Looking for exhaust tips

Logan

I recently moved to a new house and my brew rig it setup in the basement. I'm trying to work out boil water vapor exhaust. I've got a window right next to the pot so this should be pretty easy.
Has anyone else brewed with a similar configuration indoors? How serious did you need to get with the exhaust near a window like this. I can manage about 10x20" of space when the window is opened. In particular I'm wondering how open windows would do with hot steam in winter. Seems like it could condense a lot around the window and drywall.
Thanks.

tracer-bullet

It'll condense on cold metal window bits in the winter for certain. Drywall maybe depending on how cold things get and how humid you allow it to become.
A fan in the window will help as long as you have somewhere for that air to come in from (nearby window perhaps). Not great though is it means in the summer you pull in hot, humid air and in the winter dry but cold air.
Check out steam condensers. You can DIY or get a kit. They work really well. It's not super water friendly but there are ways to recapture / reuse it and in Indiana you might not be too concerned (unlike say folks in Phoenix).

Logan

Ya it's not too hard to imagine those issues you mentioned especially in winter. I'm doing a boil test now with a small fan and the window cracked just to see.
Steam condensers were brand new when I built this rig a few years ago. Is that the way things are going? Unless I get really lucky with a small fan in the window I'm looking at a hood/duct/fan plumbed into the window frame. Maybe it's time to just move past that game with a condenser.

doug293cz

I'd recommend looking into steam condensers.
Brew on

vb44gpxrlss.gif

grampamark

From the thread title I was going to suggest the local NAPA.  

tracer-bullet

And, I think, still have the same issue with bringing air into the room or actually the whole house to make up for it.

IslandLizard

I mount a box fan on the inside of the opened top section of a double hung kitchen window. The openings on the sides are covered with some foam core board. Works well here in the Baltimore/Annapolis area in MD, during all seasons.

DAVID-C

I have much the same problem and have yet to address it for my situation. I will be watching the coments on this issue for some help myself. I had planned to constuct an aluminum Vent hood and use a Furnace exhaust fan that I have but I am not sure if this will provide enough venting for my recently constructed 10 Gallon electric system so it will involve trial and no doubt, some error's along the way.
Dave Chapman

matt_m

Forget the idea and get a steam condenser. I regretted installing duct work once I finally got my condenser up and running.

SFC-Rudy

Buy a steam condenser. I dicked around trying to build this and that, none worked, and I probably spent more money than a condenser cost.
Buy a condenser, you will not be disappointed.

k-daddy

This was my solution... 16" trash can top (used Dremel to cut hole) connected to 6" tabbed elbow, then to exhaust fan. Attached funnel drain for condensation that collects in the fan housing (orient fan so electrical components are on top, away from condensation). Works great.

Amazon.com: Behrens Replacement Lid for 10-Gallon Locking Lid Can : Home & KitchenBuy Behrens Replacement Lid for 10-Gallon Locking Lid Can: Lids - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchaseswww.amazon.com

44znr2srxq5.jpg

Full Tab Round to Round Adjustable Takeoff - Southwark Metal Mfg. Co.Full Tab Round to Round Adjustable Takeoff by Southwark Metal Mfg. Co.www.southwarkmetal.comAir King IL6 240 CFM Ceiling Mounted In-Line Exhaust Fan with 6 Ducting, NA - - Amazon.comAir King IL6 240 CFM Ceiling Mounted In-Line Exhaust Fan with 6 Ducting, NA - - Amazon.comwww.amazon.com