Ventilation in Khrushchev and possible problems

Ventilation is essential for keeping a cozy and energy-efficient home, particularly in older buildings like apartments from the Khrushchev era. Because of their construction and design, these Soviet-era apartments frequently present special ventilation challenges. We will examine the significance of ventilation in Khrushchev apartments as well as possible issues in this piece.

Apartments built during the Khrushchev era are renowned for their modest size and straightforward style; many of them have layouts that are regionally uniform. But contemporary ventilation systems were not considered when building these apartments. Because of this, it can be difficult to maintain proper ventilation and airflow, which can result in a number of problems like moisture buildup and poor indoor air quality.

The absence of adequate ventilation systems in Khrushchev apartments is one of the main issues. Khrushchev apartments frequently rely on natural ventilation through windows and doors, in contrast to more modern buildings that have ventilation systems to circulate fresh air and remove stale air. This dependence on natural airflow may not be adequate, particularly in places with poor cross ventilation or during severe weather.

A number of issues can arise in Khrushchev apartments when there is insufficient ventilation. The accumulation of moisture is one frequent problem, especially in places like bathrooms and kitchens. Overly damp conditions can encourage the growth of mold and mildew, which not only presents health risks but also over time can harm the building’s structure.

Furthermore, since pollutants from cleaning, cooking, and other activities gather indoors, inadequate ventilation may also be a factor in indoor air pollution. These pollutants can become trapped inside a home due to inadequate ventilation, which can cause respiratory disorders and other health problems for residents. Therefore, maintaining a healthy living environment in Khrushchev apartments requires addressing ventilation issues.

Ventilation scheme in Khrushchevka

These homes have a ventilation system installed to facilitate natural air exchange. Air therefore entered through the natural fissures in the wooden windows and the loose doors. He hurried into the kitchen’s and the bathroom’s additional exhaust channel after going through every room.

If the bathroom and toilet were separate, a single ventilation room was set up in the sanitary rooms (above the bathroom). There was a window in between these rooms, and it was mostly kept open during that period of time in case someone "undertook" in the restroom. All of the smells rose up and entered the ventilation hole because of this tiny window.

Every apartment’s spent air entered the ventilation shaft and exited above the roof. As part of the Khrushchevs’ planning in the 1970s, additions were made and some homes started to be constructed with an extra vent for the toilet.

Satellite channels were another ventilation project that was put into place during those years. These are prefabricated reinforced concrete blocks that are manufactured in a factory and delivered in finished form to construction sites. Their basic method of operation involved connecting several satellite channels to the common mine. Through the floor, according to the connection diagram. As a result, the first floor was linked to the channel, the second to the first, the third to the mine after 2.5 meters, and the fourth to the third.

Furthermore. It was intended that since the other apartments would be sealed with plugs, the air from the apartment that was connected to the satellite canal would not come into contact with that of the other apartments. However, in homes with this kind of ventilation, neighbors are always aware of what the other neighbors are having for supper because they are either impatient to build or have cut corners in some other area.

In addition, ventilation in the floor in Khrushchev was arranged. Such air exchange was needed exclusively in houses where wood floors were laid. The floorboard was installed on wooden lags, and in the corner of each room a ventilation grill was mounted. The air coming from the windows and doors passed not only around the room, but also fell under the floor, exposing the stagnant air and moisture from there. Thus, the tree for a long time did not give in to decay. Many residents of Khrushchev, where ventilation was installed in the floor, did not understand its purpose and closed the ventilation hole, which then regretted when they had to change the floors.

Air exchange problems in Khrushchevka

That being said, the life expectancy of these houses has increased to 100–150 years, and the residents are forced to accept this situation while attempting to correct the initial construction defects that only get worse with time. What could be the cause of Khrushchev’s ventilation system operating incorrectly?

Firstly, it is important to acknowledge the original principle of natural ventilation. It involves drawing in fresh air through the stairwell doors and windows and expelling old air through the kitchen and bathroom ventilation holes.

Crucial! During the colder months, when there is a noticeable temperature difference between the room and the street, natural air exchange is possible. For the remainder of the time, it can be categorized as absent or slow.

