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What are Fan Boxes with Untempered Make-up Air?

Fan Boxes, specifically designed for untempered make-up air, are essential HVAC components that replace air exhausted from a building. "Untempered" means the incoming air is not heated or cooled before being introduced into the space. These systems are crucial for maintaining proper air pressure, indoor air quality, and the efficient operation of exhaust systems in commercial, industrial, and laboratory settings.

How Do They Work?

These fan boxes directly draw outside air and deliver it indoors to offset air removed by exhaust fans, kitchen hoods, or industrial processes. By balancing airflow, they prevent negative pressure, which can cause backdrafting, difficulty opening doors, and reduced efficiency of combustion appliances.

Key Applications:

• Commercial kitchens (to balance kitchen hood exhaust)

• Industrial workshops and factories

• Laboratories and cleanrooms

• Parking garages

• Any building with significant exhaust requirements

Benefits of Installing a Dedicated Untempered Make-up Air System:

• Maintains Neutral Pressure: Prevents negative air pressure problems.

• Ensures Safety: Allows exhaust systems and combustion equipment to operate correctly.

• Improves Indoor Air Quality: Provides a source of fresh air exchange.

• Energy Efficiency: Can be more efficient than conditioning all make-up air in certain climates or applications, though it may increase heating/cooling loads on the main system.

• Compliance: Helps meet building codes and ventilation standards.

Important Considerations:

• Comfort: Introducing cold or hot outside air directly can cause occupant discomfort in adjacent spaces. Strategic placement and diffusion are key.

• Load on Primary HVAC: Untempered air increases the heating or cooling demand on the building's main system.

• Filtration: Most units include filters to clean the incoming outside air.

• Controls: Often integrated with exhaust fan controls to operate only when needed.

Is an Untempered Make-up Air Fan Box Right for Your Building?

If your facility has high exhaust rates, this system is likely necessary. Consult with a professional HVAC engineer to design a solution that properly calculates the required airflow, considers climate impact, and integrates seamlessly with your existing ventilation.

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