Effective air circulation is essential to a home HVAC system’s operation. It not only helps with effective temperature distribution throughout the living area, but it also controls other elements like humidity and enhances the quality of the air in general.
The HVAC system frequently includes inline duct fans, but what precisely do they perform? A fan attached to the ductwork is known as an inline duct fan. Typically, inline duct fans are mounted close to the end of a lengthy duct run. The inline fan’s greater circulation helps the air conditioning fan motor push air farther into far-off rooms. It is often connected to a sensor and controller device on the duct, which turns on the inline duct fan whenever it senses a need. The majority use 120-volt electricity.
Let’s explore what an inline duct fan is and how to implement one in more detail.
Why Should You Choose an Inline Duct Fan?
Inline fans are frequently chosen for aesthetic reasons, among other factors. As it is the latest ventilation technology, it is made to stay concealed in the attic since it is positioned in line with the ductwork, as opposed to duct boosters, which are obvious and frequently not very attractive.
Space is sometimes at a premium in urban settings, so duct boosters need some room to be installed. On the other hand, because they may be connected directly to the ductwork and remain hidden there, most inline fans don’t need any extra room. This is especially useful in cramped areas like restrooms, where ventilation is essential to get rid of smells and wetness.
Sometimes, the only choice left to the user is to employ an inline duct fan in combination with the already-existing duct network to exhaust the air from the room when there is no direct access to the outer walls.
When compared to duct fan boosters, duct fans don’t generate as much noise because they are tucked away in the ductwork.
How to Choose the Right Duct Fan?
Duct fans are available in a range of sizes and capacities, with inlet and output diameters ranging from 4 to 14 inches and CFM ratings of 100 to 1500. The most popular is a 6-inch duct fan, but the fan’s size is closely related to the size of the ducts that are installed in your space. According to the usual rule of thumb, you require 1 CFM for every square foot of the space when it comes to capacity. It does not, however, take into account the ducting losses caused by the curves and convolutions.
However, for modest domestic applications, this rule should be adequate. Knowing the size of the duct that ventilates the space and the actual area in square feet will help you pick the best inline duct fan for your needs.
How to Implement an Inline Duct Fan at Home?
Depending on the brand, model, and general fan characteristics in question, the installation procedure for an inline duct fan may vary. So that everything is done correctly, detailed instructions are included with the fan. The following are a few techniques for installing an inline duct fan, whether it be in a building such as a house or anywhere else.
Basic Procedure for Installing
According to the standard installation procedure, duct inline fans are placed within the ductwork at the proper position to provide the necessary airflow or outflow capabilities. Therefore, choosing which part of the duct will house the fan is the first step. If the desired placement is not precisely within the portion at one side of the duct run, the conduit must be cut through to accommodate the fan. When installing the fan, the installer must make sure it is pointed in the right direction.
Any inline duct fan, regardless of whether it is designated as an “intake” or “exhaust” fan, can be installed in either direction. It’s essential to pay great attention to the installation process as a result. Make sure the ductwork fan is supported properly. This may require support or structure because the fan will be replacing a duct segment rather than using the conduit to maintain it. The fan has to be linked to the duct’s ends. The best approach is often to strap it on, but with adaptable duct systems, you must first construct supports and then use duct tape to connect each end to the ducting.
Connecting the electrical components is the next stage. The fan’s power and range come from this. Make sure the fan is receiving the same amount of electricity as what it is rated for. Otherwise, it can blow out or start a fire. This is normally done by an electrician. If you decide to handle it yourself, make sure you adhere to all design guidelines and security measures.
You can find out that you need to repeat the process a few more times to create a multi-room inline duct fan from the general installation technique of the ordinary inline duct fan, but there is a catch! For both small and large ventilation systems, inline fans provide a variety of choices.
Where to Place an Inline Duct Fan?
Are you unsure about where to put inline duct fans? The answer will vary based on your particular area. Additionally, it depends on the fan’s intended use. To help remove that hot air and increase the overall effectiveness of your ventilation system, install an inline duct fan in your attic. We advise positioning an inline duct fan at the top of the grow tent if you’re installing one. This will enhance circulation and assist in drawing hot air out of the grow tent.
That isn’t always possible, though.
The key is that you’ll need to take into account your own situation and carefully decide what is best for you. The fan should be kept out of the way in order to enhance performance. You may occasionally need to give in on one of these in order to satisfy the other.
We hope that this guide was helpful to you and that you will be satisfied with the operation of this new technology in your home.