Maintenance

Ventilation systems are designed to provide enough air to protect workers in an industrial environment or homeowners from exposure to contaminants. When a system is not properly installed, tested and maintained, it does not effectively eliminate contaminants in the air and this causes adverse health effects and sometimes death. Installing and testing ducting and ventilation systems should therefore be completed by a specialist.

Below are some tips on ensuring that a ventilation system is installed properly and running effectively:

• Installation plans should be reviewed, including the requirements for fire protection.

• Operating conditions should be examined.
• The design of the ventilation system should be checked to ensure that access doors are closed and duct interferences eliminated.
• The operating requirements of the fan, drive system and motor should be considered.
• Compressed air and water, as well as secondary connections to the system, should be checked to ensure they are functioning according to their specification.
• Examine the whole system for functional deficiencies that may reduce the effectiveness of the ventilation system in future.

The contractor you hire to install the ventilation system will ensure that starters, wiring and system controls are properly installed before the system is switched on. Again, the contractor makes sure that the fan is rotating in the correct direction. If a system is fully installed but only manages to produce 80 percent airflow, some changes will have to be done. These changes include an increase in fan speed, and motor and ductwork changes. When making changes to the ventilation system, the airflow should match the size of the room and the amount of contaminants in the air.

Installation contractors will work with home and business owners to choose the best ducting and ventilation supplies. A good contractor will pick the best products from Domus Ducting and other manufacturers to guarantee a long life for your ventilation system.

Enhancing the Effectiveness of Ventilation Systems - What to Check

By simply monitoring the pressure and air speed in a ventilation system, you can avoid ventilation system problems. While businesses often hire professionals to monitor their systems, homeowners can learn how to perform routine checks to avoid problems in their systems. Smoke generators/tubes and air velometers are used to monitor the pressure and air speed.

If your system is not functioning as it should, perform the following check before calling a professional:

• Condition of the belt; is it broken or slipping?
• Dust on the duct
• Wiring of the fan; is it wired backwards?
• Holes or openings on the duct
• Clogging of the air cleaner
• Condition of the dampers; are they closed?
• Is there an access to enclosing hoods?

Changes on an already installed system should be completed by a professional; if poorly done, these changes can affect the efficacy of the system. If new hoods and ducts are added to the system without properly balancing the airflow, it will not perform effectively.

What Brings About Failures in a Ventilation System?

Even with the best Domus Ducting parts, a poorly maintained ventilation system will still fail. Some of the reasons why systems fail include:

1. Lack of Maintenance

When not properly maintained, ductworks will eventually stop delivering as expected, thanks to natural degradation and clogging. Again, changes in the system and contaminant sources will interfere with the ventilation functions.

2. Insufficient Airflow

When the transport velocity is below the minimum required, the ductwork will be blocked by particles that settle in it. The build-up of these particles will further slow down the transport velocity, making the problem even worse.

3. Air Cleaner Malfunctions

When the air cleaner fails, system airflow is reduced and environmental emissions increase. In such cases, workers are not protected. Air cleaner malfunctions usually result from dust build-up.

4. Exhaust Fan Failure

The exhaust fan can perform below its specification when materials such as dust build up or when there are mechanical failures such as broken belts.

5. Insufficient Make-Up Air

When air is exhausted by the ventilation system, clean air must be introduced into the system. The introduced air is called make-up air. When make-up air is not sufficient, there will be negative pressure inside the building which can result in reduced airflow and system failures.

6. Unauthorised Changes in the Ventilation System

Even minimal ventilation system changes can result in ineffectiveness. When the source of the contaminant is moved further away from the ventilation system, the system will need to work more to exhaust the contaminants. If the ductwork is changed, the speed of the fan and the motor power has to change for a balanced system.

Why a Working Ventilation System is Important

Ventilation systems are just as important in homes as they are in industrial properties. In industry settings, however, there are more airborne contaminants than in a house. An industry that produces fumes, dust and other particles always needs a functional ventilation system .

In a home, a working ventilation system enhances comfort, ensuring a balanced moisture in the house to prevent mould and odours.

Shopping for Ventilation System Supplies

Ventilation systems keep the air fresh; they keep homeowners and industry workers comfortable. Products from different manufacturers can be used together in a single ventilation system. However, installing contractors will advise you on the best Domus Ducting supplies.

At Hart Wholesale, we advise you on the best supplies for your system based on their quality, price and functionality. Some of the parts you'll need for your ventilation system include fans, ducting, grilles and vents, among others. The system will also need starters, controls and wiring to enhance effectiveness.

If you need ventilation and ducting supplies or advice on the best systems to install, call Hart Wholesale today and we will help you out. We have a wide range of ducting supplies in various sizes for all your needs.