How to clean the ventilation in an apartment yourself

Self-cleaning ventilation

If the ventilation in an apartment works well, many may even forget that it exists. They remember this design when problems arise. Mold appears on the surface of the walls if air does not circulate well throughout the interior space. Poor ventilation results in a damp smell. Cleaning the ventilation yourself helps get rid of problems, but this process has its own nuances.

clean indoor air

One of the foundations of human life is clean air. When arranging natural and forced ventilation, it is easier to ensure that these flows are constantly updated. Then a long stay in the apartment will be comfortable and safe.

But debris and pathogens can move inside the home itself due to increased dirt deposits inside. The particles end up inside, gradually poisoning the body.

After cleaning the internal parts of the structure, you can forget about this problem forever. The equipment is subject to less wear and tear, and the system begins to work more efficiently. ventilation cleaning in apartment buildings is necessary .

consequences of inefficient ductwork

Pollution leads to the following negative consequences:

1. The appearance of allergens and fungi in large quantities.
2. Poor air circulation worsens the indoor microclimate. The humidity level rises, and the same thing happens with the normal temperature.
3. Subsequently, dirt collects on the surface faster.
4. Motors and working units begin to warm up and experience increased load. Therefore, the mechanisms wear out faster.
5. The inflow and outflow of air is no longer as efficient as before.
6. The fire danger level is increasing.

Ventilation ducts need to be cleaned not only in residential areas, but also in places where many people are constantly present.

Blockages in the ventilation may occur for the following reasons.

Seasonal features

The quality of ventilation often depends on how environmental conditions develop. An example is when there are no interruptions or problems throughout the winter. Heat degrades the performance of the system several times. It is necessary to install additional equipment to improve results.

Most owners do not resort to the help of specialists and do this work on their own. But here you cannot do without equipment and additional skills. Therefore, it is still recommended to cooperate with companies that have received the appropriate license. Then cleaning the ventilation systems will be quick and effective.

mechanical cleaning of ventilation ducts

What can clogged ventilation cause?

As a result of deterioration of the ventilation system, the following problems may arise:

• mold that appears in the room will spoil the things located in it and spread further and further;
• a person living in a room with stale and oxygen-depleted air will feel weak and lethargic, which will reduce his performance;
• high humidity in residential areas can lead to respiratory diseases;
• dampness, mold and mildew will damage furniture, household appliances, ordinary finishing materials, etc.;
• odors of food or smoke coming out of a poorly functioning ventilation duct will be strongly ingrained in tulle, curtains, linen, clothing and other fabric products, and it is very difficult to remove them from such materials.

If the system uses fans to organize forced air exchange, then they will consume more electricity as they will operate longer.

Mechanical cleaning

Most often, the method is used in relation to vertical channels. It has proven its effectiveness more than once. Deposits are simply scraped off the walls of the duct.

Relevant if the contamination is simple:

• Waste products of birds and rodents.
• Small stones.
• Web.
• Dust.

The procedure allows for both automated and manual execution. The use of detergents and other chemicals is not expected; grease in the bathroom and other similar rooms cannot be cleaned this way.

The method is not very effective for neutralizing fat deposits. Accumulations of this kind are generally difficult to remove from the surface. If the ventilation system has a complex configuration, then the use of such solutions is also difficult.

Brushes and vacuum cleaners, metal cables are examples of devices that will help cope with the task in this case. In the absence of a vacuum cleaner, natural removal is acceptable. The air flow simply carries the dirt along with it.

Frequency of cleaning ventilation and exhaust systems

How often you need to clean your ventilation ducts and hoods is affected by the thickness of the accumulated grease and the cooking activity. If the hood works for at least two hours a day, then experts advise washing the household appliance at least once every 3 months. If the stove is rarely used, it is recommended to clean the ventilation grille and hood parts every six months.

The absence of dirt on the device is a guarantee of its good operation.

The more often the ventilation and exhaust systems get rid of dirt, the easier the task of cleaning grease and soot will become.

Dry cleaning with foam

cleaning ventilation with foam
is an excellent option if you need to deal specifically with fatty deposits that do not respond well to other treatment options. A popular method for catering establishments. Inside the air duct, special compounds are broken down, due to which the fat is removed. Delamination and detachment from the surface occurs. After this, the remaining particles are removed with air or mechanical tools. The chimney is re-checked.

Detergents are alkaline compounds, which are characterized by increased aggressiveness when exposed. Many have disinfectant properties. Disinfecting the air ducts is an additional step if all germs cannot be removed after foaming.

An employee of a service company chooses what to use in a particular case. It is advisable to do preliminary tests to determine the level of danger.

