
Imagine this: you live in an apartment building or a townhouse and wonder, who’s responsible for cleaning the air ducts in the housing cooperative? Is it really necessary? When should it be done? Are there clear guidelines for this process? It’s not just about bureaucracy – cleaning air ducts is essential to ensure your ventilation system operates efficiently and safely. In Finland, the design, maintenance, and cleaning of ventilation systems are strictly regulated by various laws and regulations. This article dives into when cleaning air ducts is necessary and how Finnish regulations guide this process.
The role of ventilation systems in indoor air quality
Air ducts are a vital part of a building's ventilation system. They facilitate air circulation and maintain ventilation efficiency. Over time, however, dust, dirt, and other impurities can accumulate in the ducts, affecting system performance. To keep the ventilation system effective and functional, it must be meticulously designed and regularly maintained.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (STM) emphasizes the importance of examining the overall situation when addressing indoor air problems. This means identifying and addressing issues like moisture problems or mold. Inspecting and cleaning the ventilation system can be part of this process if the source of contamination is located in the air ducts.
STM and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) stress that factors like moisture and mold can cause health symptoms. Therefore, the functionality and cleanliness of the ventilation system are crucial for uninterrupted operation. However, cleaning and maintenance alone will not resolve health issues unless the source of the problem is directly related to the air ducts.
Regulations and legislation

When it comes to cleaning air ducts in housing cooperatives, there are several key laws and regulations to keep in mind:
Ministry of the Environment Decree 1009/2017: This decree addresses indoor climate and ventilation in new buildings. The rules are clear: ventilation systems must be designed for easy cleaning and maintenance. Section 24 mandates that every part of the ventilation system must be safely and effectively cleanable, with the primary goal of maintaining healthy indoor air.
Rescue Act (379/2011, amended by Act 1078/2018): Building owners, occupants, and operators are required to ensure that air ducts and devices are maintained and cleaned to prevent fire hazards. This is a legal obligation for all buildings.
Land Use and Building Act (132/1999): Sections 117 c and 117 d state that the design and construction of buildings must ensure a healthy indoor climate. This includes the proper functioning and cleanability of ventilation systems. This is not optional – it’s mandatory.
Occupational Safety and Health Act (738/2002): Employers are responsible for ensuring that the work environment, including ventilation, poses no health risks to employees. This means that clean air ducts are essential, especially in workplaces where impurities could endanger workers' health.
Government Decree on Asbestos Work (798/2015): If asbestos or asbestos-containing materials are found in air ducts, they must be removed, and the ducts cleaned following specific guidelines. Asbestos is hazardous and must be handled meticulously.
When should cleaning air ducts in housing cooperatives be carried out?
In Finland, there is no specific statutory interval for cleaning air ducts. However, Section 13 of the Rescue Act (379/2011) requires that ducts and devices be maintained and cleaned to prevent fire hazards. The Ministry of the Environment Decree 1009/2017 also mandates that ventilation systems be designed for regular maintenance and cleaning. Here are situations where cleaning is necessary:
Visible dust or dirt: If you notice significant dust or dirt accumulation that reduces ventilation efficiency, the ducts must be cleaned immediately. The Ministry of the Environment decree requires this to maintain high indoor air quality.
Mold growth: Mold is dangerous. If mold is detected in the air ducts, they must be cleaned immediately to prevent health risks.
Pests: If pests like rodents or insects are present in the ducts, they must be cleaned immediately to ensure indoor air safety and hygiene.
Construction or renovation work: Major construction or renovation projects produce dust and debris that can accumulate in air ducts. Cleaning is essential after such activities.
Why regular cleaning isn’t always necessary
Surprised? Routine cleaning of air ducts isn’t always necessary. This is not just an opinion but a fact supported by Finnish guidelines and research. The Ministry of the Environment Decree 1009/2017 emphasizes proper system design and maintenance but does not mandate routine cleaning unless there is a clear reason, such as visible dirt, dust, or microbial growth.
Research shows that most dust and dirt in ducts remain adhered to the surfaces and do not circulate into room air under normal conditions. This means that cleaning may not significantly improve indoor air quality. Factors like outdoor air pollution and indoor sources of impurities often impact air quality more than duct dust.
The benefits of cleaning in specific situations
While regular cleaning isn’t always necessary, there are situations where it can be highly beneficial:
Health benefits: Cleaning can remove contaminants like mold or microbes from the ducts. However, its impact on respiratory symptoms or allergies depends on the root cause of the issues, which may not always lie in the ducts.
Energy efficiency: Dust and dirt can restrict airflow, forcing the ventilation system to work harder. This increases energy consumption and operational costs. Cleaning can help save money and boost energy efficiency.
Extending system lifespan: Regular cleaning of components like cooling coils and fans prevents blockages, reduces wear, and prolongs the system’s life. This is not just a cost-saving measure but an investment in reliability.
So, while regular cleaning isn’t always necessary, when it is, its impact can be enormous. It’s about knowing when to clean and when to focus on other things.
Signs it’s time to clean your cooperative’s air ducts

Wondering when it’s time to act? Here are the key indicators:
Visible dust or dirt: Significant accumulation that affects system performance requires immediate cleaning.
Mold growth: Immediate cleaning is essential if mold is detected, as it poses a severe health risk.
Post-construction or renovation: Dust and debris from major work should be cleaned to maintain system performance.
Fire safety concerns: Cleaning intervals may vary by building type and usage, but risks must be managed, especially in commercial properties and public spaces.
Key considerations before cleaning
If you’ve decided to proceed with air duct cleaning, ensure it’s done correctly and safely:
Choose a qualified provider: Ensure the company, like IVAeris Oy, follows industry best practices. Check their certifications to confirm their expertise.
Inspect all components: Ensure that all ventilation system parts, including ducts, cooling coils, and fans, are thoroughly cleaned.
Avoid unnecessary chemicals: Be cautious with chemical treatments. Only use them if absolutely necessary, and ensure the system is thoroughly cleaned beforehand.
Follow standards: In Finland, cleaning recommendations are based on the European SFS-EN 15780 standard, which specifies cleaning intervals and methods.
Cleaning air ducts in apartment buildings and commercial properties should be done wisely and only when necessary – such as in cases of visible mold, excessive dust accumulation, or pest infestations. While routine cleaning isn’t always required, when it’s time, it can significantly improve indoor air quality and system efficiency. Every case should be individually assessed, and cleaning must be carried out properly and safely. Follow Finnish recommendations and regulations, such as the Ministry of the Environment Decree 1009/2017, to ensure everything is done right.
If you suspect ventilation issues and care about healthy indoor air, contact us today and let our trained experts show you what professionalism means in practice.
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