Exhaust Fan Louver For Conditioned Spaces

[cavalry]

I have yet to find an wall mounted exhaust fan (24" ish) that is suitable for a conditioned space. Most have visible air gaps closed and will open in winds. Even with a good seal it's still a large portion of a wall with an R value of zero. I am in a climate with cold winters and humid summers so I want to keep air exhage to a minimum when not in use.
I could build an insulated cover with exterior door weatherstripping, but it's one more thing that needs to be opened up just to use the fan for a few mins. I guess a powered cover could be constructed with a linear actuator or the like but that seems a bit ridiculous. What solutions are there?

 

[Innovate1]

I am interested in similar things. I put in a whole house fan that blows air from the house into the attic. I built a hinged, insulated cover and manually close it in the winter. The automatic louver is poorly sealed and no R value as you note. I have considered doing some sort of motorized opener. I have seen some fan units for blowing air into the attic (you need to open windows to let air in) that have better seals and insulation and work off the pressure of the air I think. Perhaps a cover with light springs that the fan pushes open for your application?

 

[cavalry]

Perhaps a cover with light springs that the fan pushes open for your application?

I considered light springs. but the sides still have a large amount of clearance for movement. They are good enough to keep mice and birds out but that is about it. They do make powered louvers, and I have some but in a much larger size. They are better but still the same problem of air gaps.

 

[fitter30]

A damper like this is about the best. It would be motorised damper would open then fan would start.

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