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Big Unit
11-02-2009, 02:35 PM
I have a customer that did a "do-it-yourself-project" and put a small addition onto their home. They cut the end of the duct and extended it into this space. The problem is that the air isn't making it their. The original install didn't include any dampers so I can't balance it properly and am trying to find a quick and easy solution here. I have never used inline booster fans and would like everyones opinion of them. The duct where they would be installed is 10"x8" so what I was thinking was to install two 4" round inline fans. Your comments are appreciated.

Thanks
the dangling wrangler
11-02-2009, 03:09 PM
No quick and easy solution here. Sorry. You could probably put ten fans in there, and still not solve the problem.
ga-hvac-tech
11-02-2009, 03:15 PM
Yeah, Wrangler is right on this one (not that he is ever wrong... right John...).

Tuff to modify ductwork without changing lots of things...

The HO might try to close/adjust things here and there.
francosair
11-02-2009, 03:23 PM
No quick and easy solution here. Sorry. You could probably put ten fans in there, and still not solve the problem.
Correct!
the dangling wrangler
11-02-2009, 03:25 PM
Yeah, Wrangler is right on this one (not that he is ever wrong... right John...).

Tuff to modify ductwork without changing lots of things...

The HO might try to close/adjust things here and there.

Well, Thank You John.

We all know the duct needs to be revamped , if this is ever going to work correctly.

The only thing I've ever done with booster fans, is remove them. And do whatever modifications were necessary. Never cheap. Never easy.
ga-hvac-tech
11-02-2009, 03:43 PM
Well, Thank You John.

We all know the duct needs to be revamped , if this is ever going to work correctly.

The only thing I've ever done with booster fans, is remove them. And do whatever modifications were necessary. Never cheap. Never easy.

Now you and Cindy owe me dinner for boosting your reputation online... LOL

Dad is doing MUCH better, he is full of pickles and vinegar now... I think he is getting well...
the dangling wrangler
11-02-2009, 03:52 PM
Now you and Cindy owe me dinner for boosting your reputation online... LOL

Dad is doing MUCH better, he is full of pickles and vinegar now... I think he is getting well...

OK. Next time you're in town, you can collect on that.

Good to hear that about your dad.


Hijack over!
beenthere
11-02-2009, 04:44 PM
Might also have a return problem.
Hard to supply additional air. If you don't have additional return.
the dangling wrangler
11-02-2009, 04:46 PM
Might also have a return problem.
Hard to supply additional air. If you don't have additional return.

Good point.
dash
11-02-2009, 07:57 PM
www.fantech.net for booster fans (inline fans) that actually move air.

Return check is a good suggestion.

Running a flex duct from the plenum, to near where the added duct starts,will increase air flow too,if space allows.

link corrected ,I hope.
the dangling wrangler
11-02-2009, 08:35 PM
Bad link. But, I still don't like 'em. I'd install one but, it would be under duress.
Wheelbaron
11-02-2009, 08:55 PM
Only place I ever saw a "booster" work was on a fresh air intake for a restaurant. 14" spiral with the original MAU, but due to remodel they extended it about 20 feet. They added a booster about halfway and set it up to run at the same static pressure as the MAU.

All the residential ones I have seen were nothing more than a big obstruction that makes noise.
dash
11-02-2009, 11:51 PM
I think it's www.fantech.net ,not propellar fan blades,vanaxial,I think.
the dangling wrangler
11-03-2009, 12:02 AM
I think it's www.fantech.net ,not propellar fan blades,vanaxial,I think.

Good link.

But, I think you'll agree. If you design the duct system, a booster fan wouldn't ever be necessary.
dash
11-03-2009, 12:32 AM
Good link.

But, I think you'll agree. If you design the duct system, a booster fan wouldn't ever be necessary.

True,but if you didn't design or install it,you still might have to FIX it.
the dangling wrangler
11-03-2009, 12:52 AM
True,but if you didn't design or install it,you still might have to FIX it.

Fair enough.
Xavier
11-03-2009, 05:02 PM
As I have stated here for years “A booster fan will reduce flow but may increase velocity!” :)
Carnak
11-03-2009, 05:36 PM
I think it's www.fantech.net ,not propellar fan blades,vanaxial,I think.
they make good fans dash

I would say they are more like backward inclined

I usually use them for fresh air fans to boost up the fresh air intakes when they are undersized as well as for bathroom exhausts.

I used it as a fresh air intake in my own home.

I use the larger fans for commercial jobs, schools. They give excellent control of fresh air with their speed controllers.
kwilcox
11-12-2009, 09:05 PM
second that. They can be noisy though if not properly installed with vibration dampening mounts per Fantech's instructions.
newwindblowing
12-06-2009, 12:27 AM
As I have stated here for years “A booster fan will reduce flow but may increase velocity!” :)
please explain. does all of this point to --do without. have 2nd floor bath over garage with supply that is last on the run from opposite end of basement. had robin hood which went up in smoke several years ago. now planning to have new system installed and need fix for comfort after 20 years.
Big Unit
12-06-2009, 10:29 AM
In the situation that I had it worked out. We needed to pull air from other ducts and send it through the farthest one from the unit. It should have been done properly with air balancing but the system did not have any balancing dampers. We needed a quick solution too get him through this winter than next spring he will be getting a new system.

If your getting a new system be sure that your contractor knows about the situation. Chances are they will make a few modifications to your ductwork and you'll be all set.
newwindblowing
12-06-2009, 10:40 AM
sure hope so; 20 more years of cold biscuits in the morning = domestic warning.