How to Make a Basement Ventilation System Similar to The Expensive Ones

Basement ventilation systems are expensive. Why pay $ 1,500 or more when you can install your own in a few hours for less than $100.00 ? This won't have the humidistat, fancy box and dials, but it'll vent your basement just like theirs!
It's a simple system to install and hook up...you'll see. Get rid of your nasty humid air, radon, mildew odor or anything else you may want vented...for a big Dollar savings!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• bathroom vent fan from Lowes
• 10' section 3" diameter flexible aluminum duct work
• plastic outside dryer vent
• 3.5" hole saw
• 14-3 electric wire
• drywall saw

1. 1

   Pick at corner of the basement to install the venting system. If there is no drywall simply install the vent fan with the aluminum duct work attached somewhere out of the way along the bottom of the basement wall. The fan can sit on the floor if you want, but that's not ideal. It should be set into the wall if possible.

2. 2
   
    
   Above the basement block wall window is where I vented mine...see the floorboard above!

   Above the basement wall you'll be able to see the outer house framing rim board. This is where your aluminum ducting will exit. If there's something in the way outside move the location. Drill a pilot hole through to the outside. Go outside and drill your 3" hole through the wall into the basement. Pull the duct work through the hole. Install the dryer vent on the outside of the hole and seal with silicone as required.

3. 3

   Get an electrician to hook up the vent fan motor to a switch. I've got mine wired into an outlet that was already switched. Throw the switch and the fan will pull out your moist, humid, and smelly basement air...just like a $ 1,500.00 system. You can put a time clock on it also so it runs automatically! Add in a humidistat for automatic humidity control
   ( about $75.00 from www.grainger.com )

Tips & Warnings

• Make it automatic...throw a timer on it.
• Fasten everything down when you have it in place
• if you have drywall you'll need to cut holes in it to mount your fan and pull the duct work through the wall.
• Not handy or don't get it? Have a pro install a standard unit...sorry!

on 8/20/2010 Very dangerous to install as described. It does not address negative pressure issues that can lead to carbon monoxide buid-up. This is the problem with some do-it-yourself-to-save-money projects, this one requires professional training.

on 6/6/2009 A good ventilation system is great to have and to do it for less sounds great.