Reasons for unsatisfactory operation of the air exchange system

Cleaning the ventilation in an apartment building does not always change the situation. Therefore, the first stage is to determine the source of the problem. There are a number of main reasons:

• Plastic double-glazed windows or new sealed doors. Ventilation of an apartment building occurs due to the difference in temperature and pressure inside and outside the room. Old wooden windows and doors let in a lot of fresh air. Due to this, the room is ventilated. New double-glazed windows and doors hermetically seal the room, disrupting the natural flow of air exchange. A micro-ventilation system installed on plastic windows can correct the situation.
• Clogged ventilation ducts. In an apartment building, the ventilation system consists of the main and adjacent branches. The main channel becomes clogged due to partial collapse of the masonry or the entry of large debris. Adjacent branches leading into the apartment reduce the air throughput due to dirt and soot accumulated on the walls, an old grate or a collapsed piece of plaster.
• Connecting a powerful hood. If a neighbor has brought a forced forced exhaust into the main ventilation duct, then in other apartments the balance is upset, the air movement almost completely stops.
• Deterioration of air mass movement in summer. Due to the small temperature difference between the residential area and the street. Installing an air conditioner or exhaust fan will help.
• Design or construction errors. There are times when neither cleaning nor forced ventilation will help. The reason is a violation of the structure of the ventilation duct.

There are several ways to independently determine the performance of the ventilation system:

Cryogenic blasting

cryogenic blasting cleaning
A type of chemical cleaning. A method that appeared relatively recently. Efficiency and gentle impact are the main reasons why it deserves special consideration. Dry ice is used, which gives the full cleansing effect.

Dry ice is fed into the air duct using a special installation. The substance comes into contact with the walls, after which active evaporation begins. The surface of the shaft itself remains undamaged, and the plaque is removed. When decomposed, the active substance becomes carbon dioxide, after which it is removed automatically, like dust.

You should study the instructions in advance to make it easier.

Main causes of blockages

There are six reasons why blockages in the ventilation may appear.

Accumulation of dust, dirt, grease

The main reason why the ventilation system begins to function worse is the accumulation of particles of grease, dirt and dust. All these contaminants gradually accumulate on the surface of the walls of the shafts or air circulation channels.

Most often, pollution accumulates due to too narrow channels through which waste oxygen moves from the bathroom, kitchen or living rooms.

Moving inside the system, all the particles of garbage gradually accumulate. Over the years, the mud layer increases, causing air to move much more slowly. Therefore, experts recommend periodically cleaning the ventilation system to prevent debris from accumulating in it.

Brick collapse

The most serious reason that leads to poor air circulation is collapsing brickwork. It is from brick that the ventilation shaft is constructed in many houses. To fix this problem, you will have to clean and repair the broken shaft. However, sometimes it is difficult to cope with such a problem on your own, and therefore many have to live with a damaged ventilation system.

Small animals and birds

Often birds and other small animals get inside the ventilation hood. This happens in winter, when lukewarm air begins to rise from exhaust pipes, emanating from bathrooms or kitchens. Warm air currents attract birds, and because of this, they fly up to the ventilation holes and begin to sit on them to warm up a little. Most often, sparrows and pigeons flock to warm themselves, which are most numerous in cities. Some of the birds sitting on the pipes fall into the ventilation, which is why it begins to work poorly.

Another reason why birds fall into pipes is because they are trying to build nests in them. Therefore, there may be chicks at the bottom of the mine, and not just adults.

Kitchen hood

Sometimes when installing a kitchen hood, people cut it into the ventilation duct. This should not be done, since conventional ventilation is designed to pass through about 90 cubic meters of air per hour. This figure is more than ten times less than the performance of most modern models of exhaust structures. Therefore, when a hood is installed inside the ventilation shaft, excess pressure is created, due to which air flows begin to be pushed into neighboring apartments.

Before installing a hood in the kitchen, you need to consult with a specialist so that he can explain where it can be installed.

Replacing wooden windows with plastic ones

It is no secret that for the normal functioning of the ventilation system, a constant supply of fresh air is needed. If it is not there, air circulation will deteriorate significantly. The use of a new sealed plastic double-glazed window impairs the flow of air into the room, which leads to periodic fogging of the glass and the appearance of traces of mold on the surface of the walls.

To avoid problems when using plastic windows, it is necessary to periodically ventilate the room even in winter. Some people recommend installing wooden windows, but they retain heat less well.

Seasonal features

There are also seasonal features that affect the quality of ventilation. For example, in winter it works well and without interruptions, but in hot weather its performance can deteriorate significantly. This is due to the fact that in winter the temperature difference between outside and inside is too high.

