Shop Ventilation Fan

[aka Larry]

My mostly un-insulated (actually the roof is) 40'x40' (10' walls, not including the peak) all-metal shop in NC is hot in the summer...go figure.

After a couple of summers I think it's time to pull the trigger and buy an exhaust fan to install near the roof gable. I already wired the switch for one when I first did the electrical work so all I really need is the fan itself.

I'm looking at one of these 24" direct-drive louvered models from Amazon Prime for $280. It's rated for 3400CFM on the high-speed setting, but I'm wondering if that is big enough for my shop? The price is right, but if it's too small I fear it might just be a waste.

My issue is I have no windows (by design) and ALL the outside breeze comes from the NW and of course my 3 overhead doors face SE. My school of thought is to have this fan fresh cooler air in through the large doors as it would be installed on the opposite facing wall.

I like to hear what you guys think.

 

[Milton Shaw]

That should be in the neighbor hood of 10 air changes per hour. That should be a good value for exhaust fan but don't think you would be getting enough air movement to feel any breeze unless right at the door/air inlet. That combined with down draft ceiling fans or portable fans around work area's should help you keep cool. I have one that is about that size and it works as exhaust fan but not much cooling.

 

[Notgrownup]

Man with our heat I would get some other fans to blow inwards also... or some strong ceiling fans... www.globalindustrial.com .. BTW... I am in Snow Hill... where are you?

 

[pseudorealityx]

Exhausting shops like this isn't about cooling or feeling a breeze. It's about keeping ventilation so the inside is never hotter than outside.

 

[Notgrownup]

Hey a breeze feels good...

 

[Oldbear]

I have a box fan that I put in a window or hook it to the front of my bike lift when tuning. I have an extra desk fan that will I move around as needed... but we're in frozen Canada, so it doesn't often get really hot here.

 

[toyoguy81]

Ive been thinking about same thing..look at Northern Tool, the have a 24 inch one, my issue is cutting hole im wall and flashing...ill be following this

 

[bigboost]

I actually just purchased the same make fan but the 20" model due to it being quieter than the 24" and moving almost as much air.

I have a 40x24 with 12' wall height with no insulation (for now) in FL so I'm roasting right about now.

I will add on to this thread when I finish the install tomorrow.

 

[Andybull]

If you have the space, go larger. I also put a vent on the oposing gable.

 

[Hoosierdaddy75]

You might want to check with your local HV/A/C contractor to see if he has any old squirrel-cage fans out of furnaces he has removed. They are quiet and move a lot of air..Cheap too!

 

[bigboost]

Just finished installing my TPI 20" ventilation fan today. With the bay doors closed and just my entry way door open I can feel a slight breeze inside, immediately made a huge difference, very happy with my results.

 

[Notgrownup]

Just finished installing my TPI 20" ventilation fan today. With the bay doors closed and just my entry way door open I can feel a slight breeze inside, immediately made a huge difference, very happy with my results.

This is what I want to put in my shop, starting by building it first..lol....the roof will have a ridge vent the roof over king and soffit vents....

 

[aka Larry]

Just finished installing my TPI 20" ventilation fan today. With the bay doors closed and just my entry way door open I can feel a slight breeze inside, immediately made a huge difference, very happy with my results.

Other than my roof being insulated that's my exact same shop construction. Where did you buy your fan? Got a link? Also I'd like more info on your thermostat controlled switch if you don't mind.

Thanks!

 

[bigboost]

Other than my roof being insulated that's my exact same shop construction. Where did you buy your fan? Got a link? Also I'd like more info on your thermostat controlled switch if you don't mind.

Thanks!

I purchased the fan on Amazon, its the same make as the link you posted, its just a 20" instead of 24" ( The 20" was rated at 65db and the 24" was 70db, I chose the 20 for noise reasons ) It still flows about 3000 CFM, so more than enough.

That switch is just a programmable timer that I picked up from Lowes for $20, I'm just going to have it come on at set times, if I feel I need a thermostat the layout is the same so I'll just pop the timer out and replace it with a thermostat.

Here is the link to the fan


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000N504IK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[amcraft]

My mostly un-insulated (actually the roof is) 40'x40' (10' walls, not including the peak) all-metal shop in NC is hot in the summer...go figure.

After a couple of summers I think it's time to pull the trigger and buy an exhaust fan to install near the roof gable. I already wired the switch for one when I first did the electrical work so all I really need is the fan itself.

I'm looking at one of these 24" direct-drive louvered models from Amazon Prime for $280. It's rated for 3400CFM on the high-speed setting, but I'm wondering if that is big enough for my shop? The price is right, but if it's too small I fear it might just be a waste.

My issue is I have no windows (by design) and ALL the outside breeze comes from the NW and of course my 3 overhead doors face SE. My school of thought is to have this fan fresh cooler air in through the large doors as it would be installed on the opposite facing wall.

I like to hear what you guys think.

You may need 2 of these for that area... 16,000 cubic feet? You would need to have some sort of airflow coming through to properly ventilate the area. Just have an industrial fan (or two) set up on the other end of the shop, blowing owards the fans installed into the wall facing outwards. A bit of a rough ventilation system, but it may work.

 

[aka Larry]

I decided to pull the trigger on the 24" fan today and it and the timer switch should be here Thursday. Gotta love Amazon Prime!

I'll work on getting the EMT run done to get the power up there tonight and hopefully be able to get the fan installed on Friday...assuming Tropical Storm Arthur doesn't hit us.

 

[MartyO]

Your building may whistle without a corresponding vent/air inlet.

 

[aka Larry]

Your building may whistle without a corresponding vent/air inlet.

That's OK I guess since I won't be out there to hear it.