• The first reason for the violation of the normal operation of ventilation is modern metal -plastic windows and doors with seals. Residents of Khrushchevs built from panels feel quite seriously on themselves how “cold” this building material. Therefore, they change to modern and sealed windows and doors that do not create drafts in apartments. However, such designs do not let fresh air into the room. As a result, the smell of the toilet appears, from the exhaust channel to the bathroom, the kitchen amber is distributed throughout the apartment.
• Residents of the first, second and third floors of a five -story building have no problems with the smell of a ventilation pipe – it passes by them safely. But the tenants of the upper tiers almost constantly feel such inconvenience.
• The layout of apartments in Khrushchevs does not differ in design solutions. Combined rooms, one of which is passing, kitchen 5.5 square meters. m – just forced their owners to engage in independent redevelopment. Separate entrances were made in the rooms, increased the kitchen at the expense of the bathroom, closing the ventilation hole, as it interfered with. All this "slowed down" or completely interrupted the air exchange.
• The ventilation duct made of reinforced concrete structures has a rough surface that has collected fat deposits, soot, dust for many years. The channel "overgrown", gradually narrowed, missing less and less worked out air, but it was never cleaned.
• The ventilation system in Khrushchevs in the kitchen, when using modern kitchen hoods and the absence of fresh air, creates low pressure in the room. To fill the empty space with air, the kitchen is filled with air masses from other rooms. If he is not enough, then he begins to blow from the hood in the bathroom.

In an apartment from the Khrushchev era, ventilation is essential to preserving indoor air quality and avoiding problems caused by moisture. However, ventilation can frequently be inadequate due to the architectural features of these buildings, such as small window openings and constrained airflow pathways, which can result in potential issues like mold growth, condensation, and stale air. A multifaceted strategy is needed to address these problems, which might involve putting in moisture control measures, upgrading natural ventilation options, and installing mechanical ventilation systems. Through an awareness of the unique ventilation challenges in Khrushchev apartments and proactive measures to address possible issues, residents can establish more comfortable and healthful living spaces.

Ventilation in Khrushchev in the bathroom and toilet

The main exhaust channel is located in the kitchen, and the service room and the toilet are considered additional, since the total volume of air passing through it is a small. Having found out the cause of poor traction, you need to analyze the work of the entire system. The presence of a full -fledged tributary is especially important here, which can not “interrupt” the kitchen electric hood. If the main reason lies precisely in this, then it is necessary to install window or wall supply fans. These devices will restore the influx of fresh air. Their installation does not require special knowledge, but if you wish, you can use the services of specialists.

Additionally, the exhaust fan is installed in the bathroom or toilet ventilation hole. He’s the reason the kitchen hood won’t be able to extract air from the extra ventilation hole and the sanitary rooms won’t become musty and smell bad.

Crucial! After installing such a fan, keep in mind that the sanitary room door should remain open while the fan is operating. It is also advised to insert the ventilation grill, which allows air to exit a non-functioning device, in addition to the fan.

A healthy and cozy atmosphere must be maintained in every home, even those in Khrushchev buildings, and this requires proper ventilation. These apartments, which are distinguished by their small size and unique architectural elements, frequently have ventilation issues.

Insufficient ventilation openings are a prevalent problem that can result in inadequate air circulation, the build-up of moisture and pollutants indoors, and other related issues. This may lead to issues like the growth of mold, stale air, and even health problems for the occupants.

The limited options available for modern ventilation system installation in Khrushchev apartments present another challenge. Many residents find retrofitting ventilation systems unfeasible because of the intricate and expensive nature of the layout and structure of these buildings.

Notwithstanding these obstacles, residents can still take a few steps to enhance ventilation in their Khrushchev apartments. Indoor air quality can be greatly improved by taking easy measures like cleaning vents and air ducts, using exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom, and routinely venting out the rooms.

Additionally, investigating different ventilation options like portable air purifiers or decentralized ventilation units that are specifically designed for Khrushchev buildings may present workable alternatives for enhancing indoor air quality without requiring major renovations.

To sum up, although ventilation problems in Khrushchev buildings present big obstacles, they are not insurmountable. It is possible for homeowners to make their living spaces healthier and cozier by being proactive and looking for creative solutions.

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