Basement Ventilation for the Villa

[Buildtech2]

Hi Everybody,

One of my client is complaining for the unpleasant smell in the basement floor of the villa which was air conditioned with concealed and mini split units. The basement floor is only half below the ground which is dedicated for all recreational activities and indoor games. Smoking is also allowed in this area.

Previously, a wall mounted exhaust fan was installed but client is still having complains of unpleasant smell and he also think that basement floor to be properly ventilated.

One of the option which I thought is to provide ventilation with small 100% roof top package unit with duct-work which can be installed on the roof. The fresh air can be distributed through duct work in the entire basement.I am also suggesting to install air cleaner which can remove air pollution, harmful gasses, smoke and unpleasant odors.

I would appreciate if anybody can give smart ventilation strategy/idea than this, which can be energy efficient and feasible, please let me know.

 

[Drazen]

First of all, what you describe is a smell issue, and you would firstly need proper scrutiny to make sure that smell is related to ventilation, and than you can eventually address it as a ventilation issue.

So, you have to find out source/cause of smell first.

 

[IRstuff]

Smoking leaves oily residues that cannot be simply ventilated away. There may also be odors inherent in the earth beneath and around the basement,

TTFN
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert!
faq731-376 forum1529

 

[urgross]

Or they might be eating too much chipotle.

 

[Buildtech2]

Thanks everybody.

The smell is not related with any drainage or any really bad commodity but as we enter into the basement, we don't feel fresh. As explained by IRstuff, the smoking leaves oily residue that cannot be simply ventilated away.The smell may also be related to the inherent odor beneath the earth, odor may also be related to the old carpet or sofa set or due to sick building syndrome but how can we get rid of this issue. Any smart idea please?

 

[MiniMe4Eng]

I just solved my problem two days ago, read that maybe you have a similar issue. It was posted in this forum

 

[IRstuff]

HVAC systems have smells of their own, related to molds or other pesky organisms. Likewise, a previously damp basement will have gotten molds growing ANYWHERE, from carpet to furniture to walls. You may need to get some sort of mold abatement in some cases. In general, odors from such organisms require removing and burning the hiding places and/or liberal amounts of bleach. If there are new plastics in the basement, they can outgas for a while, releasing annoying, and possibly toxic vapors.

Non-basement locations can be subject to annoying odors:

http://www.cheatsheet.com/stocks/ap...-to-retail-store-odor-problem.html/?a=viewall

TTFN
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert!
faq731-376 forum1529

 

[IRstuff]

Are there teenagers living there; they sometimes have unique BO due to changes in hormones.

TTFN
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert!
faq731-376 forum1529

 

[Buildtech2]

Many thanks for the valuable responses from all.

I think thorough investigation to be carried out for possible dampness in the basement such as any previous dampness which has generated molds or fungus on the carpet, walls, furniture. The condensate drain from split units also to be looked at.

It was also noticed that basement was rarely used by occupants for last 10 years. most of the time, it was unoccupied without air conditioning and ventilation which might have generated molds due to hot and humid conditions prevailing in this area for several years.

I will investigate and come back soon to resolve this issue.

 

[EnergyProfessional]

If you ventilate the basement in humid climate, yo make it even worse since you bring in warm moist air, that will condense on cold basement floor or wall. At minimum RH will be high = mold growth.
Review psychrometric chart and consider basement temps and you see the problem with just ventilating with OA.

 

[chicopee]

Do you have dogs, cats or other pets in the house? If so may be the basement should undergo a thorough cleaning before investing in additional equipment.