Ventilation and chimneys are an important system that ensures clean air and efficient air exchange in the room. Ventilation ducts are common property with branches to each apartment. Ventilation maintenance in an apartment building is carried out by a management company (MC) chosen by the owners of the premises. The purpose of the article: what residents of apartment buildings should know about the ventilation system and what regulates the actions of the management company to maintain ventilation in order.
Why do you need to clean ventilation ducts?
Residents of apartments think that the air in the apartment is clean, but in reality this is not always the case. It contains carbon monoxide from the stove, dust particles, and pet hair. Odors from the kitchen and toilet circulate throughout the apartment, and the air contains pathogens and harmful bacteria. The complete lack of air exchange increases the humidity in bathrooms, which contributes to the formation of mold and mildew on the walls. All this affects the microclimate and affects the comfort of living and the health of residents. The risk of developing allergies and other respiratory system diseases increases.
Failure of ventilation entails other life- and health-threatening consequences, such as:
- increase in the fire hazard of the apartment due to the risk of fire in the ventilation ducts of dust, cobwebs, and fat deposits
- increased dust content - dust will be deposited faster, lack of draft leads to its migration into the apartment
Cleaning the ventilation ducts prevents all negative consequences. Clean air in the apartment, without pathogenic microorganisms and dangerous particles, will have a beneficial effect on the microclimate and the health of the inhabitants of the living space.
Functional purpose of ventilation ducts
The air in an apartment building contains a lot of dust, microorganisms, and absorbs odors and gases. Bacteria are bad for your health. Fungal and mold spores float in the air, enter the respiratory tract, and lung diseases and allergies develop.
High-quality ventilation in an apartment building helps to avoid such consequences.
Let's list its functions:
- Clean air enters the rooms.
- Odors, germs, and carbon dioxide are removed from the room.
- The humidity level changes.
An air duct in an apartment building is a vital utility service. The State Commission does not accept construction sites that are poorly ventilated.
Who maintains the ventilation of apartment buildings
If you have the skills to clear channels and have a tool, you can clear minor blockages yourself. In all other cases, you need to contact professionals.
The management company is responsible for the technical condition of the ventilation system in the apartment building. Maintenance of a home's ventilation system should be included in the service contract. The company personnel performing the work must know the ventilation device, be able to use tools and use special means. Moreover, if the house does not have stove heating and gas, it is not necessary to look for an organization that has a license for these types of work.
The current legislation on licensing (99-FZ dated 05/04/2011) does not contain a mandatory requirement to obtain a license for organizations whose activities are related to the maintenance and repair of ventilation systems. This requirement was canceled by Government Decree No. 1219 of October 6, 2017. Nowadays, a license is only required for inspection and cleaning of chimneys. Most often, the operating organization engages a contractor to perform this type of work.
Sample contract for ventilation cleaning
Exhaust ventilation maintenance frequency
Ventilation maintenance (hereinafter referred to as “maintenance”) is a series of preventive measures aimed at maintaining the operability and serviceability of the system as a whole, its parts and equipment during operation, as well as performing work to eliminate malfunctions identified during inspections.
The main regulatory and technical documents establishing the rules for operation and maintenance of ventilation systems are:
- SP 336.1325800.2017 “Ventilation and air conditioning systems. Operating rules"
- Law of March 30, 1999 No. 52-FZ “On the sanitary and epidemiological welfare of the population”
- State standards that describe the procedure for checking the parameters of ventilation systems. These are GOSTs 12.4.021-75, 12.3.018-79, 12.1.005-88
- Recommendations for testing and adjustment of ventilation and air conditioning systems R NOSTROY 2.15.3-2011
Other regulatory and technical documents specifying the requirements for air parameters in residential premises and various enterprises (SNiP 3.05.01-85 and SP 1.1.1058-01), inter-industry standards.
In order to carry out timely maintenance of air ducts, a schedule (service schedule) is drawn up. The schedule reflects the frequency of the inspection: weekly, quarterly maintenance, annual and seasonal inspection. Each inspection has its own characteristics.
A weekly inspection is characterized by a visual inspection and elimination of minor faults, without stopping the system, but leading to malfunctions in the operating mode of the equipment. These include checking:
- drafts in ventilation ducts
- grounding on devices
- tensioning belts, cleaning filters
Based on the results of the inspection, places in the system that require cleaning are identified. The work is completed immediately.
