Grow Room Ventilation Information Fresh Air
Good air circulation is an important consideration in any growing environment. Usually an extractor fan is used to bring fresh air in from outside the grow room & another extractor fan is used to remove stale air from the growroom. In some instances it is possible to use only one extractor which is used to remove (extract) stale air from the growroom & fresh air is replaced naturally through vents, windows, walls etc. One of the main reasons extractors are used is to ensure that there is always an adequate supply of CO2 in the growroom. In an enclosed environment your plants will quickly use up all available CO2 which will lead to slowing of growth. Odour Control
Unwanted odours are one of the biggest challenges to the indoor gardener. Whether you are growing chilli peppers, orchids or your favorite herbs or spices. Air extraction is a critical element to a healthy growroom/greenhouse & should be used whenever possible. Extracted air from a growroon/greenhouse can often be quite pungent. Utilise a carbon filter to remove any air borne smell associated with your crop. A carbon filter works by using activated granules of charcoal through which the smelly air from your crop is extracted through with the use of an extraction fan (such as our LTI range). Use a Carbon Filter on the inlet side of an extraction fan for odour free air on the outlet. Carbon Filters are probably the best way of removing odours from any area as they are machine packed with high quality charcoal. Charcoal has long been recognised as one of the best vehicles for air filtering. Different sizes available for different sized growing rooms. Carbon Filters are easy to install & operate & best of all require no electricity & are quiet to run. Think about using the odour free air to pump warm air (it's always nice & warm in growrooms) into other areas as added heating in winter. Carbon Filter Positioning
The best place for the suspension of a carbon filter is near to the ceiling & must always be suspend within the grow room or greenhouse, never outside. You will need to attach your filter to a suitable extractor fan. Usually the connection is made using a length of ducting or reducer/connector & ducting tape. Carbon Filters come complete with a fabric sleeve. This is to protect the carbon from dust particles which may damage the carbon & reduce the effectiveness of the filter. It is important to ensure that the fabric sleeve is always fitted. Once the sleeve becomes clogged & black in colour it is time to change for a replacement, which are readily available & inexpensive. If you keep your fabric sleeve in good order the charcoal within will be effective for at least 12 months under normal conditions (in fact the carbon in these filters are known to last as long as 18months & longer!!!). After this time you may notice a reduction in effectiveness - this is normal but means it is time for the filter to be repacked with fresh charcoal. Soon we will be supplying a re-fill service where by your filter will be repacked with fresh charcoal.
Note: Ask for a copy of our ready reckoner to ensure that you get the right fan & filter to match your room size. Matching the fan & filter to the room size will help to maintain longevity of your filter & fan.