Polttoilma

Polttoilma is a Finnish term meaning combustion air—the air supplied to support the burning of fuel in appliances such as boilers, stoves, fireplaces, and heaters. The concept covers air provided either from inside a building or drawn from outside, depending on the appliance design, installation, and applicable building codes. Properly managed polttoilma ensures efficient combustion, safety, and indoor air quality.

In combustion systems, air can be categorized as primary combustion air, which enters the burner or combustion chamber to mix with the fuel, and secondary combustion air, which is supplied later in the process to promote complete combustion and reduce pollutant formation. Some appliances are designed to draw combustion air from outdoors via dedicated ducts, while others may use indoor air under controlled conditions. Sealed or direct-vent appliances are often configured to source air from outside to avoid impacting indoor air balance.

Safety and regulatory considerations are central to polttoilma design. Insufficient or poorly controlled combustion air can cause backdrafting, depressurization of spaces, and the buildup of carbon monoxide. Building regulations commonly specify minimum air supply requirements, duct sizing, and sealing practices to ensure safe operation. In many homes, especially those with tight envelopes or sealed rooms, outdoor combustion air or mechanical ventilation may be mandated to maintain proper air exchange and safe appliance operation.

Applications range from residential heating systems to industrial burners. Understanding polttoilma helps ensure efficient fuel use, compliant installations, and safer indoor environments.