Quarterly maintenance is carried out every 3 months. As a result of the work, various equipment breakdowns and the percentage of wear of mechanisms are identified. Timely detection of faults during quarterly maintenance allows you to avoid problems associated with equipment failure. During service:
- inspection of devices and measuring instruments
- testing and diagnostics of individual components
- Diagnostics and inspection of air ducts
- testing or verification of sensors and automation
- inspection and adjustment of belts, repair and replacement if necessary
- measurements of the main parameters of ventilation operation
- checking connections
An assessment is made of the clogging of the ducts, and cleaning of the ventilation from grease, dirt and dust is prescribed. It happens that adjustments are made to the schedule of ongoing cleaning work, since in some areas the passages may become clogged faster than usual.
Annual, once a year, major maintenance is carried out. The work is carried out in more depth, and the entire system is also thoroughly cleaned. During the cleaning work the following is carried out:
- checking performance parameters and system operation with the declared parameters in the technical documentation
- full inspection of the system and individual components and mechanisms
- setting up measuring instruments
- inspection of seals and fasteners
- complete cleaning of ventilation ducts
- preventive measures against pollution
Seasonal maintenance is done 2 times a year, in preparation for the winter and summer periods. Particular attention is paid to chimneys. They are cleaned, regardless of the amount of dirt.
The responsible management company, based on sanitary standards and safety requirements, must invite a specialized organization to monitor the operation of air ducts with draft measurements. Prevention is performed once every three months, that is, 4 times a year. At the same time, the draft in apartments and ventilation shafts is checked, and if necessary, they are cleaned. The results of the work performed are reflected in the journal.
In the event of a system malfunction or lack of traction, you should not wait for the next arrival of specialists; you should immediately contact the management company. Based on the results of the work, a report on the cleaning of ventilation ducts is drawn up, which is certified by the signatures of specialists and the owner of the premises.
Apartment supply and exhaust ventilation
In multi-storey buildings, a supply-exhaust ventilation system is installed in each apartment. The following scheme is usually used: exhaust ducts are located in toilets, bathrooms and kitchens, and clean air is supplied through the vents.
So that air can circulate freely throughout the apartment, gaps of 1–2 cm are left under the interior doors.
This plan for the operation of ventilation in an apartment building is quite simple, but not always effective.
Professional ventilation cleaning
Specialists in apartment buildings using professional equipment. First, a diagnosis of the ventilation of an apartment building is carried out. As a rule, a video camera is used for this. It detects places where debris, dust, and destruction accumulate. After which the pneumatic brushing machine removes all the dirt. At the same time, the mine can be disinfected.
You can inspect the ventilation of an apartment building in the simplest way: bring a burning candle or match to the ventilation grille. If the flame deviates towards ventilation, then all is not lost. The vertical position of the flame indicates that the natural ventilation in the house is not really working. When inspecting ventilation, it is necessary to check all ventilation grilles in an apartment in an apartment building.
Self-cleaning ventilation
Residents of apartment buildings can dismantle the ventilation grille in their apartment and clean the accessible part of the shaft with a broom or vacuum cleaner.
In this case, you need to resort to additional means:
- supply valves;
- exhaust fans.
They make it possible to regulate the flow and exhaust of air from the apartment, are inexpensive and quite easy to install.
Signs that ventilation needs to be cleaned
The performance of the ventilation system requires constant monitoring. Owners of residential premises can conclude that there are violations in the operation of the ventilation system based on the following problems that have arisen:
- deposits of dust and debris on the exhaust vent
- the ventilation duct grille has a dark coating or is covered with soot and grease
- strong heating of the room in summer
- after washing the floor, dust appears again after a short interval of time
- the draft with open doors and windows has become much weaker
- the appearance of reverse draft, that is, the hood blows in the opposite direction into the apartment
If there is no or weak draft, it is necessary to urgently take measures to clean the air ducts of ventilation systems. The best thing to do would be to call specialists from a service company.
Technology and methods of cleaning
There are 3 effective ways to bring ventilation passages into proper condition.
- Mechanical method. It is advisable when cleaning vertical channels, including when large objects or bricks get into them
- Chemical method. The passages are washed using dirt-dissolving reagents.
