Basement Ventilation

[-Logzor]

In order to combat humidity issues, I'm looking into potential ways to vent the moist air out of my basement. I do have a dehumidifier running, but it doesn't have a huge impact. My goal is to vent the air with an exhuast fan with a built in dehumidistat.

I have glass block windows with vents, just like these:

Does anyone know where I can buy a vent/fan that would fit into this opening?

 

[143MPCo]

POWER VENTS link--> Here


Vinyl Power Ventilators

SKU ISPF

Sizes Site Price Qty
8"w x 8"h x 3" $85.00
16"w x 8"h x 3" $150.00
18"w x 8"h x 3" $160.00
22"w x 8"h x 3" $197.00
24"w x 8"h x 3" $206.00


Power Ventilator exhausts 80CFM per fan.
8x8x3 Fan is Dryer vent style with no door.

View more pictures above to see different styles

16x8x3, 18x8x3, 22x8x3 and 24x8x3 has automatic switch that turns fan on while sash door is open. It has excellent thermal properties, same as our air vents. Fan guard is nickel plated. Ball bearing AC fan with 5 year continuous duty rating. Ideal For Exhausting Contaminated Air (Smoke, fumes, odors) Available in white only.

Customer Re

 

[-Logzor]

Thank you, I was also able to locate one of these, but it does not have a humidistat built it.

 

[143MPCo]

 

[-Logzor]

Interesting! Never seen one of those before

That would do the trick, I assume

 

[143MPCo]

..that's the one I used, works no issues with it at all and it's plug and play so to speak!

 

[-Logzor]

..that's the one I used, works no issues with it at all and it's plug and play so to speak!

It's a little expensive, but if it solves my problem, then it's money well spent. Thanks for helping me track this down!

 

[ReeferBob]

A better long-term solution would be to put both a return vent and discharge from your house circulation system into that area.

 

[143MPCo]

...you're right it's not cheap, lookup greenhouse Pre-Wired Thermostat some are a bit better priced but some require wiring.

 

[-Logzor]

on would be to put both a return vent and disch

Do you have an example? I have multiple vents in the glass block windows in the basement.

 

[143MPCo]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think he's referring to central air, where you would have an intake and exhaust fan directing in the air exchange thus allowing it to remove the heavy humid air out before replenish it back.

 

[ReeferBob]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think he's referring to central air, where you would have an intake and exhaust fan directing in the air exchange thus allowing it to remove the heavy humid air out before replenish it back.

Exactly, having input and output air to the room will assure a constant recycling of stale air and the humidity with it.

 

[143MPCo]

Exactly, having input and output air to the room will assure a constant recycling of stale air and the humidity with it.

I agree that is a more optimal and better way, the caveat being that one first has to have a central air system to accomplish this, otherwise that would be the better way to address humidity concerns in an enclosed environment like a basement.

 

[dbl]

I'm a little jealous of all this basement talk for your man caves, fish and equipment rooms. What you call a basement we call water table! Just saying...

 

[-Logzor]

I agree that is a more optimal and better way, the caveat being that one first has to have a central air system to accomplish this, otherwise that would be the better way to address humidity concerns in an enclosed environment like a basement.

We have a relatively new HVAC system. However I don't believe it has any outdoor intakes. I have multiple manual vents in the basement windows, though. I plan to install the exhaust fan into one of these vents.

 

[rayn]

Wait, please explain the tie into the HVAC a bit better please. This is something I also am going to have to accomplish at some point. I was figuring on the vent fan like the OP, but if I can tie into the HVAC that would be perfect.

 

[-Logzor]

Wait, please explain the tie into the HVAC a bit better please. This is something I also am going to have to accomplish at some point. I was figuring on the vent fan like the OP, but if I can tie into the HVAC that would be perfect.

I'm trying to understand as well, I've heard of air exchange modules that will pull in fresh air:

http://vanee.edenenergy.com/hw-vanee-airexchanger.php

 

[143MPCo]

We have a relatively new HVAC system. However I don't believe it has any outdoor intakes. I have multiple manual vents in the basement windows, though. I plan to install the exhaust fan into one of these vents.

While utilizing a HVAC system to remove the humidity via the condensing unit is a more optimal approach the way you're planning to implement the exhaust should work just fine.

With an HVAC system the intake and the exhaust are all internal there's normally nothing run externally. In colder climates this allows you the ability to maintain optimum temperature in the room and not exhaust all your heated air outside your home additionally when you're trying to cool your house if you're using the ductwork inside your basement to maintain your temperature you're also pulling out the humidity that's in the enclosed environment. Most if not all HVAC condensing units expelled the accumulated water via a drainage system connected to the house plumbing.

If however you require additional HVAC work in order to add an exhaust and intake vents in the room where the tank will be sitting this can be a more costly alternative.

 

[rayn]

So basically you're talking about the evap drain from the AC draining off the excess humidity after being pulled in the return.

So if one was to open a return and add a exhaust duct to the room it will help humidity...is my understanding. What if just a return was opened and not the exhaust duct?

 

[143MPCo]

I'm trying to understand as well, I've heard of air exchange modules that will pull in fresh air:

http://vanee.edenenergy.com/hw-vanee-airexchanger.php

...this adds a whole new level of complexity to the game, these are used in basement and kitchens to expel the unwanted elements from the inclosed environment while still maintains either optional levels of heat or cooling. Very cool little units!

And bathrooms also.