Does A Detached Garage Need Ventilation?

Whether you're building a new garage or improving an old one, you may have wondered about garage ventilation. Is it important to ventilate a detached garage? We've researched this question to help you make the most of your garage.

A detached garage should have a ventilation system. It is good for your health and helps get rid of fumes, carbon monoxide, and other harmful chemicals. Ventilating your garage allows for better air circulation and can also help with cooling down your garage in hot weather.

If you still have questions in mind, we suggest that you keep on reading as we have to unfold more about detached garage ventilation. And to help you decide on what kind of ventilation really fits in your garage.

Detached garage of the red brick house. Does A Detached Garage Need Ventilation?

Why ventilate a garage?

There are several reasons why you should ventilate your garage. Let's look at each in detail!

Detached garage of residential house with asphalt road in front

Protect from impurities

Having a ventilation system in your detached garage helps release the polluted air trapped inside. This could also help you prevent a build-up of impurities, germs, viruses, and noxious odors. These can endanger your health while you work inside if you do not have a proper ventilation system. 

Reduce the temperature

High temperatures are really inconvenient especially when you spend your time in your garage working on a project. Once you ventilate your detached garage, you’ll start to feel more cool and comfortable. 

Remember that you should also keep some space in your garage so that the air you want to come in would circulate around to cool down the place. 

How can I improve my garage ventilation?

Garage workshop for cabinet making and wood working with tools and equipment

If you spend most of your time working on a project in your garage, you've likely experienced how hot it can get inside your garage due to the hot weather. You may have even experienced how fumes can build up in a garage. In order to prevent this, you must have a properly attached ventilation system in your garage. 

To improve your garage ventilation, you must identify first what type of ventilation system you need. Next, your garage should have insulation. If you’re into nature, you could install a door and windows that serve as natural vents in your garage. 

For more control, installing an HVAC system is the best option. This allows more powerful ventilation and direct control over the environment.

Best ventilation system for a detached garage

Newly constructed modern luxury home with aluminum roof

Though we know that you have your own choices and preferences, this will just be a friendly suggestion if you’re still undecided on which ventilation system to choose from. We have researched this and we found out that roof vents could actually bring a more comfortable and productive space for occupants.

Again, this is just our friendly suggestion that’s backed up with research. You have more ventilation garage options to choose from. There are a variety of available sources on the internet that you could search if you still want more options to back you up.

You can learn more about adding an HVAC system to your garage in our article: Should You Air Condition Your Garage?

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard

If you haven’t heard it yet, ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1 & 62.2 could help you plan out and decide on your ventilation system design and indoor air quality (IAQ). The standards which have been expanded and amended for 2019, require minimum ventilation rates and other measures to protect residents’ health.

So, if you plan on installing ventilation in your detached garage we suggest you follow both standards according to ANSI/ASHRAE. This will help you make the best decisions for your case.

While ANSI/ASHRAE doesn't legally require ventilation for detached garages, the EPA does recommend it.

How do you vent a garage with no windows?

There are other better ways to ventilate your garage if you do not plan on installing windows. Alternative ways could be installing a roof vent, air conditioning, exhaust fans, garage door vents, ceiling ventilation fan, wall vents, and many more!

Air vents on the wall

Normally, if natural ventilation isn’t one of our choices, we depend on the alternatives. The HVAC System provides you with the quality options that you deserve. Rest assured that it will bring you the best experience and quality living space. 

Can you put an attic fan in the garage?

Roof ventilator fan in a steel construction for house ventilation

If your detached garage gets over 50 degrees during the hot season and you’re thinking if you should install an attic fan to cool down the place, then yes. You can install an attic fan in a garage. In fact, it helps with air regulation and reduces the temperature inside your garage.

If you want to know more about the attic fan, read our post: Is An Attic Fan Necessary?

How to maintain a ventilation system

While installing a ventilation system can improve the air quality and circulation of your garage, it's not enough on its own. This is why it's also imperative to maintain your system correctly.

First, you should always keep in mind to clean and change the air filters in order to remove all of the dirt caught inside of your garage. This is to help ensure that the air you breathe in is clean and does not contain bacteria or other harmful matter. 

You should regularly check the condition of your HVAC system, if you notice something different with how your ventilation functions; you could always check the ANSI/ASHRAE Standards to monitor the health of your ventilation system in your garage. 

Lastly, when replacing or installing a new ventilation system, opt for a high-quality system. These will last longer and work more effectively. Just be mindful and remember to choose the right ventilation system for your garagethe ones that are suitable for your living and working space!

In Conclusion

You should install a ventilation system in your detached garage as soon as possible! Remember to be careful with what you choose, and always do some research before you make a final decision.

In the end, we all want to live a comfortable life and choose the best choices we could ever have. Better air quality means a healthy and comfortable life!

If you found this article helpful, check out these great posts:

How to Add an AC Duct Vent to a Garage

Does a Warm Roof Need Ventilation?

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