Ventilation system maintenance – Why is it important?

Your ventilation system is a critical part of your home's health and indoor air quality. Regular maintenance ensures that your system runs efficiently, uses less energy, and keeps your indoor air clean. In this guide, we'll go over why ventilation maintenance is important, how often it should be done, and what maintenance steps are needed.

Why is ventilation maintenance important?

The ventilation system constantly circulates air in your home. When the system is not maintained, it can cause several problems:

The main reasons for maintenance:

• Improves indoor air quality and health
• Reduces allergens and dust
• Prevents mold and moisture buildup
• Reduces energy consumption
• Extends the life of the device
• Reduces noise
• Ensures effective ventilation

An unmaintained ventilation system can consume up to 20-30 percent more energy and significantly impair indoor air quality.

How often should ventilation be maintained?

The maintenance interval depends on the type and use of the system:

Recommended maintenance intervals:

Filter replacement

• Basic filters: 2-4 times a year
• Fine filters: 1-2 times a year
• Particulate filters (HEPA): once a year

Duct cleaning

• Residential properties: every 5-10 years
• Allergic people: every 3-5 years
• After the construction site: immediately

Device maintenance

• Basic maintenance: once a year
• Professional inspection: every 2-3 years

Tip: Mark the maintenance dates on your calendar so you don't forget!

Ventilation maintenance procedures

1. Filter replacement

Filters are the most important part of the ventilation system. They filter out dust, pollen and other contaminants.

Replacement steps:

1. Turn off the ventilation unit.
2. Open the service door
3. Remove old filters
4. Clean the filter frames
5. Install new filters (correct orientation!)
6. Close the door and start the machine.
7. Mark the replacement date in the filter

Signs of change:

• The filter is darkened or dirty.
• Ventilation has deteriorated
• The indoor air feels stuffy.
• Allergies are getting worse

Price: €10-50 per filter

2. Cleaning the ducts

Ventilation ducts collect dust, dirt, and even mold over time.

When cleaning is needed:

• There is dust or odor coming from the ducts
• Ventilation has deteriorated significantly
• After renovation or construction work
• Allergy symptoms worsen

Cleaning process:

1. A professional inspects the ducts with a camera
2. The ducts are cleaned with brushes and a vacuum cleaner.
3. If necessary, the channels are disinfected.
4. Final inspection with camera

Price: €500-1500 (depending on the size of the home)

3. Supply air valves

Inlet air vents bring fresh air in. They can become dirty and clogged.

Purifying:

1. Remove the valve from the ceiling or wall
2. Wash the valve with warm soapy water.
3. Rinse and dry well.
4. Reinstall

Frequency: 2-4 times a year

4. Exhaust air valves

Exhaust air valves remove dirty air from the bathroom and kitchen.

Purifying:

1. Remove the valve
2. Wash with soapy water (often more greasy)
3. Check that the valve opens freely.
4. Reinstall

Frequency: 2-4 times a year

5. Cleaning the ventilation unit

The ventilation unit needs regular maintenance.

Maintenance procedures:

1. Clean the heat recovery unit (LTO)
2. Check and clean the fan blades
3. Check seals and bearings
4. Clean the condensate pan and pipe
5. Check the electrical connections

Recommendation: Have a professional perform a thorough maintenance once a year.

Price: €150-300

6. Heat recovery unit (HRU)

The heat recovery unit transfers heat from the exhaust air to the supply air. It can become dirty and lose its efficiency.

Purifying:

1. Remove the honeycomb from the machine
2. Rinse with warm water (max 40°C)
3. Let dry completely (24-48 hours)
4. Reinstall

Frequency: 1-2 times a year

7. Draining condensation water

The ventilation unit produces condensation that must be removed.

Check:

1. Check the condensate pan
2. Clean the pool if necessary
3. Check that the drain pipe is not blocked.
4. Make sure the water drains freely

Frequency: 2-4 times a year

Signs of need for maintenance

Service the ventilation immediately if:

• Indoor air feels stuffy or stuffy
• The windows are fogging up from the inside.
• Allergies or respiratory symptoms worsen
• The ventilation unit is making an unusual noise.
• Ventilation has clearly deteriorated.
• The electricity bill has increased for no reason
• The machine is giving off an odor.

Common problems and solutions

Problem: Ventilation is not working

• Solution: Check the electrical, replace the filters, check the fan operation

Problem: The machine is making a loud noise

• Solution: Clean fan blades, check bearings, tighten fasteners

Problem: Indoor air is dry

• Solution: Adjust the ventilation to a lower level, increase humidification

Problem: Windows fog up

• Solution: Increase ventilation, change filters, check the LTO cell system

Problem: The machine emits an odor

• Solution: Clean ducts, replace filters, disinfect system

Adjusting ventilation

Proper adjustment improves efficiency and comfort.

Adjustment tips:

• In winter: Reduce ventilation (save energy)
• In summer: Increase ventilation (cool down)
• At night: Use night mode (quieter)
• During cooking: Increase power (removes odors)
• After cleaning: Increase power (removes dust)

Energy saving

A well-maintained ventilation system saves energy:

Saving tips:

1. Change filters regularly (save 10-20%)
2. Clean the LTO cell (save 15-25%)
3. Adjust ventilation as needed
4. Use night mode at night
5. Check the tightness of the ducts

Calculation example:

• Maintenance-free system: 1200 kWh/year
• Maintained system: 900 kWh/year
• Savings: 300 kWh/year = approximately €50/year

Do-it-yourself or professional?

Do it yourself:

• Filter replacement
• Cleaning the valves
• Flushing the LTO cell
• Condensation water check

Let a professional do it:

• Duct cleaning
• Fan maintenance
• Checking electrical connections
• System adjustment and balancing

Summary

Regular maintenance of your ventilation system is essential to ensure healthy indoor air, energy efficiency and a long service life of the device. Simple maintenance tasks, such as changing filters and cleaning valves, can be done by yourself. More demanding tasks should be left to professionals.

Need help? We have all the necessary ventilation maintenance products – from filters to valves and cleaning agents. Contact our experts and we will help you choose the right products for your system!

Take care of your indoor air and start regular maintenance today!