Garage heating/ventilation ideas

I only had about 10 tubs of ASFs in my garage last winter so the smell wasn't even noticeable. Now I'm up to 30 tubs of 1.3-1.5 breeders, and another 18 growout tubs full with about 25-30 in each. Counting all of the babies with the breeders, I basically have around 1000 ASFs in my garage.

I spot clean every 3 days and do a full bedding replacement every 2 weeks. This worked out okay over the summer and the smell wasn't bad at all because I could ventilate through the back door. I live in Colorado, so during the winter I will obviously not be able to do this. The oil heater I had running in there last year barely kept the garage within 55-60F.

Lately I've been keeping the garage closed up to test out the smell that we're in for this winter, and after only 2 days post-cleaning it is unbearable. And the smell rushes into the house when the door is opened to the garage.

TLDR version: I need ideas for some sort of system that will periodically exchange the air in my garage without blowing out all of the heat. Preferably something that you yourself are using with success.

Short answer is no. But, if you vent for 5 minutes every hour, which is what I do during hte winter, it really doesn't take long for the temps to go back up. In a big space like a garage, it may take a bit longer, and I"m not sure if your garage is insulated, but in my sheds, the temp may drop from 72ish down to 55 or so for about 15 minutes. ZBut, I"m using a 2250CFM exhaust, it mmoves the air and fast... By the end of the hour cycle, the air really needs to move out again, so you may have to run the fan a bit longer...

What are you using for heat? My garage is only about 15X20 and is insulated, but I don't think a space heater is going to cut it if I have to install a fan like that. I tried to plug in two last year and it tripped the breaker. :rolleyes:

I have a small room... With only a few rats.. But just installed a 50cfm fan exhausted out the window set to run for 1/2 hour every 4 hours. Seems to be working.

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Originally Posted by spitzu

What are you using for heat? My garage is only about 15X20 and is insulated, but I don't think a space heater is going to cut it if I have to install a fan like that. I tried to plug in two last year and it tripped the breaker. :rolleyes:

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Oil filled heaters are the best. I use one in each shed, on 3/4 temp, half power. Keeps it warm. My little shed is 10x20, insulated. Bigger one is 12x30ish, heater on full. Uninsulated block. Mostly mice, hamsters and ASFs in there.

I have an alternative idea for heating anyway. It might cost too much but as it uses next to no power it may be something you could justify. http://cansolair.com/ it is a solar hot air heater. Quite interesting design I am sure that you could look carefully at it and come up with a DIY version. Just a thought.

FYI, I decided to go with something similar to this for ventilation, and this for heat.

I was going to have gas run to my garage, but I decided I wanted to try electric first. I'm taking bets on my average electric bill increase this winter. Since the garage is finished and insulated now I don't anticipate the heater running 24/7, but I suppose I'll find out soon enough.

I have this http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...4853_200444853 works fine for my needs.

I do not use any heat the room gets down to 48 degrees during the winter and I never had any issues.

This is what I ended up with. I have been running the fan for 5 minutes every 3 hours and it has more than exceeded my needs. No more nasty rat smell coming into the house! ;)


http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i1...6/IMG_3049.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i1...6/IMG_3061.jpg



I also had an electrician friend come wire up the new heater. So far so good. Thanks for the suggestions!


http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i1...6/IMG_3051.jpg