Many apartment buildings use a centralized ventilation system that is automated to run at either a normal or heightened power level. In these systems, tenants cannot directly control the ventilation power.
The centralized ventilation system is always running at a minimum normal power level. It is often programmed to switch to a heightened power mode during certain times, like during meal preparation hours. The cooktop exhaust hood does not have its own fan so the light on the hood is controlled by a switch.
This automated centralized ventilation is typically sufficient for normal air circulation. An extractor fan on the roof pulls air out of the apartments through vents in the kitchen, bathroom, and closets. Fresh air is then drawn in through replacement air vents. It’s important that these fresh air vents are not blocked.
The outgoing air vents have adjustable valves to control the airflow. These valve adjustments should not be changed, as it could disrupt the whole ventilation system. If the ventilation isn’t working properly, it’s usually because the outgoing air vents are clogged or blocked. Operating the ventilation works best when the kitchen window is kept closed, though you can open a window in another room to ensure fresh air intake.
Individual Ventilation Units
Some newer or renovated apartment buildings have individual ventilation units in each apartment, rather than a centralized system. These individual units allow tenants to better control the ventilation to meet their specific needs. For example, apartments on the sunny south side may require more ventilation than those on the cooler north side.
These individual ventilation units typically use electricity to heat the incoming fresh air. To save on electricity costs, it’s best not to operate these units at high power during the winter. The electricity costs for running the ventilation unit are included in the apartment’s overall electricity bill.
However, the ventilation unit should not be turned off completely, even in winter. Especially when activities like showering, using the sauna, or drying laundry are producing a lot of moisture, the ventilation unit needs to be run at a sufficient level to remove that excess moisture from the apartment.
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