Garage Contaminants That Can Affect Indoor Air Quality

A poorly ventilated garage can trap garage contaminants that can affect the indoor air quality.

Importance of garage ventilation
Poor garage ventilation can build-up garage contaminants that pollute the garage space and can ultimately affect the indoor air quality of your home.

Garage contaminants can be generated from:

●       Automobiles: Automobiles can generate vehicle emissions in the form of carbon monoxide. Other vehicle pollutants include fluid or oil leaks, off-gassing from tires, and accumulated dirt and debris on the vehicles.

●       Storage: Often garage is used as a storage area for items like lawnmowers, garden tools, and paints which causes a buildup of chemicals, emissions, and other pollutants.

●       Heat: The trapped heat in the garages can affect the indoor air quality;

The importance of garage ventilation
Garages are enclosed spaces that can trap various contaminants, heat, and moisture that affect indoor air quality. Garages can be poorly ventilated because of:

●       Blocked vents;

●       Airtight construction;

●       Inadequate garage insulation.

A well-ventilated garage can:

●       Regulate indoor temperature: Proper ventilation can improve air circulation by removing hot trapped air and sucking in fresh cooler air from the outside;

●       Remove air pollutants: Improved ventilation can push out the trapped garage contaminants like chemicals, moisture, and emissions improving the indoor air quality;

●       Prevent mold growth: Garage ventilation can reduce moisture build-up and prevent mold growth;

●       Reduce fire risks:  Improved garage ventilation can reduce a buildup of vehicle emissions which can reduce fire risks.

Ways to improve garage ventilation
Garage ventilation can be improved by:

Installing garage exhaust fans:
Garage exhaust fans installed high up in the ceiling or on the wall, can be one of the best ways to improve garage ventilation. The fans work by pushing out warm, stale air through the vents while bringing in fresh cooler air from the outside, improving indoor air quality.

Some benefits of garage exhaust fans include:

●       Regulates indoor temperature;

●       Reduce moisture;

●       Removes garage contaminants.

Adding roof vents:
Installing roof vents can improve air circulation in the garage enhancing ventilation. The vents include:

●       Ridge vents: They are installed on the peak or ridge of the garage roof;

●       Gable vents: Typically installed in the gable-styled roof, the vents are visible beneath the edge of the roof.

Open doors and windows:
Opening the doors and windows can improve the garage’s air flow improving ventilation.

To know more about how garage exhaust fans can improve your indoor air quality, call us at 1-661-775-5979.