You may already use ventilators in your house but haven’t thought of using one for your garage. If you use your garage as a living space or happen to spend a lot of time in your garage, a ventilator is essential to ensure your air quality is up to scratch. But first, if you’re not sure exactly what they are and why you need one, read below.
What are garage ventilators?
A garage ventilator is a device that is designed to improve the air quality and ventilation in a garage. It helps to remove fumes, smoke, and moisture from the garage and bring in fresh air. Garage ventilators can be installed in the roof or walls of the garage and come in various types, such as powered ventilators, passive ventilators, and mechanical ventilators.
Some garage ventilators are also equipped with filters to remove particulates and pollutants from the air. The use of a garage ventilator can improve the air quality in the garage, reduce the build-up of moisture, and help to prevent mold growth and other health hazards.
Should I use a garage ventilator?
Whether you should use a garage ventilator depends on your specific needs and circumstances. If you use your garage as a workspace or storage area, a garage ventilator can help to improve the air quality and reduce the buildup of moisture, which can cause mold and mildew. If you have a gas-powered vehicle or equipment in your garage, a ventilator can help to remove any toxic fumes that may be produced.
In addition, if you live in an area with high humidity, a garage ventilator can help to reduce the moisture levels in your garage and prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Overall, a garage ventilator can be a useful tool for improving the air quality in your garage and promoting a healthier indoor environment. With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the strongest garage ventilators on the market.
The 5 Strongest Garage Ventilators:
1. Denwenny IP55 Grade 540CFM Crawl Space Ventilation Fans with Dehumidistat, 8.7inch Basement Vent Fans with Isolation Mesh. We’re starting off the list strong with this high flow powered, crawl space ventilator. If you have a damp crawl space (which is a very common problem) and want to reduce the level of humidity, this is the ventilator for the job. This ventilator will reduce wood rot, odors, and any harmful gas from entering your living spaces making it a must have for your garage. This ventilator comes with many helpful features built in such as a humidistat, this means this ventilator will automatically adjust the amount of moisture in the air to maintain a specific humidity level throughout the home. The ventilator also comes with a freeze protection thermostat which will protect itself from cold temperatures making it weatherproof. I’d quite happily end the list here, but I promised you 5 ventilators, so let’s see what else is in store!
2. ALORAIR Crawlspace Ventilation Fan, Crawlspace Fan vent with Temperature Humidity Controller. The second entry on this list is a cheaper crawl space ventilator with many of the same features as the one above. This space saving ventilator operates at only 48 decibels and comes with a 7-blade crawl space fan with a front metal grille and dual ball DC motors which can move 240 CFM air. This strong ventilator is built to last, it’s stainless steel body is paired with a temperature and humidity probe that needs to be installed alongside the ventilator. Finally, your satisfaction is guaranteed with a 2 year warranty and an excellent after-sales team, making this ventilator a strong, practical choice if you’re looking to spend a bit less to improve the air quality of your garage.
3. Abestorm 540CFM IP-55 Rated Crawlspace Ventilation Fan with Humidistat & Thermostat. This garage ventilator offers amazing value for money, ideal for crawlspaces, this ventilator has a whopping 540 CFM of airflow which will work to improve the room air quality and balance the humidity for any size of garage. This ventilator also comes with a built-in dehumidistat and freeze protection thermostat meaning the operating humidity will be a wide range of 5-80%, and the ventilator is set to automatically stop working when the outside temperature is lower than 35 degrees Fahrenheit (or 3 degrees Celsius for all you Europeans). Finally, this ventilator is easy to install and comes with a 2 year warranty with professional technicians just a call away if you happen to run into any problems, again, the best value for money option on this list in my opinion.
