How to Improve the Air Quality in Your Garage
Have you ever walked into your garage in the summer and noticed it’s scorching hot or humid? Have you ever noticed the strong smell of fumes? Or felt slick floors or seen condensation on the windows? If you answered yes to any of these questions, your garage likely has ventilation problems. and therefore the air quality is suffering.
The scary thing about poor air quality is that while sometimes there are obvious signs it needs improving, other times indoor air pollutants can go unnoticed. Garages are one of the big culprits when it comes to exposing ourselves to indoor air pollution. Plus, if you have an attached garage, air pollution can leak into the rest of your home, exposing you and your family even when you’re not in the garage.
While poor air quality is a big problem, fixing it in your garage is a breeze. Here are some ways you can improve air quality in your garage:
Open a Window
Opening a window allows air to naturally circulate. For this simple method to be really effective, you need two or more windows that are located on opposite sides of the garage, otherwise, there will be little airflow. While this is the easiest, method, it can improve ventilation somewhat.
Open the Garage Door
Opening up the garage door to let any trapped air out is another great way to improve the air quality. This is a temporary fix.
Standing Fan
Plug in a standing fan and open up your garage door or windows (or both) to exhaust that trapped air.
Vents
Installing vents in your garage is a relatively simple way to provide passive ventilation year-round.
Garage Exhaust Fan
Installing a garage exhaust fan is by far the best way to improve air quality in your garage. Garage exhaust fans actively push any and all trapped air out and bring in fresh, clean air, radically improving air quality.
Garage exhaust fans can be used in the summer to cool down your garage or create a draft. In the winter when moisture accumulates, you can run your garage exhaust fan now and again to prevent condensation, mold, rot, and moisture from rusting any metal inside.
Prevent Indoor Air Pollution
Some level of air pollution is going to make it into your garage no matter what; however, preventing air pollution in the first place can go a long way.
To prevent air pollution in the first place…
- Never idle your vehicle inside your garage.
- Never run gas-powered equipment inside. If you must, keep your garage door open and/or your garage exhaust fan running.
- Properly store chemicals. If you have any volatile chemicals in your garage, make sure they’re tightly sealed and don’t leak.
The QuietCool GA ES-1500 garage exhaust fan from WholeHouseFan.com is an ideal solution for extracting various fumes through proper ventilation, while also cooling your garage space. Please feel free to call us if you have any questions!
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