Features of ventilation in the apartment
In older apartment buildings, there is mainly a ventilation system organized in accordance with Soviet standards. To date, these options may not cope with their responsibilities. As a rule, these systems are as simple as possible. Air circulation in them occurs due to the fans that are installed in the kitchen and in the bathroom. Nowadays, replaced by outdated designs came new supply and exhaust ventilation systems. Today we will get to know them better.
What is it and why is it needed?
Before proceeding to get acquainted with the features of exhaust ventilation, it is necessary to understand what it is and what it is intended for.Ventilation and exhaust ventilation systems are ventilation types that are distinguished by a balanced exchange of incoming and outgoing air. Typically, such systems are installed in homes, apartments, as well as office and industrial space. Such ventilation is designed in accordance with the needs of specific premises.
The lack of a normal ventilation system can adversely affect the condition of the household. For example, if there is no high-quality air exchange in a living room, then it occurs due to insufficiently dense window frames, air vents and other similar openings.
If high-quality plastic glass units are installed in the dwelling, then the ventilation may suffer from this. Spent couples in such conditions will be delayed in the room.
For this reason, ventilation is especially necessary in the design of apartments with plastic windows installed. Of course, these structures protect people from street noise and dust, however, they block the way to fresh air. To keep the microclimate in the apartment safe and clean, you should install high-quality ventilation.Thanks to this system, it will be possible to do without constant airing by opening the vents.
In addition, the residential premises will not walk drafts, because of which households can get sick. Also, a house with good ventilation will not start a mold. Such systems are especially necessary if pets live in the house. Waste from their vital activity often exudes unpleasant odors that are almost impossible to hide. Thanks to good ventilation, this problem can be forgotten.
The principle of the system
To understand the principle of operation of ventilation, it is necessary to consider what elements it consists of.
- In the system there is such a component as the inlet valve. Its presence in the system requires that air enters the system only when it is turned on. The valve can be automated by opening at the time of switching on and closing during switching off the device.
- The system also has a special filter designed to clean the incoming air from dust and other contaminants. The quality of air cleaning will depend on which filters are present in the system.
- The heater in the ventilation system is designed to ensure that the incoming air is heated to the required temperature. This element is water and electric.
- The fan plays the role of the main element. It is he who is responsible for the flow of air from the outside into the existing room. This is due to the pressure that forms the fan.
- Noise silencer in such a system is needed in order to minimize the noise level that creates a ventilation device.
Thus, the principle of operation of the inlet ventilation system is the transfer of clean and heated air due to its forced injection. The air that goes straight to a special valve undergoes a certain treatment, overcoming the filter. As for the temperature of the injected air, then it must be borne in mind that it can both be heated and cooled. The properties of the incoming air can vary depending on the wishes of the owners.
Thanks to this principle of operation, intake ventilation systems are so popular. They are installed not only in apartments, but also in residential buildings, cottages, summer houses, where optimal conditions must be maintained constantly.The high pressure that appears due to the operation of the inlet ventilation, as it forces the already exhausted air out of the existing room. The exit is carried out through special mines, and also cracks that are usually present at door and window designs. It follows that polluted air leaves the room naturally.
Species
There are several types of ventilation. Each of them has its own characteristics of structure and functioning. Let's get acquainted with them.
By way of circulation
All intake systems vary in specific circulation method.
There are such options:
- with natural circulation;
- forced (or mechanical) circulation;
- combined.
In most modern apartment buildings, it is natural air circulation that takes place. This means that the air comes into the building from the street on its own, without interference from the outside. Injection in this case is not used. As a rule, the air penetrates into the house through various gaps in the windows and doors. It turns out, passing through the hood. Its holes are usually located in the kitchen or in the bathroom.The air does not leave the living space, passing through these holes. Then he goes straight into the ventilation shaft, goes up to it and is thrown onto the roof. Such circulation acts due to temperature differences, as well as differences in pressure inside and outside the dwelling.
The main advantage of this circulation is that it is available. For its arrangement it is not necessary to spend a lot of money and forces. Of course, natural ventilation also has its drawbacks. For example, it often falters. Airtight plastic windows installed instead of wooden ones may lead to insufficient air flow. Because of this, the house will be stuffy and not very comfortable. In addition, if the hood was clogged, in the apartment all the time will keep unpleasant stale air.
