From 1970, low voltage subfloor ventilation systems have been used to provide damp solutions in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide and Perth.
Detection of subfloor ventilation problems:
According to Envirofan , when the house has been completely closed for 2 weeks or more, a subfloor ventilation issue may present itself when a noticeable musty smell permeates the living area. This may become more apparent in different parts of the home.
It is a good indicator that where the strong smell appears, is where a subfloor ventilation system should be installed. A musty smell translates to high humidity below floor level, which penetrates into the living area. High humidity will encourage termites sooner than later and by the reaction of organic material interacting with humid air this lets off a pungent odour which is a health hazard to our respiratory tract.
Choices in subfloor ventilation products:
Subfloor ventilation systems come basically in two models, 12 volt and 240 volt systems. 240 volt systems comprises of a 150-200mm fan that is attached to ducting and branches going to various underfloor areas. It can be likened to a sort of an octopus.
These arms or branches can penetrate through sub-walls. Being one fan it can have a noise rating of between 48-60dba. These are usually installed away from the high traffic areas eg-living room, kitchen, dining, theatre where it may cause a disturbance and located under bedrooms as the systems are operated by a timer and do not operate at night. Low voltage subfloor ventilation systems operate at 27dba. This is half the noise rating of a 240 volt system. So no area inside the house is compromised from noise infractions from the subfloor ventilation system.
Are 12volt subfloor systems powerful enough to provide damp solutions?
Two Envirofan systems can equal what a 240 volt system does. If a 240 volt inline fan was mounted in the air with no ducting attached it would gather around 12m3/min of air in that central location. If the same was done with the two Envirofan, these can be placed in different locations allowing the air to be gathered more expansively. In terms of power consumption, a comparison of low voltage subfloor systems will consume 80% less power than a 240 volt system. If solar-power is used this would be even more advantageous.
The Installation:
240 volt in-line systems have ducted branch lines that go to various underfloor sections.12 volt subfloor systems does not usually use ducting. According to Envirofan the airflow should travel freely and without obstructions.
Envirofan low voltage systems usually replace external vents that are incorporated in the construction of the dwelling. By replacing certain vents Envirofan do not add extra stuff to complete their objective that is providing damp solutions and effective subfloor ventilation.