How to Vent a Grow Room
Grow rooms are places where plants and flowers can be supplied with the correct environment to flourish. Because most plants need a somewhat warm climate, it is necessary to vent the room properly. This keeps air circulating, which in turn keeps CO2 levels high and the air from getting too warm. Once you have determined a spot where your room will vent, it is easy to ensure the air continues to stay fresh.
Items Needed:
- Tape measure
- Circulation fan with timer
- Intake fan
- Box fan
- Determine the volume of the grow room. Measure the length, width and height of the room using a large tape measure. Multiply the three numbers together to get the room volume.
- Decide how often you will vent the grow room. Hot climates need ventilation more often to keep the air cooled. If you keep the grow room hot, or if you live in an area that is usually warm, you will need the room to vent every one or two minutes. Cooler climates do not need venting as often. Every four or five minutes is suitable for cooler grow rooms. Adjust the time depending on the exact climate of your room.
- Calculate the size of the fan you will need to purchase. Divide the room volume you calculated by the number of minutes between ventilations. This determines the cubic feet per minute, which determines what size fan you will need. If there will be any restrictions in airflow, such as pipes or extreme temperatures, add the proper amount of cubic feet per minute to the initial calculation. It is better to overestimate than to get a fan that is too small.
- Install an intake fan near the bottom of the room. This will create air flow through the room. Follow the directions included with the packaging of the fan. Every manufacturer’s installation instructions differ.
- Install the circulation fan at the top of the room. This fan pulls the hot, stale air out of the room. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Look for a fan that includes a timer. Some fans include air filters, which keep the air fresh.
- Place box fans around the room to encourage air circulation. The larger the room, the more box fans are useful. The box fans will help redistribute CO2 to your plants.