- Automated cleaning. It is combined using chemical and mechanical means
The last method is the most modern. The ventilation system in new buildings is in most cases equipped with automation, which periodically turns on the cleaning process. The vacuum unit sucks out debris and other contaminants. The condition of the canal walls is monitored using a video camera.
Applied mechanisms and devices
The most common cleaning method is mechanical. This method involves the use of both manual and automatic tools to remove simple dirt and debris.
Devices for the mechanical method are brushes on a cable (possibly supplemented with a drive device), compressors and brushing machines consisting of brushes, a flexible shaft, a hose for collecting dust and a vacuum cleaner.
Ventilation duct cleaning products
A chemical method is used to remove fatty deposits and soot. Special alkaline agents (some with a disinfectant effect) that break down fat are distributed on the inside of the ventilation duct. Next, the system is washed with a foam solution. Modern cleaners combine chemistry and the foam effect.
The walls are washed with a 2-5% alkaline solution at a temperature of 55-70°C. The product is kept in the canal for 15-20 minutes. In this way, parts of the hood are washed well. The substances used must be certified and harmless to people, since in most cases they are washed by hand.
To remove microorganisms when cleaning air ducts, the system is disinfected. Typically a spray bottle is used. In order to achieve maximum efficiency, an analysis is taken before cleaning to determine the types of pathogenic microorganisms. Based on the analysis, the chemical composition is selected.
Where to go if the ventilation in the apartment does not work?
Any problems with the ventilation system are resolved by the management company. It is necessary to apply for work by writing a corresponding statement. A sample application for ventilation cleaning contains: information about the number of the house, entrance, apartment, a list of faults, signature, full name, date. The application is drawn up in two copies.
The arriving technicians will check the ventilation air speed in the living room, then from inside the ventilation shaft. Based on the results of measurements, the need for certain measures will be determined. In addition to cleaning the ventilation ducts, routine maintenance or disinfection of the system may be required.
If there are no proper measures to eliminate deficiencies or poor quality maintenance and repair of the ventilation system, feel free to file a complaint against the management company with the housing inspectorate.
The importance of proper home ventilation is obvious. Neglect of air duct malfunctions can result in serious consequences for both health and material well-being. Be careful and take timely measures. Persevere with ventilation maintenance and repairs when necessary, and the system will last a long time.
Who should clean ventilation ducts in multi-storey buildings
Ventilation is the same general building system as water supply, electricity, gas pipelines, elevators, etc. Cleaning is carried out by the management company or the association of homeowners in an apartment building.
Owners seek services from other organizations responsible for managing the property. Air ducts are cleaned regularly - according to a plan or based on a request from residents.
Professionals take into account the size and materials from which the channels are created. Equipment for cleaning ventilation differs in power and configuration.
Cleaning methods:
- Mechanical, using vacuum cleaners and brush devices.
- Chemical, in which chemical reagents are sprayed into the air ducts.
- Dry ice is used for cryogenic cleaning of ventilation in an apartment building.
Tools and consumables:
- Brushes for mechanical cleaning.
- Flexible cable 6 m long.
- Brushes with metal brushes.
- Brush machine.
- Vacuum cleaner with flexible hose.
- Steam generator and spray device.
- Set of tools for cleaning grease.
A digital video inspection device is used.
Payment for cleaning work
The cost of cleaning is influenced by the complex of work carried out and other factors:
- Access to ventilation ducts.
- Amount of dirt.
The base price is calculated per 1 sq. m. mine.
Price:
- Visual inspection – 5000 rub.
- Mechanical cleaning of dirt – 170 rubles.
- Cleaning the surface from grease – 750 rubles.
- Microbiological examination of samples – 1500 rubles. for 1 flush.
- Disinfection – 50 rub.
Sample application for ventilation cleaning
This statement of violation of the norms for providing utility documents to the population indicates the full name of the head of the organization providing exhaust duct cleaning services and the details of the applicant. According to the rules, the management company must maintain ventilation and chimneys in good condition.
Expert opinion Mironova Anna Sergeevna Lawyer of a wide profile. Specializes in family issues, civil, criminal and housing law
The text of the application contains the address and a message that the organization does not comply with the provisions of the Housing Code of the Russian Federation and does not provide utility services in full. Information is clarified that the exhaust duct in the apartment does not work.
