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Air duct cleaning

Writer's picture: Mikael DenutMikael Denut

Customers often ask how air ventilation duct cleaning is performed. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough of the process and offers tips for both amateurs and professionals. For more in-depth information, check out our article,"How is air ventilation cleaning performed?"



Preparations before air duct cleaning

  • Turn off the ventilation unit: Remove the front cover and turn off the unit, for example, by disconnecting the fuse.

  • Remove components: Take out the heat recovery unit (HRU), fans, and dirty filters

  • Clean the HRU: Vacuum and wash the HRU if necessary, but avoid excessive disinfection, as its benefits are not scientifically proven.

  • Inspect fan motors: Check the functionality of the fan motors. Fans typically have a lifespan of about 10 years, and regular cleaning extends their life.


MUH Airy IV machine
MUH Ilmava IV-kone
MUH Airy IV machine without filters and LTO
IV-kone ilman suodattimia ja LTO

System depressurization

  • Depressurize the system from the ventilation unit or exhaust air duct using a depressurization device with at least an F7-class filter. If no filter is available, direct the air outdoors through a hose via a window.


Ventilation unit under negative pressure
Ilmanvaihtokone alipaineistettuna

Cleaning ducts and vents

  • Remove and label vents: Take off supply and exhaust air vents, labeling them to ensure they are reinstalled correctly..

  • Wash vents: Use dish soap and a sponge. Exhaust air vents are often dustier and can even be clogged.

  • Brush the ducts: Clean the ducts using a rotating brush, starting from the duct ends toward the ventilation unit. Ensure all ducts are thoroughly brushed.


    Brushing the exhaust air duct from the roof
    Jäteilmakanavan harjaus katolta

Cleaning details

  • Remove sensitive items from the room and protect walls and wallpaper, as brushing may release some dust.

  • Vacuum out any dislodged dust and dirt from the ducts.


Washing the heat exchanger and valve
LTO:n ja venttiilin pesu

Reassembly and final inspection

  • Clean the unit and install new filters: Clearly mark the date of filter replacement.

  • Reinstall vents and remove plastic plugs: Ensure everything is securely in place.


Daniel from IVAeris Oy brushes the channels
Kanavien harjaus

Measure airflow and adjust settings

  • Calibrate the system to optimal performance if necessary.

Niina and Daniel from IVAeris Oy measure air volumes
Lopuksi mitataan ilmamäärät

Important notes about air duct cleaning


Legal obligations

  • In Finland, there is no specific legal interval for air duct cleaning.

  • Rescue Act (379/2011) requires that ducts and devices be cleaned and maintained to prevent fire hazards.


Cleaning frequency and standards

  • The cleaning need depends on the building's use. For instance, the SFS-EN 15780 standard recommends cleaning every five years for office buildings. In residential buildings, the interval can be longer.


Disinfection

  • Disinfecting air ducts is not recommended. The Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (TUKES) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) have not approved chemicals as completely safe for duct use.


Want to ensure your ventilation is working optimally? Contact us today and let our trained professionals show you what expertise means in practice.



 

WE KNOW, WE CARE & WE GET IT DONE


IVAeris Ltd.

010 206 3000

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