Venting, Temperature and Humidity

[crb]

I built a box for my basement sump to help control temperature and humidity.

The design included a simple 12v fan to vent humid air to the outside (see attached photo).

It has a very short run so the back pressure is well within the limits of the fan and there are a few small openings in the box that allow air from the basement to flow into the box.

It has worked well, but it recently failed due to the longer term exposure to light (mist like) condensation.

I looked at bathroom exhaust fans and vent boosters as possible replacements at the closest home improvement Mecca. They are inexpensive, but (1) I prefer a low voltage/power option and (2) eventually they will have the same issue and I'm guessing they are more likely to cause a fire or hurt someone when they do.

I then looked around online for fans made for more humid environments and found options in the horticulture world, but the air flow (and expense) is too high.

At this point I'm thinking I'll just get the same fan and install it in a different spot so that it blows air into the box. The pressure it creates should then vent air out the duct and the fan will not have to deal with the humid air any longer.

Any other suggestions? I'd like to hear peoples experience who have fish rooms/boxes in their basements. I'm also interested in hearing about how to set this up to deal with the humidity, without blowing too much heat out the window during the winter months.

 

[willray]

I use standard cheap clip on type fan,remove some or all of the clip and mount it with a few screws.They have very good air flow,2 speeds, are near silent and always available for 5-10$ anywhere.I replace mine every 2yrs whether needed or not.Have had only 1 fail and that took 1.5 yrs being next to a window it kept filling with dust and such and I didn't realize it,so I Just dust em off every 4-6months.

 

[crb]

That's a good idea, but I'm thinking they would be too much (flow wise) and it doesn't sound like condensation is an issue for you (based on the dust).

I'm going to just go ahead and rip this one out and overpressure the box slightly with another on at a low/dry point so that air gets pushed out the vent that is behind the fan in the picture above (unless someone has a better suggestion).

 

[willray]

Actually they are in my stand....lots of humidity and they hold up fine.Can be had in 6"which is more like a 4"blade and 4" which is more like a 3" blade.

 

[ffsteve]

i have a corner in my woodworking shop. i have a open 55g and 2 60g drums, one fresh water and the other salt water. during the summer i run a dehumidifier that vents the heat outside, and in the winter i shut off the exhaust fan. in the winter the shop stays @ 76f, i keep my work shop at 6-9% humidity. (6-9% prevents tools from rusting without waxing).