3 mistakes that make it hard to breathe in an apartment

In every apartment, according to the original design, there should be built-in ventilation, but often it is forgotten during renovation. Only after moving into a renovated apartment do people realize that there's no fresh air in the flat. Let's find out what can cause poor ventilation.

Andrey Lyamin-Borodin, General Director of the online service for booking repair work Rewedo. Someone has blocked ventilation ducts

According to the original plan, fresh air should enter through windows and exit through ventilation ducts located in the kitchen and bathroom. However, this system often fails to function. Has anyone in a multi-story building blocked the ventilation shaft by even 10 centimeters, or routed water pipes or sewage through it? Then you won't be able to breathe properly.

What to do? You might say an air conditioner. But you'd be wrong. It only cools the existing air; some models can provide fresh air, but that's not their main purpose. So what should you do? If you notice a lack of draft (testing with paper or match near an open window), immediately file a complaint to the property management company. If your neighbor blocked the air duct during renovation, the housing inspection will get involved. What happens next depends on who is stronger — the housing inspector or your neighbor.

You closed the air outlet yourself

A blocked ventilation opening, covered by a pipe from the kitchen exhaust fan or a fan in the bathroom, is a classic case. In such cases, the extractor is used only when cooking (some are purely decorative) and the natural airflow is absent otherwise.

What to do? The problem can be solved by installing a grille with an open section for natural draft. In the bathroom, similarly — install a fan if you're ready to maintain it regularly. Those who often forget might as well set up the fan to turn on simultaneously with the light.

When design wins over function

Narrow gaps under interior doors also hinder air circulation. This is especially critical in bathrooms — the gap beneath the door should be at least 2 centimeters or feature built-in ventilation grilles.

How to let fresh air into your apartment? Open a window

This is the best option, but it can become noisy in an apartment, especially if you live in a quiet center.

Install supply air valves on the windows

They operate on natural draft and allow you to keep windows closed entirely. They are compact, almost unobtrusive in appearance, can be painted to match the window frame colors, and offer sound insulation. Choose a device based on its capacity, which depends on the room volume.

Buy an installation that ensures air circulation

In the worst-case scenario, installations providing both fresh air intake and exhaust can restore local airflow. Like window valves, they can be installed even after renovation is complete. There are options for every taste: with air purification, heating (be prepared to see higher electricity bills) and humidification. Don't forget about an accessible power outlet in the installation area.

Read also:

• How to prepare for a renovation: tips from professionals
• The recipe for successful renovation in a standard apartment
• Raw or full-service? Pros and cons of different types of finishing