Exhaust fans for basement ventilation

Exhaust fans are a type of extraction or forced ventilation method. According to ASHRAE standard number 62.1 entitled ‘Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality’, the air in homes must be of acceptable quality. The Australian Government Department of the Environment estimates that Australians spend around 90% of their time indoors. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) estimates the cost of poor indoor air quality at A $ 12 billion a year. This is assumed by the individual in his capacity as a taxpayer of the National Government.

So how can this be reduced significantly? One way is by using exhaust fans.

Exhaust fans are included in the category of exhaust-only ventilation systems. This is how these systems work in general: they decompress the air in the room, creating a zone of low pressure. As a result, the outside air quickly enters. For example, cleaner and fresher air enters during the summer, despite the heat. These fans can be fixed on the outside of the building or with the ‘faces’ facing the air inlet or outlet.

The types of this fan are:

1. In-line exhaust fans

These lines ventilate and drive the air that flows along them.

2. Ceiling fans

Fans that are attached to the ceiling generally blow warm air downward. In this case, that hot, stale air is directed to the vents in the basement ceiling where it exits.

3. Outdoor fans

These are installed and housed outside the building. Fans can be quite noisy at times as they are mechanical devices. In this case, your house remains silent as it works outside. They remove all the stale air from the house.

4. Wall fans

These are mounted on the walls inside the basement. They circulate the air in the room and expel the stale.

5. Multifunctional exhaust fans

These have the ability to heat, light and ventilate. This feature is a great advantage for this type of fan.

Fans can also be classified as single point, two point or multiple point.

The ASHRAE required ventilation rate for an area such as the basement should not exceed 200 feet per cubic meter.

The Australian government’s Department of the Environment lists organic compounds as the biggest pollutants. Some of these, concluded after investigation, are benzene, carbon monoxide, and mold. When carbon monoxide is inhaled in large amounts, it causes death. This is especially true in rooms with poor ventilation. It is the worst killer as it is odorless and colorless. The most likely sources of this gas are ovens, fireplaces, and cigarette smoke.

Exhaust fans, when used in basement ventilation, will solve these problems for you. They simply remove pollutants and let in cleaner, fresher air.

While running, these fans can be noisy as mentioned above. When selecting one, choose a muted one or one with a sound rating of less than 1 on the sound scale. The last thing you need is constant banging and incessant screeching when the fans spin.