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Ventilation System Maintenance

Why It Matters

1. Combating the "Crying Windows" (Condensation)

New Zealand homes are notoriously prone to condensation due to high outdoor humidity and temperature fluctuations.

  • Moisture Removal: Cooking, showering, and even breathing can release up to 8 liters of moisture per day in a typical home.

  • Service Impact: If filters are clogged or fans are underperforming, this moisture stays trapped, leading to "crying windows" and damp walls.

2. Preventing Mould and Mildew

Dampness is the precursor to mould, which is a major health concern in NZ.

  • Health Risks: Mould spores are linked to New Zealand's high rates of asthma and respiratory issues.

  • Service Impact: A serviced system ensures that stale, moist air is effectively replaced with fresh, dry air, preventing mould from taking root in carpets, curtains, and wall cavities.

3. Compliance with "Healthy Homes Standards"

If you are a landlord, servicing your ventilation system isn't just a good idea—it’s often a legal requirement.

  • Rental Laws: Under the Healthy Homes Standards, extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms must be "in good working order."

  • Service Impact: Regular checks ensure that ducting is intact (no tears or holes) and that fans meet the minimum extraction capacity (e.g., 50 L/s for kitchens and 25 L/s for bathrooms).

4. Improving Heating Efficiency

New Zealanders spend a lot on heating during the winter.

  • Damp Air vs. Dry Air: It is significantly harder and more expensive to heat damp air than dry air.

  • Service Impact: By maintaining your ventilation system (especially HRV or Balanced Pressure systems), you ensure the air remains dry, allowing your heat pump to work more efficiently and lowering your power bills.

5. Protecting Home Integrity

The high moisture levels in NZ can literally rot a house from the inside out.

  • Structural Damage: Persistent dampness can lead to wood rot in the framing and peeling paint/wallpaper.

  • Service Impact: Keeping the system running at peak performance protects your biggest asset—your home—from long-term structural decay.

Service Plan

  • Toilet/Bathroom Extractor System
  • Heat Recovery Ventilation system  System ( HRV, Lossnay, HEX390 Etc)
  • Commerical Building Fresh Air System
  • Positive Pressure System 
  • Car Park Ventilation System
  • Warehouse Ventilation System
Servicing a ventilation system in New Zealand is particularly important due to the country’s unique maritime climate, high humidity levels, and specific building standards. Here is essential regular maintenance :-
  1. Filtration & Airflow
    • Filter Inspection & replacement if required
    • Diffuser & Grille Cleaning
    • Intake Hood Cleaning
  1. The Ventilation Unit (Core)
    • Heat Exchanger Cleaning
    • Fan Motor Inspection
    • Condensate Drain Check
  1. Electrical & Control Systems
    • Connection Tightening
    • Control Panel Calibration
    • System Reset
  1. Ducting & Integrity
    • Duct Inspection
    • Seal Testing
    • Re-Balancing

Chillmax are accredited installers of these major brands