In summer, the temperature difference is not so significant, and therefore air ventilation becomes worse. To normalize it, you will have to open windows or install forced ventilation devices for better air circulation.

This is interesting: Checking ventilation at school: air exchange standards and the procedure for checking its effectiveness

Preparation

First, they check how efficiently the current system works. For example, using a hot match or candle, paper. If the flame deviates towards the exhaust, then there are no problems during operation. In the absence of any changes in direction, the ventilation system definitely requires additional maintenance.

You can also attach a piece of paper to the hole. The check is performed in the same way as in previous cases. A private house is no exception.

DIY ventilation cleaning

Signs indicating clogged ventilation

It needs to be cleaned of debris in the following cases:

• there is dust and any debris near the ventilation hole;
• a dark coating with microparticles of fat and soot forms on the air intake grille;
• the glass on the windows fogs up;
• the smell during cooking spreads throughout all rooms;
• damp areas appear on the walls, ceilings and floors, after which mold or mildew forms there;
• As a result of poor air exchange, draft is significantly weakened.

To prevent these signs from ever appearing in your apartment, you need to regularly clean all areas of your home ventilation system.

Cleaning procedure

Next, proceed to perform the following actions:

1. Clean kitchen furniture.

It is necessary to get rid of all items that may restrict access. To prevent debris from falling on the floor, cover the surface with newspapers.

1. Remove the grate.

In this case, there are fewer problems with further cleaning of the channels. If the structure itself is heavily soiled, replacement is required.

1. Cleaning.

The procedure begins. You need to put on gloves and then start removing the debris located inside. The main thing is to act carefully so as not to run into what is inside. The hood power does not affect this.

cleaning ventilation with the help of a specialist

Current legislation indicates that such work is carried out only by organizations that have received the necessary license. In residential buildings, inspection and cleaning are organized when traction is clearly insufficient or is completely absent. After completing the renovation and internal redevelopment, such procedures are also indispensable.

Typically the frequency is two to three times a year. Upon completion, an act with a hologram and seals is drawn up. It includes the following information:

• Description of the condition of the caps and other similar elements.
• Protective grilles.
• Condition of seams. They are relevant for brick channels.
• Presence of traction.
• Internal partitions and their features.
• Blockages and rubble.
• Tightness of the structure.
• Design features.
• Places worth visiting.
• Chimney material.
• Installation dimensions.

extractor hood to improve ventilation
In older homes, even cleaning is often not enough to improve performance. It is necessary to apply other solutions to enhance performance. There are methods that are available to literally every owner who wants to remove debris and get better results.

Recommendations from experts

The main advice: you cannot clean the ventilation in any apartment on your own. But if you have no other choice, then you can only get rid of the dirt inside the apartment, which is connected to the common shaft. True, first find out how to clean the ventilation in an apartment with your own hands.

Often, residents themselves are to blame for a decrease in ventilation performance, because its operation is disrupted as a result of covering air intake points with various finishing materials during repairs. This cannot be done, so you need to immediately eliminate the error and bring everything to mind. Otherwise, the living space will be damp, pungent odors will become familiar, and after a while mold and mildew will appear in it.

Particular attention must be paid to ventilation in winter, when ice often forms in the air duct and snow accumulates. If the air from the ventilation goes back, then this is most likely due to the redevelopment of the neighboring apartment. As a result, the odors from it reach you. The problem can be solved by installing return plugs, which are selected taking into account the area of ​​the apartment. To resolve more complex problems, it is necessary to call experienced professionals.

Ventilation on the top floors of buildings often does not function correctly. This is due to the principle of its operation. Air circulates normally in it only if it rises several meters up. Therefore, to correct this problem, you need to increase the length of the air duct.

If you plan to clean the indoor air duct yourself, then you need to be well prepared for this procedure. To do this, you need to purchase or borrow from someone the necessary tools, devices and a stepladder. To solve complex ventilation problems, you need to call professionals with extensive experience, since independent actions can cause more serious problems.

How not to connect and why

The first options have a lot of inconveniences, which are not entirely noticeable at first.

For example, let’s say you set up the hood to turn on using a door opening sensor. At the same time, it turns off according to a timer after 5 minutes. It would seem very convenient.

However, it is quite problematic to install such a sensor on an interior door. Not to mention other aspects of operation. For example, what to do if you stay in the toilet longer than the set time.

Open and close the door again? What if there are guests in the kitchen?

In addition, the cables will have to be routed under the tiles, several extra holes will have to be drilled, etc. Simple motion sensors are sensitive to humidity and fail very quickly.