To ventilate a dwelling with natural ventilation is possible only in one accessible way - by opening a window. But here it is necessary to take into account that the open window is not only the flow of fresh air, but also extra noise, dust and dirt from the street.
To eliminate these disadvantages, natural ventilation must be replaced by another system or supplemented by a mechanical system.More practical forced ventilation is a system in which there is air that constantly enters a residential area, regardless of the weather outside. Air is forced into the dwelling using fans or another device present in the system. Forced-type ventilation makes it possible to regulate the inflow rate, “adjusting” its work to certain air exchange needs.
There are also special combined options. They are more affordable and practical in terms of application. A similar system functions due to the supply of fresh air through the inlet valves located in the window frames and doorways. Air-working is removed from the premises through the work of exhaust fans.
If we take into account the fact that cold air will penetrate into the dwelling in winter, it makes sense to install inlet valves under heating radiators or electric heating devices.
With this solution, the cool stream will mix with warm air, forming the optimum temperature in the environment.Exhaust fans in the combined versions are always valid. In the daytime, when there are no tenants in the apartment, it is permissible to reduce the speed to a minimum.
The main advantages of the combined systems are:
- the lack of technically complex parts that quickly fail, which indicates the high reliability of such structures;
- normal dimensions, due to which ventilation does not clutter up the available space;
- no need for expensive maintenance;
- stable air exchange in any season.
The disadvantage of these systems is that in their inlet valves there is no additional functionality in the form of heating the incoming air, as well as a special filter for cleaning it. In addition, the air exchange of the combined options is much lower than that of other models.
Channel, channelless
Channel systems are laid and installed during construction or during major repairs. Usually they are responsible for the simultaneous supply and extraction of air. In the ventilation of this type there is a central unit responsible for the treatment of air, as well as pipes that are responsible for air exhaust.Usually they pass under the ceiling, following from the central unit. Of course, to arrange such a system, it is necessary to prepare quite a lot of free space.
That is why channel systems today can not be called in demand in terms of urban apartmentswhich in most cases have very modest dimensions. Yes, and the ceiling height in such dwellings is also not suitable, as it rarely exceeds the mark of 3 m. As for the channelless ventilation system, it has more modest dimensions, so it can be easily installed in an average city apartment or in a private house. For this reason, such designs are more common and popular.
According to the functional
Modern ventilation systems may differ in their functional characteristics. In addition, many of them are complemented by a variety of useful ingredients. Let's get acquainted with them. For example, today produced ventilation systems, supplemented by heating. These options are especially relevant when the weather is cold.If the existing system does not have such a function, then rather cold air will get into the living rooms. As a result, this can lead to catarrhal diseases of the household.
An important component of such systems is filtering. Such ventilation options may have a variety of filters. It can be not only standard variants in a grid, but also highly effective elements having a cunning interlacing of thin fibers. Special carbon filters may also be present. These parts are responsible for the retention of harmful gases and unpleasant odors.
DIY installation
It seems to many users that the self-assembly of the inlet ventilation system is a very laborious process that only an experienced master can handle. In fact, to carry out all the work is not difficult. Everything can be done by hand. The main thing is to act in accordance with the manual and do everything very carefully. Let's see how the installation of ventilation in the apartment should take place. On the installation of a simple ventilation system from the owners can take no more than 3 days.If a complex installation is chosen, then it will take about two weeks.
The components of the scheme in the apartment:
- fan;
- valve;
- filters;
- air ducts;
- heating parts;
- pressure sensors;
- hose clamps;
- thermostats.
The steel frame, which is attached to the wall with screws, is one of the most important fixing components. Installation of ventilation in a city apartment is very similar to the collection of various parts of the designer. Previously (even before the universal use of PVC windows), fresh air penetrated into the living quarters only through window slots and walls. Thus, natural air ventilation functioned, which did not require complex installation work. Open windows only increased air circulation, but this measure, of course, was temporary. That is why self-installation of the system with filters today is so in demand.
For independent work, you will need tools such as a puncher, screwdrivers and a knife.
From the materials you need to stock up:
- trunk air filter;
- main fan;
- plastic sewer pipes;
- plastic container.
