Studio Air - Keeping Things Fresh

I built a studio approximately 2.5 years ago. I didn't have a lot of cash, and the building was lax when it came to building to code. despite the corners I had to cut, I ended up with a great space and I am slowly improving it as the years go by and I make money. one main problem I am havin now has to do with my studio air. I have a split unit (compressor, and two cooling units in the live/control room). no problems with keeping the air cool, however I have no air exchange method for taking the stale air out and moving fresh air in. so now, obviously, I would like to find a solution to this problem. do any of you know of an inexpensive or cost efficient unit for air exchange? or another solution? I found this on line: http://www.smarthome.com/3033a.html has anybody heard of this? thanks for any help you can provide! oto p.s. I did read the post regarding required information prior to posting, but it seems this request might not apply. I'm sorry if this is posted in the wrong section as well.

Yes - that's a serious problem. Musos playing hard consume oxygen and if it's low they become sluggish. That's the problem with the split units in that they don't give fresh air. What you need is a fan mounted that will bring fresh air in and another duct to force air out. A cheap, yet efficient way is to build your own ducts out of MDF, Plywood or chip board, and line them with rigid insulation to make them sound attenuating. A simple fan mounted at the end of one of them will create the airflow. I've attached a drawing of a simple aircon unit install, modify it by putting a fan in the duct where the grill is and leave out the aircon unit. cheers john

thanks so much for the advice.. this is really helpful. dunno if you had a chance to check out the link I sent, but your method doesn't seem to require any additional devices. thanks again! oto

The unit you found is a great concept. It's known as a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV), or an Energy Ventilator (ERV), depending on your locale. (Your profile doesn't say where in the world you are located... :roll:) Here's another manufacturer of that, along with good information on how they work.. In short, they cycle fresh air while saving energy. In the heating season, the air being expelled warms the air coming in without actually mixing with it. In the cooling season, heat is transferred from incoming air to outgoing air, which has an effect of cooling the incoming air by some extent. There is also humidity and condensation to factor in, which is the distinction between HRV and ERV. If you do a search for HRV on the forum, you'll turn up lots of threads where it has been discussed. (I think most are from me. :twisted:) Here's an example of an HRV actually installed and in use in a studio context. Although HRVs and ERVs are not cheap, their saving grace is the fact that you're supposed to recoup their upfront cost in energy savings over time. Plus, I think they offer greater comfort. Hope that helps! 8) --Keith :mrgreen:

this is such useful information. thanks so much. I thought I was gonna have to spend a fortune to sort out my air situation. I think I'm gonna go with the hrv solution. it's not too pricey, and it seems to do what it does efficiently. thanks for the fantech link... I called them directly and they have a compact product good for 1,400 sq. feet (which is perfect for both my rooms). the other company has a model which is cheaper, however it runs at 50 decibels which might be too loud. the fantech support person told me their unit runs pretty quiet (he said not as loud as a compressor for an ac). so that's good enough for me to pay a few hundred dollars extra. also, thanks for that previous thread. the pics were super helpful too. I'm in nyc btw. :) if you think of something I'm overlooking please let me know. many thanks guys! oto

Glad to be of help!! :) Please post back with your experiences. We love pictures and, as you can see, detailing your problem and solution will serve many who come along after the fact. 8) --Keith :mrgreen:

hi keith- I will definitely get you guys pictures and some feedback after the installation. it would be my pleasure. one last question though, and maybe you can help me. I'm installing the erv/hrv in new york city. one company said I should use an hrv, another company is saying an erv would work. based on one of the company links you sent (fantech), it looks like I might be residing in a locale where both might work (though when I called in and spoke to their representative, he said an hrv should do). would you happen to have an idea about whether I need an erv or hrv based on my locale? thanks. oto

I was wondering the same thing, as it appears you're right on the cusp. I would assume an HRV would do well, given the advice you already received, and I figure the added benefit of ERV diminishes gradually as we travel northward. --Keith :mrgreen: