The basement is the most frequent place in the home, with poor ventilation, humidity, mold, and several other moisture problems. Because of these common issues basements face, basement ventilation systems are becoming more and more popular among contractors and homeowners.
If you are interested in learning about basement ventilation, keep reading. In this overview, we explain the purpose of basement ventilation systems, basement ventilation fans, and 10 types of ventilation fans on the market.
Without further ado, let’s learn about the best basement ventilation system.
What is a Basement Ventilation System?
The purpose of a basement ventilation system is to ventilate and provide airflow to your underground basement properly. Basements typically lack ventilation, resulting in poor airflow and many moisture-related issues, like mold and mildew.
By installing a ventilation system, however, you can bring airflow to your basement. With the help of the ventilation system, the basement will feel less humid and stuffy.
At the same time, the basement would experience less mold and mildew, and other issues related to poor ventilation and moisture.
Types of Basement Ventilation Systems
For years, contractors have been trying to figure out the best way to ventilate a basement. Given that basements are located underneath the ground, ventilating these areas is much more complicated than ventilating the rest of your house. As a result, there are different types of basement ventilation systems you can choose from.
Here are the two most popular:
Natural Ventilation
Natural ventilation depends on natural air currents using windows and vents. Some basements that are only partially underground can benefit from this ventilation type. However, basements fully underground are not suitable for natural ventilation. More so, some basements will need more than natural ventilation, especially if they are particularly moist.
Fans or Mechanical Basement Ventilation
Fans, or mechanical basement ventilation, are the top basement ventilation systems because they ventilate the airflow and protect against moisture buildup.
You can either install fans with a vent system or install fans strategically around the basement. Basements with natural ventilation often need fans, too, making fans an integral part of basement ventilation.
Fans are preferred between these two basement ventilation types because they ventilate the air and protect against moisture. They also do not let in bugs and other critters you want to keep outside your house.
What does a Basement Ventilation Fan do?
A basement ventilation fan forces airflow in an otherwise stagnant room. Depending on your budget, using a basement ventilation fan can be as simple as putting a box fan in the corner of the room and facing it outwards. For more technical purposes, you can install an exhaust fan and ventilation pipe into your basement.
The more technical form of basement ventilation fans includes both fans and vents. The point of these vents is to provide an exit point so that existing basement air can leave while fresh air is brought in. How many fans and vents you need will depend solely on the size of your basement.
The best ventilation fan system should include a humidity sensor. This humidity sensor will include easy automation, meaning that the fan and vent system will turn on whenever a certain moisture level is detected.
Depending on the design of your basement, fans can be installed in existing window cavities. If these cavities do not exist inside your basement, part of the basement wall may need to get cut so that the fans and ventilation can be placed on the wall.
Pros and Cons of Basement Ventilation Fans
In terms of basement ventilation systems, ventilation fans are the best option for your basement. That is because these fans increase airflow and fight against extra moisture. Even if you have a natural ventilation system, you will likely need ventilation fans, making the fans the best option.
More so, ventilation fans can exhaust out radon and gases. Given that radon is one of the most common cancer-causing gases in America, ventilation fans’ ability to dispel this poisonous material makes them even more advantageous.
Like anything else, however, basement ventilation fans have both pros and cons. Below, you can find a complete list of the pros and cons of installing basement ventilation fans.
Pros
- Increases airflow
- Fights against moisture
- Fights against mold and mildew
- Dispels radon
- Lets in fewer pests than natural options
Cons
- More expensive
- Vents bring in humid air in humid environments or rainy days
- May require you to cut out a part of your wall
Best Basement Ventilation System
There are a variety of other basement fans you can choose from. Here are our top ten favorites, ranging from basic box fans to more intensive basement fans designed for crawl spaces and other moist areas.
1. AC Infinity Airtitan, Basement Ventilator Fan
- A fan system designed to provide ventilation and moisture control for crawl spaces and basements.
- Reduces humidity by creating exhaust airflow to expel foul odors and stale air from your home.
- Programmable controller with corded probe, can adjust airflow in response to temperatures and humidity.
- Heavy-duty stainless steel frame with IP-44 rated fans to be highly resistant to liquids and dust.
- Includes Wall Adapter | Design: Exhaust | Dims.: 18 x 9 x 1.6 in. | Airflow: 240 CFM | Noise: 32 Dba
The AC Infinity Airtitan Basement Ventilator Fan is a top ventilator fan on the market. It has a hefty airflow design, complete with temperature control and dampness control. Not only does this ventilator fan increase airflow in your basement, but it also stops mold growth and filters out pollutants like wood gas or radon.
To ensure you get the result you want, it comes with a thermostat, humidity control, and personalize fan speed rates. These are different features that are unique to only high-end basement ventilator options. It also has different modes, including eco-mode. It even comes with backup memory.
