There is no argument about the importance of ventilation. Especially when it comes to rooms with high humidity. The bathroom is a delicate place that requires special care. Its microclimate largely depends on the proper functioning of the ventilation system. The main indicators of normal ventilation will be the absence of dampness, mold on the walls and ceiling, and unpleasant odor. The importance of this issue is dictated not only by aesthetics, but also by concern for your health.
Concept and types of ventilation
Even from physics lessons at school, everyone knows that air, when heated, rises upward, obeying Archimedes’ law. At the bottom, in its place, a low-pressure area is formed, quickly filled with air coming from places where the pressure is higher. This is the principle underlying the operation of ventilation systems.
Conventionally, ventilation can be divided into two main groups – natural and forced. Any apartment building is equipped with an exhaust pipe that starts in the basement and goes out onto the roof. In private houses, this function is performed by a stove pipe. Heated “dirty” air rises up the pipe and comes out to the surface. Below, in the rooms of the house, a low-pressure area is formed, which is filled with air from the street – through windows, doors, balconies. This is how natural ventilation works.
But often natural air circulation is not enough – mold and unpleasant odor appear in the bathroom and toilet. In this case, additional measures are needed to normalize the microclimate.
Is forced ventilation necessary in the bathroom?
Natural ventilation often fails. There can be many reasons for this – from the installation of sealed plastic windows that do not let in air from the street, to clogging of ventilation ducts or freezing of the ventilation pipe. Incorrectly installed doors to the bathroom or toilet (lack of cracks and gaps), and climatic conditions – strong wind, air temperature, etc. can also negatively affect the operation of natural ventilation.
The result of such failures will be a whole bunch of problems:
- High humidity – the bathroom is constantly exposed to water, steam, and condensation. This has a negative effect on furniture (especially if it is made of chipboard or wood), and significantly slows down the drying process of linen, towels, etc.
- Mold is a fungal colony, microorganisms and bacteria that pose a direct threat to human health.
- Lack of air circulation – stopping the removal of exhaust air increases the level of its “pollution”, leads to an increase in the level of heat, the appearance of an unpleasant odor and dampness.
To avoid this, it is necessary to ensure that the air moves not according to Archimedes’ law, but clearly and in a regulated manner – by means of the fan. In this case, you do not have to worry about the weather outside or the condition of the central ventilation pipe.
Types of forced ventilation
According to its purpose and direction of air flow, forced ventilation is divided into the following types:
- supply – in which fresh air enters the room; it can be central (supplies air to the entire apartment) and compact (ventilates only a certain room);
- exhaust – removes exhaust air through ventilation ducts, most often installed in bathrooms;
- mixed – combines the movement of air masses in two directions at once – inflow and exhaust.
Another type of mechanical ventilation system is forced supply ventilation equipped with HEPA filters. With such a system, asthmatics and allergy sufferers can sleep peacefully, because in addition to normalizing air circulation, the filter will retain the smallest particles of pollen, industrial masses, automobile exhaust, etc.
By design type, forced ventilation in the bathroom is divided into duct and ductless. The first type, installed more often in industrial premises and offices, is a whole complex of ventilation equipment in the form of pipes, often stretching under the ceiling. The second type of ventilation is carried out due to an opening in the wall, through which the exhaust air enters the general ventilation system.
Installation of forced ventilation in the bathroom
Forced ventilation in a toilet or bathroom is arranged using the following equipment:
- air ducts;
- fans;
- air intake grilles;
- fasteners;
- additional components (cable, switches, etc.).
The choice of equipment will largely be dictated by the specifics of installation, the area of the room. For urban housing, small air ducts in the form of boxes that can be hidden under a suspended ceiling are best suited. If the repair work does not include the installation of ceiling structures, a mechanical exhaust can be installed inside the opening.
The choice of a fan must be subject to a number of criteria:
- productive capacity;
- noise level in operating mode;
- moisture resistance;
- degree of energy consumption;
- specifics of cable connection;
- ventilation opening parameters.
Today, in addition to standard models of axial, radial and centrifugal fans, manufacturers offer variations equipped with humidity and motion sensors, timers, clocks, displays or a check valve.
Installation of a mechanical ventilation system involves preliminary cleaning of the ventilation opening, cable installation, installation of air ducts and a fan mechanism. Next, air intake grilles are attached to the opening, after which the system is tested.
How to make forced ventilation in the bathroom yourself
Installing a ventilation system is a rather difficult task, which is best left to specialists. Even if you have ready-made air ducts, installing a fan requires certain knowledge and skills. If you decide to do the installation yourself, you should consider several nuances:
- It is advisable to place the exhaust openings opposite the door, under the ceiling;
- Before installation, the ventilation hole must be cleaned with a brush;
- to allow air to flow, there must be a gap under the door to the bathroom or toilet, or holes at the bottom of the door leaf;
- The exhaust mechanism must be insulated from moisture or condensation.
Installing forced ventilation in your bathroom and toilet will not only ensure clean and fresh air, but also extend the life of furniture and plumbing. The main thing is not to forget about caring for the device – periodically clean the fan from dust, at least once a year wipe the plastic parts and lubricate the mechanism motor.