4. ALORAIR 720CFM IP55 Rated High Flow Powered Crawl Space Ventilation Fan, 10″ Vent Fan with humidistat. This ventilator is similar to the first and third entries on the list but with more bells and whistles if you’re budget is slightly greater. This high powered ventilator fan is perfect for damp crawl spaces to reduce humidity, increase air circulation, and stop condensation to prevent wood rot. This ventilator is the easiest to operate and strongest on the list with a knob control panel meaning you can finely tune it to your liking but it also gives you a capacity of 720 CFM which is the top of the range capacity for a domestic garage ventilator. Finally, this ventilator is again granted with a 2 year warranty and is the strongest crawl space ventilator on this list, I would recommend stretching your budget for this one if you’re planning to use it for a very long period of time or if you have a large garage.
5. Broan-Nutone L400 High Capacity Ventilator Fan. The fifth and final installment on this list is a high capacity ventilation fan coming in a range of different CFMs, going from 434 to an almost unheard of 1513 CFM, but this would be better used in a commercial setting such as a mechanical garage. This long lasting ventilator can be customised such that your fan ducts can be placed how you so wish. The effective automatic backdraft dampers and permanently lubricated motrs provide continuous and quiet operation. Finally, you can install this ventilator in your ceiling or wall making for a versatile fitting, a very strong option is you don’t want to use your crawl space for your ventilator.
How to install a garage ventilator:
Here are the general steps for installing a garage ventilator:
Determine the location:
Choose a location for the ventilator that is easily accessible and provides adequate ventilation. The location will depend on the type of ventilator you are installing, but it is typically installed in the roof or wall of the garage.
Prepare the opening:
Use a saw to cut a hole in the roof or wall of the garage that is slightly larger than the ventilator you are installing.
Mount the ventilator:
Place the ventilator in the opening and secure it in place with screws or other fastening hardware.
Connect the ducting:
Connect flexible ducting to the ventilator, and run the ducting to the outside of the garage to remove fumes and bring in fresh air.
Seal the opening:
Seal the opening around the ventilator to prevent air leaks and to ensure proper ventilation.
Install a switch:
Install a switch to control the operation of the ventilator.
Test the ventilator:
Turn on the ventilator and check for proper operation. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the ventilator is functioning properly.
Note: It is recommended to consult with a professional to ensure proper installation and to avoid any potential safety hazards. Additionally, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and comply with local building codes and regulations when installing a garage ventilator.
How to use a garage ventilator:
Here are some steps to follow when using a garage ventilator:
Choose the right type of ventilator:
There are several types of garage ventilators available, including powered ventilators, passive ventilators, and mechanical ventilators. Consider the size of your garage, the type of activities you conduct in your garage, and your budget to determine which type of ventilator is best for your needs.
Install the ventilator:
Installation of a garage ventilator typically involves cutting a hole in the roof or wall of the garage and mounting the ventilator in the opening. It is recommended to hire a professional to install the ventilator to ensure proper installation and avoid any potential safety hazards.
Turn on the ventilator:
Depending on the type of ventilator you have, you may need to turn it on manually or it may be automatically activated by a switch or timer. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for operating your ventilator.
Monitor the air quality:
Regularly check the air quality in your garage to ensure that the ventilator is functioning properly and effectively removing fumes, smoke, and moisture. If you notice any problems, such as a build-up of moisture or a reduction in air flow, it may be time to clean or replace the ventilator’s filters.
Maintain the ventilator:
Regular maintenance is important to keep your garage ventilator functioning properly. This may include cleaning or replacing filters, tightening loose screws, and checking the wiring. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintaining your ventilator.
By following these steps and properly using your garage ventilator, you can help to improve the air quality in your garage and maintain a healthy indoor environment.
Final Thoughts
I cannot stress enough how important having a good garage ventilator is. The difference will be night and day, especially if you’re in your garage most days and use it for a functional space. This list shows mainly crawl space ventilators but also shows a ceiling or wall ventilator if no crawl space is available.
Ventilation should also be paired with insulation to ensure you stay warm as well, be sure to che3ck out my post on garage door insulation kits if you haven’t already.
With that said, I hope you were able to find the right ventilator for your garage and learn something new. Please share this post if you found it useful!
