Crawl Space Ventilation Systems... considering the options for air flow
auto vents - vent fans - door fans - duct fan systems
757-290-9090
Complete 'crawl space air displacement'' is desired for optimal crawl space health. HOME MECHANIX uses a method called 'Cross-Crawl-Air-Draw' that creates air flow across the entirety of your space simply by studying your structure, closing some vents, restricting others & leaving some completely open in order to manipulate the pull of air created by the fan installed. Please visit our page 'Crawl Space Air Flow Dynamics' to better understand our methodology.
'CFM, cubic feet minute' _ noun, def. - a unit of measure referring airflow volume & how many cubic feet of air pass by a certain point w/i a minute
the Slider Vent
Available both in plastic & aluminum sliders require opening & closing manually twice seasonally to prevent freezing air from harming pipes & from seasonally humid highs. The 2 biggest disadvantages are: 1) most folks neglect to open or close the vents & 2) they only offer minimal air flow.
NFA 28-40
the Auto Vent
A bi-metallic spring that expands when warmed & contracts when cooled is what makes auto vents work. They open fully at 70 degrees & close at 40. These are good for only about 7-10 years as most folks' neglect to lube the spring annually as preventative maintenance requires.
NFA ~50
the Air Vent w/ Cover
Flush mount air vents are ever increasingly becoming more popular as a replacement option to the sliders. Flush mount air vents comes with a hard cover that is manually taken on & off. Other than a heavy gauge stainless steal vermin screen, the 2 big advantages are the ease of installation and the great airflow.
NFA 95
The Crawl Space Door Fan
If a door fan is installed correctly with proper attention given to air flow design a 10" shutter fan can completely displace the air under the average size house in less than 10 minutes. An improperly installed fan will only pull air from the closest openings because air is much like water & will follow the path of least resistance.
HOME MECHANIX understands the need for clean air under your house and will design a crawl space ventilation plan that will keep your air under fresh.
CFM 1140
The Foundation Vent Fan
A small vent fan is all some crawl spaces need to get the stagnant air flowing. The vent fan is perfect for a problem area that is lacking air flow in just a section or addition or smaller area. The air movement from the vent fans push an average of 250 cubit feet a minute. Small vent fans placed in the right spot will do the trick sometimes. Creating a flow of air in a small dead zone under sunrooms or in utility rooms that have a smaller cubic volume are typical customers for this type of application.
> 250 CFM
The Exhaust Duct Fan
A duct fan system installs on the inside of your crawl space & is exhausted through a duct to the outside via a foundation vent. This is one of the most versatile & effective air exchange systems on the market for a crawl space. The fan can be relocated positionally within 25' feet of any exterior wall w/ a vent. It is ideal for houses with large crawl spaces or ones that have obstructions that prevent air flow. Placed in the right position the duct fan will create airflow in the most difficult area effectively. CFM 1140
- BEWARE!!!! - Industry service warning!
A fan just placed in the crawl space will only serve to mix up the humidity & will prove mostly ineffective. A fan should be installed in a way that allows the air in the crawl space to be displaced. Air much like water will take the path of least resistance & a fan just placed to exhaust without proper design will just pull air from the closest hole. A proper air flow design with the average fan will displace the air in its entirety in the crawl space in under 10 minutes. HOME MECHANIX understands crawl space air flow. Call today to better understand how we can help ventilate your crawl space. 757-290-9090
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