Enjoy your program regularly but we receive it on CJME (1300) on a delayed brodcast so can't call in. Do you have any specification regarding the installation of a ventilation fan? From listening to your program I understand that the fan should be either 4" of 5" installed in a duct with suction 4" from the floor and exit through a dryer type vent. Two questions: 1. Will this work in our Saskatchewan climate? 2. What size fan should I be looking for--our basement is about 1200 sq ft.
Answer:
You can pick up the show live at www.cfra.com.
The fan you're looking for is probably a 5" unit. Cold air holds more moisture than warm air and is, therefore, heavier. As air cools, it falls and keeps falling until it reaches the lowest level in the house. It cannot fall beyond the basement floor and that is where it has to be collected and pumped outside before that moisture gets a chance to condense in order to get rid of the moldy, musty odour and/or avoid it in the first place. A booster fan (250 CFM +) is available as a ‘pop in’ unit to fit 4”, 5” or 6” round heating duct. This can be installed in a totally separate duct line that is at least six feet from the nearest heat source. A timer on it will ensure that it operates only during the night (9pm to 9am) so cold, moist air it pumps out is not replaced by air that brings in even more humidity from outside. All joints and seams in the duct are taped and sealed for maximum efficiency and rather than a heating-type grill it should be a return air-type grill. To avoid having to core another hole in the foundation wall, this system can be vented, via a “TY” through the clothes dryer vent. Because none of the doors in the house go all the way to the floor, cold, moist air should find its way to that grill.