You will have to select expensive models with appropriate IP humidity protection, depending on the zones in the bathroom.

Some people consider the most convenient option to be installing a switch on the hood directly inside the bathroom. However, the PUE prohibits this.

Why this is so, the relevant links and explanations from Rostechnadzor specialists will be given at the end of the article.

Where to go if you can’t clean it yourself

It should be noted right away that cleaning the ventilation in an apartment building is the responsibility of a special organization that has entered into an agreement with the management company. It is prohibited to clean the vertical ventilation shaft yourself. And it is impossible to do this qualitatively with improvised tools and devices.

Therefore, you need to come to the office of the management company and leave a written statement, indicating the entrance number and house number. The thing is that one vertical ventilation shaft is often installed per entrance. Therefore, it will be easy to search for it if the entrance number is indicated.

Specialists who arrive on call must first take measurements of the air speed in the ventilation system. One froze from the side of the apartment, the other from inside the mineshaft. After which it is determined what activities will be carried out. By the way, in addition to cleaning, it is proposed to carry out disinfection or repair.

Please note that the question of who should clean precisely determines the responsibilities of the parties. That is, the management company does not do this itself. She simply monitors the requirements of the residents of the apartment building and their implementation by her employees or persons with whom there is an agreement to carry out certain events. But residents must demand the work be completed from the management company.

How to clean the kitchen hood grate from grease using folk remedies?

The air intake grilles on the hood can also be cleaned with warm water, powder and a brush, or you can use vinegar or lemon.

How to clean a hood grate with vinegar:

1. Apply vinegar to the grill using a sponge and thoroughly blot all dirty areas.
2. Leave the vinegar on the surface for 10 minutes.
3. Use a rough sponge or brush to clean off the dissolved grease.

How to easily remove grease from a hood grate
How to clean a hood grate with lemon :

1. Cut two lemons in half.
2. Rub the fruit thoroughly onto the grate and leave for 10 minutes.
3. Remove grease with a brush and warm water.

Folk remedies for cleaning hoods

How to ensure optimal temperature in your apartment

Very often, air conditioners help ventilation systems cope with their task: split systems for apartments. They provide optimal air quality in the apartment by cooling it or, if necessary, heating it. The principle of its operation is that it takes all the warm exhaust air from the room and releases it to the street.

Types of ventilation in apartment buildings

The design of such systems consists of two blocks, one of which is located in the apartment, and the second is located outside, most often on the balcony, on the roof or on the facade wall. In this case, the indoor unit can be mounted on a wall, stand on the floor or mounted in the ceiling surface.

In addition, there is even a multi-split system for an apartment; it consists of one outdoor and several indoor units, which allows you to provide optimal air parameters in several rooms simultaneously.

It is necessary to choose an air conditioner depending on its power; this determines how quickly it can cool or ventilate the air. Split systems with power starting from two kilowatts are available for sale.

The amount of electricity consumed is also an important factor that you should pay attention to. Count on about ten square meters of room for one kilowatt of air conditioner performance, this will be enough

The best split system for an apartment is the wall-mounted type; other types are intended mainly for commercial premises where there are a huge number of people. For residential buildings, their use does not make any sense, because you will not use all the provided functions, and besides, the volume of the room in the apartment is quite small, and a conventional wall-mounted air conditioner is quite enough for it. Don't overpay extra money for unnecessary features.

Split systems for air ventilation

A split system for an apartment should be selected with a certain power reserve for a longer service life of the device. If you want to provide additional ventilation not in one room, but in several at once, then you need to give preference to ducted air conditioners or multi-split systems.

How to clean grease from a kitchen hood with soda?

Important: Soda is considered one of the killer agents in the fight against fat. It carefully cleans the surface and does not contain harmful chemical additives.

Using soda you can clean not only kitchen filters, but also ventilation grilles, which also become very dirty.

How to clean the filter and grille with baking soda:

1. Take a large aluminum pan.
2. Fill a partial pot of water and bring to a boil.
3. Pour a large amount of soda into boiling water (1 cup of soda is enough for a 10 liter pan of water).
4. Now place the ventilation grille and metal filter from the hood in a saucepan with water and baking soda.
5. Let the water boil over low heat, the fat will gradually disappear.
6. After a while, remove the grate and check if the fat is draining well.
7. If the grease is removed without problems, remove the grate and rinse it with warm running water and a sponge.
8. Fat in hard-to-reach narrow places can be removed with a cotton swab.

Important: For the best effect, add a little grated laundry soap to the pan.

Cleaning the hood with soda: before and after results