Equalizing upper and lower garage levels

[drjzimm]

I have a 2X6 wood framed garage/shop, 28'W X 36'D, with a 14' X 36' upstairs level, created by attic trusses. I simply want to move air between the main level, and the upper level with reversible fans, based on daily temperature differences. I am leaning towards a ducted fan system, with at least four fans around the upstairs level. I am having trouble finding equipment that will function in the way that I want. Anybody have experience with this type problem?

 

[PoorUB]

I believe you are over complicating it. Just add a fan near the ceiling in the upped level, and blow it near the floor in the lower level. The air will blend and the temps should be fairly equal, but you will need to move a fair amount of air to do so. I am guessing about 800 CFM.

A couple questions, do you have an open stairwell between the two levels, or do you close the door all the time?

And, what is the upper level used for, storage, office, bedroom?

 

[RegeSullivan]

I'm not able to picture your specific situation but I can offer the idea of using grow fans to customize moving air. These come in many sizes and allow lots of ways to customize to suit your needs. I've used 6", 8", & 10" iPower fans for a number of project's purchased via Amazon. Fits standard ducts and hoses... no problem.

 

[cosmokenney]

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[duneslider]

What are you doing to create the heat in the lower level?

 

[drjzimm]

A few details, Yes there is an open stairwell on the far end. The upper level has 8' high opening, but no sheetrock or OSB ceiling, so truss bays go all the way to the outside support walls. The support walls, and the main floor ceiling are 11'. The upper level is used for storage, and heats up during the summer, but can be quite cold in the winter. If I try to heat the lower level, in the winter, with a salamander type propane heater, the heat does not seem to stay on that level, but goes up. Ducted grow fans are a good idea, but I haven't found any that are reversible.

 

[drjzimm]

Come to think of it...I don't know why I would need them reversible. I should just have the option of switching them on, Summer or Winter, and bring the upstairs air down to the lower level, and then it will naturally recycle back up. Good talk!

 

[duneslider]

In an unfinished space like you have you will always be fighting stack effect. Fans might help but maybe not much. Closing off the opening to upstairs will slow down stack effect a bit but it will still happen.

 

[PoorUB]

Come to think of it...I don't know why I would need them reversible. I should just have the option of switching them on, Summer or Winter, and bring the upstairs air down to the lower level, and then it will naturally recycle back up. Good talk!

I don't see the point in having them reversible. The upper level is always going to be hot compared to the lower lever. Pull the heat off the ceiling in the upper level, and blow it out near the floor in the lower level.

I would look for an old furnace to steal the fan out of. You will have 3-4 speeds if you like, just add ductwork.