Poor indoor air quality doesn’t just cause discomfort; it poses potential health risks. According to the Australian Department of Health, inadequate ventilation can lead to a buildup of pollutants, increasing the risk of respiratory infections and chronic lung diseases. Furthermore, studies have shown that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, especially in tightly sealed environments during winter.

The Importance of Maintenance

For exhaust ventilation systems to function effectively, maintenance is essential. Over time, dust, lint, and other debris can accumulate in ducts and vents, reducing airflow and system efficiency. Ensuring that ductwork, vents, control dampers and exhaust fans are clean and operational helps maintain optimal airflow, crucial for removing excess moisture and pollutants.

What Residents Can Do

If you notice excessive steam, odours, visible lint build-up on ventilation fittings or mould formation in your apartment’s wet areas, contact your building manager or body corporate to request a quotation for cleaning the system. SafeAir can provide a free quotation for cleaning the system throughout the building as well as upgrading components to ensure these integral systems are maintained properly and benefit everyone in the building.

Tips for Bodies Corporate: Keeping Ventilation Systems Winter-Ready

During the winter months, the burden on exhaust ventilation systems increases as residents seal off fresh air sources to stay warm. It’s essential that bodies corporate take a proactive role in managing and maintaining these systems to protect the health and comfort of residents and guests.

Here’s how building managers and committees can stay ahead:

• Complete a Deep-Clean: Engage a qualified professional to provide a quotation for cleaning the system. Note the condition of vents and control dampers to ascertain if they are operable, and not broken or damaged. Completing the deep-clean and restoring function to the system will remove years of build-up.
• Implement a Preventative Maintenance Program: Plan for a re-clean at a prescribed interval and budget for any replacement fittings that may be required during a future service. Enabling a deep-clean prior to warmer or cooler months is most effective in tackling indoor seasonal changes.
• Address broken fittings such as control dampers, vents or diffusers.
• Communicate With Residents: Use building noticeboards, newsletters, or group emails to educate residents about the role of exhaust ventilation systems and encourage reporting of any concerns like visible build-up, odour retention, or poor airflow.
• Comply With Ventilation Standards: Ensure your building meets Australian Standard AS1668.2 for mechanical ventilation in buildings, particularly in wet areas and spaces without windows.

Maintaining effective exhaust ventilation in apartment buildings during winter is not just about comfort — it’s a health imperative. By ensuring these systems are operational and well-maintained, residents and guests can enjoy a warm, comfortable, and healthy indoor environment throughout Queenslands colder months.