Loading...
How Do I Ventilate My Garage?
Answering the question of how to ventilate a garage starts with considering the garage's unique characteristics. This will let you know how much ventilation you need and what must be done to bring it in. That said, one thing is certain, and that is that you'll almost surely need garage ventilation fans. The real question is how many and what type you require.
Ventilating Smaller Garages
Smaller garages can often be ventilated with just two fans. If you use just one garage exhaust fan, you won't get cross-ventilation. Then, it takes much longer to exchange the air. Installing a fan on each of two opposite walls lets fresh air be pulled in as the old air is pushed out the other side.
Most fans used in these situations are simple, but large, wall-mounted models. These are installed directly into the wall to provide a controlled opening to the outside. They usually have shutters so that when they aren't in operation, the opening automatically closes up. In a small garage, just two will usually do the job. However, if there are cars frequently running inside the space, such as in an auto repair shop, you may need more air.
In these situations, you may also be concerned about the noise made by the fans. Fortunately, it is possible to get a quiet garage exhaust fan from several manufacturers. Using these helps to eliminate the industrial sound.
Handling Larger Garages
In most cases, ventilating larger garages is simply a matter of installing more fans. A massive 50-car repair or storage facility may have walls that include entire panels of fans across them. It is generally better to use multiple fans instead of fewer larger ones. This ensures that all parts of the building are properly ventilated, so there are no hidden pools of stagnant air and carbon monoxide for people to accidentally walk into.
Underground Garage Ventilation
While above-ground parking garages tend to have open sides and may not need any extra ventilation, underground ones have no ready access to fresh air at all. In these cases, even the usual wall-mounted fans won't work. After all, when you're underground, there is only dirt on the other side of the wall.
Then, you need fans that can be connected to duct work. The ducts lead to the outside, above ground, while the fan runs below. A ventilation fan that is ordinarily mounted on a roof can also work.
Either way, underground garages don't just need fresh air brought in. Exhaust-filled air must also be actively pushed out. If the structure is large enough, it will also need fan systems that work to pull air across the open space from the intake vents to the output ones. These systems are far more extensive than the ones used above ground thanks to the lack of direct access to fresh air.
To learn more about options for ventilating a garage, check out Industrial Fans Direct. This company has a large selection of options for any situation. Triangle Engineering garage fans in particular are made in many different styles, which makes it easy to get one for your garage.