Garage Exhaust Fan Installation – Step by Step Guide

garage exhaust fan installation

Our topic in this article will be; garage exhaust fan installation.

Garage exhaust fans are essential for a well-ventilated garage. Homeowners have been turning to garage exhaust vent fans for years after learning that poorly vented garages make their spaces unhealthier and more vulnerable to mold and allergens (such as pollen).

Check out our article – Top 5 Solar Powered Exhaust Fans For Shed – Buyers Guide

Comparison Table

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Amazon's Choice
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AC Infinity AIRLIFT T12, Shutter Exhaust Fan 12" with Temperature Humidity Controller, Bluetooth App...
iPower 20.6 X 20.8 Inch Shutter Exhaust Fan Aluminum, High Speed 1190 RPM, 3368 CFM, 1-Pack, Silver
iLIVING 12" Shutter Exhaust Fan with Thermospeed(TM) controller, 65W, 960 CFM, Silver (ILG8SF12V-ST)
Professional Grade Products 16" Metal Shutter Exhaust Fan for Garage Shed Pole Barn Hydroponic...
VENTISOL 12 Inch Varible Shutter Exhaust Fan With Speed Controller, Wall Mounted Alumunim Automatic...
Star Rating
Price
$189.00
$94.59
$86.60
$79.99
$79.99
Preview
Title
AC Infinity AIRLIFT T12, Shutter Exhaust Fan 12" with Temperature Humidity Controller, Bluetooth App...
Star Rating
Price
$189.00
Details
Preview
Title
iPower 20.6 X 20.8 Inch Shutter Exhaust Fan Aluminum, High Speed 1190 RPM, 3368 CFM, 1-Pack, Silver
Star Rating
Price
$94.59
Details
Amazon's Choice
Preview
Title
iLIVING 12" Shutter Exhaust Fan with Thermospeed(TM) controller, 65W, 960 CFM, Silver (ILG8SF12V-ST)
Star Rating
Price
$86.60
Details
Preview
Title
Professional Grade Products 16" Metal Shutter Exhaust Fan for Garage Shed Pole Barn Hydroponic...
Star Rating
Price
$79.99
Details
Preview
Title
VENTISOL 12 Inch Varible Shutter Exhaust Fan With Speed Controller, Wall Mounted Alumunim Automatic...
Star Rating
Price
$79.99
Details

Garage Vent Fan Installation:

If you are thinking of installing a garage exhaust fan, you must follow the instructions so you don’t end up with a box with no exhaust function. In this step-by-step guide, you will learn how to install an exhaust fan in the garage. 

Step 1: Planning

Find an ideal venting location in the garage where you will install your exhaust fan. After that, you will need to cut a hole roughly 14″ x 14″ in between the wall studs.

Both the inside and outside of the wall will be fitted with self-closing shutter vents. Lastly, you will install an exhaust fan on the inside to ventilate the garage. It will be important to have double shutter vents during the winter to keep cold air out.

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This model does not require wiring since it plugs directly into an outlet. Make sure you have a wireless switch available for it, so you can activate it from the other side of the garage. 

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We have selected a 14″ aluminum shutter vent for the exterior wall.

Step 2: Gather your tools

The following materials will be needed for Garage Exhaust Fan Installation:

  • Mounting bolts and screws
  • Sealant or Caulk 
  • Regular Screwdriver Set
  • Wireless switch
  • Shutter vent
  • Flashing tape
  • Siding removal tool

Step 3: Cut a Hole & Seal the Edges

It is necessary to cut a hole (14″ x 14″) in the area where you will install your fan once you have decided where it will be installed. 

The next step is to seal the hole’s top and bottom edges with Sealant or Caulk. 

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You have to make sure you do not leave any insulation in the hole, as it may cause a fire. Then, you need to cut two pieces of 2x4s and insert them into the top and bottom. Use pocket hole screws to attach them to the wall studs. 

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The 2x4s can be made easier to maneuver by putting temporary hooks on them.

garage exhaust fan installation

Credit: justmeasuringup

Here is a picture of the 2x4s sealed into the bottom of the hole:garage exhaust fan installation

Credit: justmeasuringup

Step 4: Construct A Vent Frame (J Channel Frame)

When you cut a hole in the wall, you should make sure that the exterior side is waterproof. To prevent water from penetrating the siding, J channels need to be installed. In this way, a frame could be built around the vent, overlapping the siding and protecting the edges. The following picture shows 4 pieces of J channel cut to create the vent frame:

garage exhaust fan installation

Credit: justmeasuringup

Make a square by cutting the pieces to size and nailing the ends together. 

Step 5: Preparing The Sidings

The exterior vent must be installed under the siding, which requires several pieces of siding to be removed. A siding removal tool makes it easy to remove siding from walls. 

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As a result, you will be able to continue working on the hole. You will need to seal the hole’s edges with some flashing tape to help waterproof it. 

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Step 6: Construct A J Channel Frame For The Garage Vent

The shutter vent should then be inserted and nailed to the wall studs. You can buy a shutter vent separately if your model does not come with one.

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After that, attach the J channel frame.

installing an exhaust fan in garage

Credit: justmeasuringup

This is how the vent will look from the inside:

garage exhaust fan installation

Credit: justmeasuringup

Step 7: Construct A Wooden Frame Spacer To Install The Exhaust Fan

You will then need to construct a framed wooden spacer for the garage wall exhaust fan.

The exhaust fan will need enough distance from the hole for the shutters to function properly, so you’ll need to build a 2x4s wooden frame between the wall and the fan.

Use the miter saw to cut some 2x4s to length. Using pocket hole screws, attach them to form a frame. 

Below is an image of the garage wall exhaust fan frame:

installing exhaust fan in garage

Credit: justmeasuringup

Finally, the exhaust fan is mounted on the wall. Attach the fan to the 2x4s frame and make sure the shutters open and close freely. Use heavy-duty screws to attach the fan to the 2x4s frame. The picture below shows a mounted garage wall exhaust fan (powered on) from the inside:

installing exhaust fan in garage

Credit: justmeasuringup

Check Out This Video On Youtube That Explains The Process Of Installing An Exhaust Fan In The Garage   

FAQs

1- Is it worth it to invest in a garage fan?

In order to improve your garage’s ventilation, you might benefit from installing a garage exhaust fan if it’s humid, hot, and uncomfortable. The system will help you get rid of moisture, heat, and airborne allergens and improve the quality and comfort of your garage’s air.

2- How many vents should I have for my garage? 

As a general rule of thumb, if the attic has a vapor barrier, one vent per 300 square feet of attic area is recommended. Otherwise, every 150 square feet should have one vent.

3- What causes my garage to become so hot in the summer?

In the summer, garages feel like saunas for two main reasons. Firstly, there is a lack of ventilation, and secondly, there is a lack of insulation. By installing an exhaust fan in the garage, you will be able to solve this issue and keep the garage cool and ventilated.

Final Thoughts

You can’t breathe properly in a garage or workshop if there is no ventilation. This is why exhaust fan installation in a garage is so important. It helps to remove carbon dioxide and other chemicals from the air. It also helps to reduce the moisture level that can be dangerous for your health and cause damage to your properties. Always remember to maintain your exhaust fan fitting regularly to make sure that it is always working properly. Hopefully, this review at Whatfans.com will assist you in installing an exhaust fan in the garage.

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Last update on 2023-02-02 at 17:40 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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