You need to correctly select the appropriate filter. You can use the trunk option in which the pipe diameter is 100 mm. Such products can be found in specialized stores in the departments that sell the elements necessary for the assembly of ventilation. As for the fan, in its quality it is permissible to put the trunk device, whose performance is 150 cubic meters. m / h Most consumers prefer fans that have a very low noise level. Also, do not forget about the installation of the air valve, so that the filter functions only in the right direction. Sometimes valves are initially built into the fans.
Now you need to install a filtration installation. For example, in a concrete ceiling on a loggia, a hole should be made leading to the street, and then an air outlet should be laid from sewage pipes made of plastic with a diameter of 50 mm and an adapter from 50 to 100 mm. It is permissible to close the body component of the filter with decorative plastic, attach a couple of corners to the wall, and then put a rubber gasket on them in order to reduce vibration loads, then fix the filter itself. To intercept fine dust, you must set the water filter.It is also possible to use a container filled with water for this. In this capacity it is necessary to direct the air flow from the fan. In the summer season, such a system will work perfectly, but in the winter such a homemade filter will no longer work.
In the role of fabric for the filter, it is permissible to use a filter specifically designed for kitchen extracts. So, from one strip about 3 small filters turn out.
To make them easier to cut, it is worth using templates from more dense materials such as cardboard. At this installation can be considered complete. If you did everything correctly, the inlet ventilation will serve you for a very long time. It will only be necessary to change the filter cloth from time to time.
Specialist reviews
Experts believe that the installation of high-quality ventilation system in a city apartment will allow you to create a healthy atmosphere. In addition, if we take into account the fact that it is possible to establish such structures independently, referring to budget materials, then we can safely conclude that they are not only practical, but also profitable.
Experts also strongly recommend to install in the apartmentfresh air ventilation of good quality, if the windows of the dwelling constantly accumulate condensation, and in hot weather there is very hot. Installation of a properly selected system will eliminate such unpleasant problems.
Judging by the reviews of professionals, such ventilation systems are very relevant and well recommended. It is only necessary to responsibly approach their selection and installation. If we are talking about the complicated construction of large sizes, it is better not to risk it, but turn to experienced installers.
Useful tips
The lack of high-quality ventilation in a dwelling can be indicated not only by condensate accumulating on different surfaces, but also by the stagnation of unpleasant odors. In a well-preserved apartment for a long time, all the flavors that accompany a person throughout their life remain. If you have noticed such a problem, then you should think about the need to install good ventilation.
Airing in the living room can be not only mechanical, but also automatic. In the second case, a special servo drive is placed on the hinged sash. This device is programmed to open the transom due to the specified time intervals or supplemented with a special weather sensor.Such a mechanism responds to changes in humidity and the atmosphere as a whole. For example, in conditions of heavy rain, snow or wind, such a sensor will work, after which the window will shut.
The wall intake valves are considered the most productive, however, it is best to install them in living rooms of a sufficiently large area. Window inflows are also suitable for small spaces.
Please note - if you use additional ventilation components, the inflow, as well as its speed, will significantly decrease.
Having installed inlet ventilation with filters in your apartment, you need to remember about the timely maintenance of such devices. In addition, such structures will need periodic replacement of filter elements. Do not neglect such procedures, because thanks to them the system will last much longer and will not cause unnecessary problems.
Purchase only high-quality ventilation systems manufactured by reputable manufacturers. The most popular of them are Mitsubishi Electric, Electrolux and Ballu Machine, offering customers high-quality products of various modifications (including well-designed, but inexpensive split-systems). The products of these world famous brands are time tested and have a brilliant reputation.
Among the mechanical ventilators that are present in the modern market, the models with basic and carbon filters, as well as air heating, showed themselves best of all. Such products are the ideal solution for those people who live in cold climates. Ventilation units and fans are recommended to be located in separate rooms (as far as possible from the living rooms).
If we are talking about an apartment, then the best places will be a balcony, loggia, dressing room or utility room. It is advisable to use ducts made of metal or plastic. In addition, it is best to choose parts of a circular section than rectangular.
If you decide to put a flexible duct, then you should consider that they should be installed only to attach different ventilation components, such as grilles or fans. In addition, it is permissible to record them only in those places where they will be open access in the future.
Forced-air and exhaust devices are recommended to be purchased with a sound-insulating casing. Such options will work quietly, which will surely please the household, especially at night.Do not forget that all ventilation equipment must be left open access, because it must be serviced in time.
For more on ventilation in an apartment with expert recommendations, see the following video.