Efficient ventilation in the premises provides a constant supply of fresh air, which helps not only to get rid of the appearance of unpleasant odors, but also prevents the occurrence of dampness. This most positively affects the operating conditions of household appliances, wallpaper, furniture, and also prevents the development of a number of diseases. Do-it-yourself ventilation in an apartment can be done correctly, quickly and professionally. However, for this it is necessary to clearly understand the principle of operation of all elements of the system and the features of their functioning.
With high-quality ventilation, all the air in the apartment must be completely replaced in 1-2 hours. For each room, it is necessary to calculate the ventilation power in such a way as to ensure an influx of fresh air in the amount of 3 m3 per 1 m2 of the room (in apartments where up to 20 m2 of area per person falls). In addition, it must be taken into account that for each adult, about 30 m3 of air per hour is needed. Such calculations are easy to perform, knowing the performance of the fans of supply or exhaust devices.
All these data must be taken into account when drawing up the ventilation scheme in the apartment. In addition, it should be taken into account that air circulation between rooms may be hindered due to tightly closed doors.
Types of ventilation systems
To date, there are two main types of ventilation systems:
- Natural ventilation systems. The principle of their operation is based on the movement of air, which occurs due to the temperature difference in the street and in the exhaust ventilation duct. Most apartments in high-rise buildings are equipped with this type of ventilation. In this case, it is assumed that air will enter the room through cracks in balcony and window frames or through windows open for ventilation. Air is removed from the premises through special hoods, while its circulation is provided in a natural way, that is, without the use of exhaust fans. Since modern apartments have outdated window and balcony blocks replaced with sealed glass, then the efficiency of natural ventilation is sharply reduced. This is especially true in winter, when the windows in the rooms are closed most of the time.
A typical scheme of air circulation in the apartment is shown in the figure.
- Forced ventilation systems. Currently, this type of ventilation is most in demand. It involves the use of special devices that provide forced air movement, regardless of temperature and weather conditions.
In turn, forced ventilation of the premises can be performed in one of the following ways:
- Extraction system. Provides for the use of fans installed in the air ducts for the forced removal of air from the apartment. This creates an area of rarefied pressure, which allows for the penetration of fresh air into the premises through special ventilation openings.
- Supply systems. The air is forced into the apartment by a fan installed in the supply units.
- Supply and exhaust. These are combined systems in which both supply and exhaust fans are used. Also in such systems installation of monoblock ventilating installations is possible.
A common reason for the low efficiency of ventilation systems can be clogging of their air ducts. Also, the installation of powerful kitchen hoods by individual residents leads to a decrease in the quality of ventilation.
To get it right connect kitchen hood, without violating the natural ventilation of the premises, it is necessary to organize the removal of air to the outside through a specially made duct with the obligatory use of a check valve.
In order to increase the efficiency of ventilation in an apartment, you should first of all determine the reason why the system does not cope with its functions. For this you need check ventilation ducts by bringing a small sheet of paper to their holes. If the exhaust system is working properly, then the paper is attracted to the hole and even held on to it. Otherwise, measures should be taken to ensure the normal operation of the exhaust ventilation.
To do this, first of all, it is necessary to clean the air duct using a special brush, dressed on a flexible rubber hose. As for cleaning the common ventilation ducts of multi-storey buildings, representatives of special services are responsible for it, and they need to be involved in such work.
To ensure the necessary air movement in the apartment, you can install exhaust fans, as well as supply valves.
Using the supply valve
The supply valve can be installed in a modern window block or in the outer wall of the room. In the first case, it is possible to install it yourself or purchase window systems that already have such a device in their design.
As for the installation of the supply valve in the outer wall of the room, it is also not particularly difficult and can be done on its own. Such a valve is mounted above the radiator or under the ceiling. In the first case, it becomes possible to slightly increase the temperature of the air entering the apartment in the winter.
A fan can be used to increase the efficiency of such a valve. In those areas where the average temperature in winter drops to low values, electric air heating is used in the supply valves.
On the outer side of the wall, the air intake opening is closed with a grill, which prevents dust, small debris, insects, etc. from entering it.
Exhaust fan installation
For the implementation of high-quality air circulation in the premises, it is advisable to use exhaust fans. Such devices are installed on the vents of air ducts in kitchens, toilets and bathrooms.
Since this device requires electricity to operate, it can be connected to the nearest junction box. In this case, the fan must be equipped with automatic equipment that responds to changes in temperature or pressure. When using cheaper models that do not automatically turn on and off the device, it can be connected to a light switch circuit. Thus, the fan will turn on every time the lighting in the toilet or bathroom is turned on.
Installation of supply and exhaust ventilation system
Forced injection and removal of air into the premises of the apartment today allows you to achieve the most effective ventilation of the premises. The installation of such a system allows not only to provide the apartment with fresh air, but also makes it possible to make additional filtration, humidification, and heat recovery. For these purposes, compact monoblock ventilation units can be used.
When using such devices, effective ventilation is carried out only in the room where they are installed. Therefore, to ensure the required air movement throughout the apartment, it may be necessary to lay air ducts that are mounted under the cover of a false ceiling.Such a solution requires significant financial costs, however, it provides absolutely autonomous ventilation of all premises of the apartment, independent of the state of the overall system.
Thus, the installation of ventilation in the apartment can be done independently. In most cases, to ensure the necessary air movement, it is enough to install several supply valves and an exhaust fan.
