroom or kitchen.
  • During normal operation of the system, the paper should press against the grid. Ideally, traction should hold the sheet even after we release it.

Note! The sheet should be pressed against the wall only when you bring it close. Already at a distance of about 15 cm, the thrust force is no more than 5% of the actual channel thrust.

  • If the air flow is not enough to keep the paper at the entrance to the ventilation duct, then the system requires cleaning.
  • If the paper, on the contrary, deviates from the grid, then we can talk about the presence of "reverse thrust". Naturally, this situation is unacceptable, because you should contact the service responsible for the operation of your home.

It should be noted that often when asked how to check the ventilation in a new building, it is recommended to replace the paper with a candle or a cigarette lighter. At the same time the flame should deviate towards the lattice in proportion to the speed of the air flow.

So, too, can be. But not worth it!

In principle, this method is also quite indicative. However, representatives of the gas services strongly recommend not to use them: in the communications can accumulate flammable gas, which got there as a result of leaks, and an open flame will provoke an explosion in a close space.

Application tools

Instrumental verification of the efficiency of ventilation systems is more accurate, but at the same time more costly. For its carrying out use special devices which register the movement of air - anemometers.

Compact anemometer for residential use

Tip! For independent use, it is enough to purchase a household model (the price is about 1,500 rubles). Professionals use more reliable and accurate devices, equipped with remote sensors and built-in computing modules.

The method of verification itself is almost the same as described in the previous section:

  • We open the window to create a tributary.
  • Remove the protective grill from the vent.
  • Turn on the anemometer and enter the impeller into the ventilation duct.
  • We register indicators of the anemometer. According to the requirements of SNIP, in the exhaust line, the speed should be at least 5m / s, and in branches - at least 3 m / s.
Measurement of air velocity

It should be noted that in some cases errors in measurements are possible. So, with a high outside temperature (+30 0With and above) the movement in the ventilation channel slows down significantly, and devices can register reverse thrust. This, naturally, speaks not about the system malfunction, but about temporary problems in its work.

The reasons for the inefficient system

Installation of sealed windows leads to air circulation failure

If we analyze the main causes of problems in the exhaust system, then it is worth highlighting the following:

Cause Remedy
Poor condition of the ventilation duct, caused by the lack of timely service. After standing for several years without cleaning, the mine is littered and overgrown with cobwebs, which can not but affect the quality of its work. The solution to the problem is obvious - you need to clean the ventilation passages. On the apartment side, only preventive processing of the branch is performed, while the bulk of the work is carried out on the roof or on the technical floor.

Note! You should not start cleaning yourself - it is better to involve specialists in the work.

Installation of sealed windows and doors, reducing natural ventilation and blocking air flow. First of all it concerns metal-plastic window structures and doors with a polymer seal around the perimeter. To activate the exhaust, you need to provide a nominal flow. This is done either through constant airing of the room, or by installing inlet ventilation valves. The valves can be mounted either on the opening windows or directly into the wall.

Note! It is not necessary to equip the supply valve in the kitchen: so we significantly complicate the exhaust from other rooms.

High outdoor temperature resulting in reverse thrust. The situation can be drastically corrected only by installing built-in fans in the ventilation channels for forced exhaust. It also helps a little constant airing and regular cleaning channels.
Fan for forced traction

Conclusion

Information on how to check the ventilation in the apartment will be useful to anyone who cares about maintaining an optimal microclimate in their home. Moreover, it is quite simple to do this, especially if you are guided by the tips given above, as well as the techniques shown in the video in this article.