Exhaust Fan Ventilation - Intake

[dblynch90]

Hi everyone,

I just built a 30x40x16 spray foam insulated garage. I installed a 24” Exhaust fan on the far gable end. I noticed the fan did not like to run with the doors closed so I started installing some intake vents. I have 3 10” Round intakes, and I still have to open a door for the fan. I really don’t want to keep punching holes in the side of the garage, but am worried about burning out this fan. Any thoughts?

 

[PCustoms]

Air in needs to equal air out.

If the air you're pulling in is hot (or cold in the winter) it's not really accomplishing anything

 

[ItsNemo]

3 x 10" holes is around 240 square inches.
1 x 24" hole is around 450 square inches.

You have half as much intake area as you do exhaust....you either need a more powerful fan to **** the air through despite the restriction, or you need more intake.

 

[CraigStu]

How are you deciding that you need to open a door for the fan? I understand your concern but I am not sure having some restriction on the intake side will automatically cause a fan problem. Think about all the bath exhaust fans in houses that basically have no inlet and that do not burn out.

 

[slowtwitch73]

You need an HRV... heat recovery ventilation.

 

[The Cobbler]

at least you know your shop is well sealed