Ilmakanavina

Ilmakanavina refers to a system of air channels used to distribute conditioned air within buildings and facilities. In HVAC terminology, it encompasses the network of ducts that carry supply air from units to spaces, return air back to the equipment, and exhaust air to the outside. The term appears in Finnish discussions of building services and is typically used in reference to ductwork as a whole.

Typical components include ducts (rigid metal or fiberglass-lined), flexible ducts, diffusers, grilles, registers, dampers, and filters. Ducts are routed through ceilings, walls, and floors, often forming branches to supply individual rooms and zones. Air-handling units, fans, and filters connect to the duct network to condition and move air.

Design considerations include proper sizing based on airflow requirements, velocity, and pressure loss; insulation to reduce heat transfer and condensation; acoustic attenuation; sealing to minimize leakage; and fire safety considerations, such as fire-rated duct sections and compartmentalization. Maintenance requires regular inspection and cleaning to prevent dust buildup and microbial growth; monitoring for leaks, corrosion, and insulation damage.

Applications span residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, as well as specialized settings like cleanrooms and data centers. Effective ilmakanavina design supports indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort, and it is subject to local building codes and standards, including commissioning and periodic testing.

See also: HVAC, ductwork, building services.