Air-Duct Cleaning for Commuter Trains – Ensuring Clean Indoor Air for Passengers | Lumikko Huoltopalvelut Oy × Pääkaupunkiseudun Junakalusto Oy
Good indoor air quality doesn’t happen by accident — especially when rolling stock runs hard every day and schedules leave no room for error. In April 2025, Pääkaupunkiseudun Junakalusto Oy started an air duct cleaning project for its SM5 commuter trains in collaboration with Lumikko Huoltopalvelut Oy. The goal: clean, safe, and comfortable air for passengers — not just now, but for years to come. The project covers 82 trains in total and runs through spring 2027.
The key priorities driving the project are indoor air quality, HVAC system energy efficiency, fire safety, and passenger comfort.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters on Commuter Trains
Commuter trains are demanding environments. High daily passenger volumes, varying weather conditions, and near-constant operation place heavy stress on ventilation systems. Clean air ducts don’t just improve the passenger experience — they directly support energy efficiency and fire safety.
Tight Schedules, No Surprises
Rolling stock maintenance happens in an environment where every hour of downtime counts. Even when vehicles are available, depot capacity is limited and work schedules must be met. Ossi Piiroinen, Fleet Engineer at Pääkaupunkiseudun Junakalusto Oy, puts it simply:
“What matters most is that the work carried out in the depot is completed within a tight schedule.”
Lumikko’s approach is built around getting it right the first time. Careful upfront planning, clear responsibilities, and effective dust control ensure the work causes no disruption to other maintenance operations — or to passenger services.
How the Air Duct Cleaning Is Done
- The entire train ventilation system is treated as one integrated unit
- All air ducts are opened and cleaned from passenger compartments all the way to the HVAC units
- Structures are carefully opened to allow thorough, complete cleaning
- Dust management is planned and executed as a core part of the process
- Results are inspected and documented car by car
Straightforward Partnership, Fast Problem-Solving
The cooperation, which began in April 2025, is built on direct and straightforward ways of working.
“Lumikko Huoltopalvelut’s compact size makes it easy to agree on things with the right people. The cooperation is flexible – without unnecessary layers.”
“Whenever you call — even about a tricky issue — a solution is always found.”
Proximity matters too. When your partner is nearby, response times stay short and schedules hold.
“Being local and close by is a real advantage and helps keep timelines fast.”
A Benchmark for Demanding Fleet Maintenance
The SM5 duct cleaning project is a strong example of what Lumikko Huoltopalvelut does best: delivering quality in environments where performance, safety, and reliability are non-negotiable.
This is the kind of partnership that supports fleet availability, passenger wellbeing, and the day-to-day operations of the customer — from start to finish.
Lumikko Huoltopalvelut is a partner that takes responsibility for its work – ensuring clean indoor air, reliable schedules and durable results.
“I recommend Lumikko Huoltopalvelut as a maintenance partner”, says Ossi Piiroinen.
Interested in Similar Duct Cleaning Services?
Whether you operate commuter trains, metro cars, or other rail vehicles across Europe, or the Baltic region — and want to ensure clean indoor air and efficient HVAC systems — get in touch:
Jukka Lappalainen
Technical consulting and work orders
jukka.lappalainen@lumikko.fi
tel. +358 45 353 4224