I am about to begin brewing in my basement with a 3500W induction burner doing 5.5 gallon batches. After reading about ventilation suggestions throughout HBT I've decided on simply brewing in front of the open basement window which will have a standard window fan blowing out.
As this is the only window in the basement, I will have a box fan at the bottom of the stairs (that lead to the kitchen) blowing towards the kettle/window for make up air. So it will be a straight path from the box fan (make up air) towards the kettle and to the window fan exhausting out the window.
Feel free to comment on the above thought process in addition to my my main question:
With an off the shelf window fan, do I need to be concerned about creating negative pressure in my basement? We have natural gas hot water heater and heating system. They vent into the old chimney (no longer have any fireplaces) but not sure if it simply vents into the flue or if the vent runs the whole length to the rooftop (it's a 3 story old townhouse, never been on the roof).
I was reading the following on another post and it got me thinking:
Thanks!
As this is the only window in the basement, I will have a box fan at the bottom of the stairs (that lead to the kitchen) blowing towards the kettle/window for make up air. So it will be a straight path from the box fan (make up air) towards the kettle and to the window fan exhausting out the window.
Feel free to comment on the above thought process in addition to my my main question:
With an off the shelf window fan, do I need to be concerned about creating negative pressure in my basement? We have natural gas hot water heater and heating system. They vent into the old chimney (no longer have any fireplaces) but not sure if it simply vents into the flue or if the vent runs the whole length to the rooftop (it's a 3 story old townhouse, never been on the roof).
I was reading the following on another post and it got me thinking:
I'd be very leery running a high powered exhaust in your home if any of your natural gas appliances are vented into a chimney. Turning on the exhaust will cause a negative pressure in your home and flue products will enter your living space, especially in the winter when your furnace is running.
I've responded to many of CO emergency calls from customers installing high powered kitchen range hoods and unknowingly causing a negative pressure in their home...
So even if you brew in a different area from where your chimney is situated, air takes the path of least resistance and will back draft down your chimney.
I understand that you're going to have intake air blown into your brew space from outside, but remember that your make up air to be as close to 100% or better yet 90% to ensure complete removal of products of combustion. If you don't have a way to ensure this proper air balance you'll be needing to hire a professional air balance company.
So if you have natural draft gas appliances in your home DO NOT BREW INSIDE! You may be putting yourself and your family at risk.
Thanks!