2. Durablow MFB M2D Stainless Steel Fans
- ▼ Air Out ▼ Dimensions L x W x H: 18” x 9” x 2”. ▼ Seven Leaves AC Axial Fan. (Dual fans with power cord). ▼ Length of Power Cord: 7-feet.
- ▼ Freeze protection thermostat. ▼ UL listed components used. ▼ Measure your crawl space vent opening size before purchasing.
- ▼ Benefits: 1. Reduces moisture in crawl spaces / foundation to protect home and occupants. 2. Increases air circulation to prevent condensation and wood rot. 3. Exhausts vent radon gas, treated wood gases and odors, prevents migrating into living areas. 4. Exchange the outdoor and indoor air, improve room air quality and balance the humidity.
- ▼ It helps to reduce radon level in crawl space, since radon (density) is heavier than air, radon will precipitate in lower floors. ▼ 100% Stainless Steel 304 Grade panel & housing box for longer life in humid environment. (Better than SS #430 and much better than other brands' Galvanized Steel.)
If you live in an area with a lot of moisture, especially in your basement, you will likely appreciate this Durablow Fan. This fan is made from 100% 304-grade stainless steel, ensuring that the unit lasts no matter the moisture level.
With the vent, the system decreases the moisture levels in the basement and crawl space. It also vents out radon gas and any other odors you don’t like. At the same time, the fans increase airflow, which prevents condensation, mold, mildew, and rot.
3. Tjernlund X2D Model Products Xhanger Reversible Basement Fans
If you are willing to pay a pretty penny for your basement ventilation fan, we recommend the Tjernlund X2D. It is incredibly high-end, with the ability to both dispel damp air and bring in fresh air. Of course, this high-end fan comes with a hefty price tag.
In addition to being reversible, this fan has a thermostat, humidity control, and magnetic draft stops. The magnetic draft stop stops odors and harmful gases from entering your home from the outside, which is a plus.
4. Glass Block Factory Basement Vent
- Maintenance free UV resistance PVC material
- Double pane, frosted glass sash door with extruded bubble seal on perimeter ensures great thermal properties
- Removable insect screen
- Actual size 17 1/4"L x 7 3/4"H x 3 1/8"D
- Made in the U.S.A.
The Glass Block Factory Basement Vent ensures that the system is energy-efficient, secure, and transparent. On top of its unique look, the vent can quickly vent out any excess moisture, smells, stagnant air, and more.
During the winter months, the vent closes, causing the seals to be closed completely. This keeps it safe from outside elements. At the same time, it ensures that the basement and crawl space stays relatively warm during the winter, lowering your energy bills.
5. Elite-Air Dual Fan Ventilator
- Specifically designed to withstand damp environments
- Replacement parts are field replaceable
The Elite-Air Dual Fan Ventilator is a pretty good ventilation fan system. It has dehumidistat capabilities, allowing the unit to both bring in fresh air from the outside while exhausting humidity and moisture from the inside.
In addition to dispelling moisture, this fan ventilator can dispel radon, wood gases, and odors outside your home. One thing that makes this ventilator system unique is that all of its parts are easily replaceable, making it easy to fix your fan in the case that it should break.
6. Tru North Vent Company Garage Vent 300 CFM
- Remove garage moisture and humidity!
- Dry out garage floor puddles
- Improve garage air quality
Even though the Tru North Vent Company Garage Vent is specifically designed for garages, it will work perfectly for your basement as well.
This is one of the best ventilation fans. We have placed it towards the bottom of our list because it is designed for garages, not basements. Bigger basements may need two or more of these systems.
Nevertheless, this garage vent easily vents out moisture, humidity, and odors. It even turns on automatically whenever certain humidity levels are reached. It also comes with some protection for the metal fan and plastic housing, which help keep the entire system safe.
7. AC Infinity Airtitan T3
- 6” high-airflow fan designed to help control temperature and moisture levels in crawlspaces and basements.
- Reduces humidity by creating exhaust airflow to expel foul odors and stale air from your home.
- Dynamic temperature, humidity & VPD programming, with timers, cycles, scheduling, and minimum speed.
- Remotely connect to our WiFi app to access advance programs, view climate data, and set automation.
- Heavy-duty anodized aluminum frame with IP-55-rated fan to be highly resistant to liquids and dust.
The AC Infinity Airtitans certainly are impressive, which is why we have two models on our list. This model is specifically designed for small, enclosed spaces, like garages, attics, or basements. It’s incredibly affordable and super small, making it easy to use and install.
The system includes an LCD display and thermostat. It also includes an alarm, backup, and timer. In addition to all these fancy features, this basement ventilation fan also offers extreme durability despite its affordable price.
