With the normal functioning of the ventilation system, a person does not even remember about it. The need to clean the air ducts and the entire system is usually remembered when traces of dampness, signs of mold appear on the walls of the rooms, washed clothes began to dry much longer, fogging of the windows appeared. All this is a sign of significant clogging of the ventilation system, which requires cleaning.
One of the main conditions for normal well-being of a person is the presence of clean air in the house. If there is a violation of ventilation in the house, the working capacity of those living there decreases, they quickly tire, allergies and various diseases appear.
The need for cleaning and disinfection
In order for a person to stay in his own home to be both comfortable and useful, the main parameters of the air — its temperature, humidity, and the like — must be maintained in good condition. This is largely due to the periodic cleaning of the ventilation system and its disinfection.
Cleaning the ventilation is a reliable way to avoid the many negative consequences that dirty filters and ducts cause:
- an increase in the number of fungi, the formation of mold and other pathogenic microflora;
- increased risk of fire as a result of very dusty ventilation ducts;
- reduction in usable duct area;
- failure of hoods and other similar equipment as a result of increased load on it.
Along with cleaning, disinfection of ventilation systems is also carried out - disinfection of internal surfaces of channels and all equipment of the system.
Disinfection helps prevent the multiplication of many bacteria that can trigger the development of a large number of diseases. The frequency of such procedures is once every six months or a year.
Checking ventilation performance
When the first signs of problems with the air duct and the entire system appear - condensation on the window panes, mold traces on the walls and the like - you should think about cleaning the ventilation duct. But before that, you should definitely make sure that the problem lies precisely in clogging. You can check it yourself.
The easiest “popular” way to check ventilation is to bring a lighted candle to the grill of the system. If the flame deviates, the system works without any malfunctions and does not need to be cleaned.
However, this method is not recommended to be used: in the event of gas leaks, it can accumulate in the duct, during such a check a fire or even an explosion can occur. And usually deposits in the ventilation shaft burn very well.
A safer method of checking the duct is to use plain paper instead of fire, which will deflect even if there is a slight air flow.
It should be remembered that such methods of checking ventilation may not give any objective results in the warm season: dense and heavy hot air can stagnate in the duct even if it is not contaminated.
Two methods for cleaning ventilation
Many believe that the ventilation system can function in a normal mode for a long time, but in any case litter, dust, and also various microorganisms gradually accumulate in it.At the same time, they fall into the home along with air currents, causing considerable harm to all who live there. In addition, it is important to remember that untimely cleaned ventilation along with debris in it can cause a fire.
Cleaning the ventilation system today is carried out by one of two main methods - chemical and mechanical.
Among the advantages of the second method is relative safety for people who work indoors, and for the system itself. But this method does not always allow you to remove serious pollution. It is for such cases that chemical cleaning is intended, which guarantees the achievement of a positive result in each case.
Ventilation cleaning using improvised means
One of the common causes of improper functioning of ventilation is a simple clogging of the duct: fat deposits, litter and dust, which gradually accumulate inside the channel.
According to the rules, residents of houses do not have the right to do anything with trunk systems, including ventilation. As a result, cleaning and disinfection of ventilation systems is the work of a special service, the employees of which have the right to carry out such activities, as well as are familiar with the duct system in each particular house.
But on the other hand, the owners of the apartment strive to maintain order in their home. That is why everyone should know how to clean the air duct and the entire system of ventilation ducts, or rather, how to carry out preventive cleaning of the ventilation duct that leads from the apartment to the common riser.
To do such a preventative cleaning is quite simple:
- the ventilation grill is removed from the ventilation hole, all dirt and dust are thoroughly washed off from it. To do this, you can use neutral chemicals;
- dirt and fat deposits that have accumulated on the walls near the hole can be removed with a scraper;
- then the duct is thoroughly cleaned with a vacuum cleaner for 5 minutes;
- the final stage of preventive cleaning of the channel is to wipe its walls with a damp cloth, after which it remains only to install the grate in place.
It is important to remember that when cleaning the ventilation yourself, it is strictly forbidden to lower any heavy objects on the rope or use aggressive solvents and chemicals. Only the use of dry ice is allowed, which contributes to the dissolution of fat, after which it evaporates on its own, leaving no odors.
Professional Cleaning Equipment
For high-quality implementation of cleaning ventilation, you can use the proven set of tools or modern equipment.
A set of "three" - a set of tools consisting of a strong rope, heavy load and ruff. A similar set is often used to clean straight-through ducts located vertically.
New methods for cleaning ducts and ventilation ducts imply the use of a special type of technique.
The most popular are the following.
Brush equipment. Such devices are designed to work with air ducts of any shape. Most models of this technique are equipped with hoses for supplying reagents when cleaning inside, as well as nozzles for spraying them. Often used to remove body fat from the surface of the ventilation duct.
Flexible shafts. Designed for cleaning channels of a small cross-sectional area, the diameter of which does not exceed 30 cm. A brush is also used with a flexible shaft, a drill is used as a drive for it, the speed of which is at least 900 in 1 minute.
Vacuum installation is a type of technique that purifies the system at negative elevated pressure.Such models are equipped with a high-power engine and filter elements with a high degree of purification. This type of technique can be used to work with ducts of considerable length, where they are able to effectively eliminate a large amount of pollution.
Disinfection Activities
If preventive cleaning of the system can be done with your own hands, then the implementation of its disinfection should be entrusted to specialists. There are many requirements for performing disinfection, as well as the storage of chemicals that are used at the same time, it is extremely difficult to adhere to them in everyday life.
Among the main requirements are:
- for the behavior of all such ventilation works, only those chemicals that are specified by special instructions may be used;
- Specialists who carry out all procedures must undergo special training;
- the devices used in the work together with the equipment must correspond to the selected cleaning agent, as well as the work being carried out.
Precautionary measures
Persons who participate in the disinfection of ventilation ducts must undergo special briefings, and when performing all work, adhere to important safety rules:
- prevent disinfecting solution from entering exposed skin and eyes;
- when performing all work, it is necessary to protect yourself with rubber gloves, a respirator and goggles;
- upon completion of all procedures, hands should be thoroughly washed with soap;
- drugs can be stored at a temperature not exceeding 20 degrees;
- in case of contact with skin, it is washed with plenty of water for 10 minutes, if necessary, consult a doctor immediately.
As you know, ventilation in the house performs several important functions:
- ensures the entry into the home of a sufficient amount of fresh air;
- removes exhaust air and various microparticles harmful to human health from the apartment;
- It acts as a thermal regulator and also maintains a suitable humidity level in the home.
That is why the ventilation system in the house needs periodic cleaning and disinfection, which will allow it to perform all the necessary functions.
