General ventilation question

[PeterN]

This may have been addressed before, but what kind of general ventilation is being done in the garage makeovers to exchange fresh air with the combination of gas, oil, tire and other nasty scents that exist in a garage that you actually work on or store vehicles? When the weather isn't nice enough to leave the door open, my garage tends to build up some nasty vapors. Is a simple ventilation fan being used like that in a bathroom or are there fans/air exchangers specifically made for garages? Thanks for the comments.

 

[58Yeoman]

MMMMM... I like the smells that build up in the shop. Reminds me of when I used to work in dealerships for a living. My brother always said that he likes the way my garage/shop smells also, as he used to be a mechanic also. I don't want mine smelling like a beauty shop... JMO.

 

[Steevo]

Gas, oil, tires . . . . "nasty"?
Good grief man, next thing you'll be wanting suggestions for wallpaper.

Actually, I tend to crack a window or door even in cold winter if the fumes are overpowering, such as lots of welding or fuel vapors.

 

[Volcom]

I'd like to know as well. My attached garage stinks up the house big time. I've been thinking of adding an exhaust fan like this and then adding a fresh air supply vent. My only concern is during the winter and drawing in 0 degree air from outside.

 

[redsky49]

Any exhaust air should be accompanied by an approximately equal amount of make-up air. In the best of circumstances, this make-up air should be tempered (i.e. heated and filtered) per local requirements. Depending on the application, you may wish to maintain either a slightly positive or slightly negative condition.

If combustion appliances (boiler, water heater, etc.) are in the space, the amount of air - both exhaust and make-up - must prevent the possibility of negative pressure occurring. See local code for combustion air requirements.

The Mechanical Code differentiates between storage garages and areas where engines are operating. Consult local authority for direction with your application.

If operations in the garage generate odors (painting, welding, etc.), consider localized (also known as spot) exhaust per industrial requirements. If generating possible explosive byproducts (sawdust, paint vapors, etc.), be certain to specify the appropriate equipment/system.

Suggest that you consider a timer-actuated system for simplicity, or monitor air quality (hydrocarbons) for an auto. system. Heat recovery units are also strongly recommended if the space is normally conditioned.

If humidity levels are important, this may be the time to investigate a better quality ductless system such as the Mitsubishi.

As always, offered only as opinion.

Redsky49

 

[JakeKohl]

I'd like to know as well. My attached garage stinks up the house big time. I've been thinking of adding an exhaust fan like this and then adding a fresh air supply vent. My only concern is during the winter and drawing in 0 degree air from outside.

You should try to seal the garage better from the house. If you are getting smells into the house, you are also getting CO from car exhausts into the house (not good).