8. iPower Shutter Exhaust Fan
- APPLICATIONS: This 12 inch shutter/exhaust fan with automatic Shutters can help replace your ac unit by cooling your garage, attic, greenhouse shop or chicken coop.
- INSTALLATION: Can easily be added to a window opening or opening in the wall along with a thermostat to optimize cooling.
- COOLIN AND GVENTILATION: This industrial grade shutter fan can solve all of your cooling and ventilation needs.
- RUST PROOF ALUMINUM SHUTTERS: This shutter fan is made with corrosion resistant aluminium shutters and blades. This provides longevity to the fan and will prevent any rust from forming.
- 120Volts, 60W, 0.5A,1620RPM, 940CFM.
The iPower Shutter Exhaust Fan is a super powerful ventilation system. It has all of the features of many of our abovementioned fans, and it is more powerful. We have placed it lower on our list because most basements do not need a ventilation system of this size.
For larger basements or areas, however, this certainly is a great exhaust option. It’s easy to use and install, though you do need an opening. It also shuts off on its own, meaning you do not have to do it with the system manually.
9. SAILFLO Exhaust Shutter Fan
- ★Large Airflow -- Exhaust 500m³/h(300 CFM), air intake 380m³/h, fast speed and the thick vanes make it more stable.
- ★Can Exhaust In Reverse -- It is a 2-way linkage type ventilation fan.In addition to exhausting smoke, it can eliminate sweltering hot air masses, and inhale cool nature wind to achieve ventilation.
- ★Durable Motor-- High-quality wear-resistant sleeve bearing motor, which can continually work for 9,000 hours, quiet and stable.
- ★Overheat Protection Easy Operation - with overheat protector, efficient temperature fuse, safer to useThe first pull, the fan runs and exhausts outward. The second pull, the fan reversely runs, and the air is inward. The third pull, the ventilation fan stops running and the louver will close.
- ★Easy To Install -- Applied to vents, kitchen, bathroom, shopping mall, bedroom, living room, 33" UL certified power cord with plug and the detachable panel make it easy to install and clean.
- ★Note -- 8 inches is the diameter of the propeller. Please check the specific installation dimensions at the PRODUCT DESCRIPTION on this page before placing an order.
The SAILFLO Exhaust Shutter Fan certainly is not the most attractive thing in the world. If we’re being honest, it isn’t created with your basement in mind either. Despite these two facts, it easily removes humidity and odor from any basement.
Because of its size, the shutter fan can produce a hefty airflow. It even can exhaust in both directions, which is unique for fans of this kind. The fan is also incredibly durable, with the ability to work up to 9,000 hours. On top of all these features, it is affordable.
10. PELONIS 3-Speed Box Fan
- 3-SPEED FAN CONTROL: Rotary 3-speed fan control makes it easy to optimize air circulation and airflow to suit any home or work space.
- SAFE AND DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: The high-performance blades on this fan allow for smooth operation and are covered with a safety grill for protection while in use.
- SAVES MONEY AND ENERGY: This 3-speed box fan helps save money and reduce energy consumption by assisting air conditioners with full-force air circulation.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: The lightweight construction and convenient carrying handle makes it easy to transport as needed.
- MANUFACTURER WARRANTY: With confidence in the quality of our product, Pelonis offers a 1-year manufacturer with your purchase of any of our product.
Finally, we’ve gotten to the last ventilation system on our list. This option is ideal if you don’t want to invest in an actual ventilation system. The PELONIS 3-Speed Box Fan is simple, making it affordable, easy to use, and transportable.
However, this is not just your average box fan. This one includes three speeds, allowing full force circulation. The air can even be cool because it has an air conditioner feature built within it.
Of course, a box fan isn’t going to ventilate your basement like the other options on this list, but this may be a great option if you are on an extreme budget or need a temporary fix before selecting the right ventilation fan.
Given that this option is so affordable and valuable in a variety of settings, you certainly can’t go wrong using this as a temporary fan until you find something better. Place it in the corner of your basement and face it towards the inside of the room to create airflow throughout the entire basement.
Summary
All around, basements often feel stuffy and humid, resulting in many unwanted consequences, such as mold, mildew, and foul odors. Installing a ventilation system in your basement can help mitigate all of these issues and more.
Although there are multiple basement ventilation options, fans or mechanical ventilation is the best. This system will create airflow, making the basement feel less humid and stuffy. At the same time, one of these systems can exhaust out radon, gases, and foul odors, making your overall home safer and more appealing.
Luckily, basement ventilation fans come in many designs and price points. Whether you are looking for a temporary fix or a longer-term choice, any of the 10 basement ventilation fans we recommended can be a great way to bring airflow into the basement and home you love.
