Indoor Brewing Ventilation Expenses: An Examination of the Price Tag
In the heart of Salem, Oregon, Ryan Oxton, the Market Development Manager at Spike, has shared his experience and costs of installing a vent hood for his home brewery at Old Standby Brewing. This installation proved to be a valuable solution for managing steam and ensuring a dry brewing space, a common issue faced by home brewers during electric brewing.
Ryan's vent hood setup is similar to those found in restaurants over grills, but with a few key differences to handle the specific needs of a home brewery, including moisture management. The vent hood he chose was a Canarm 12" light industrial 3-stage fan with a weather hood, which cost him $220. For his custom sheet-metal hood, he paid $240, and the cost for FRP paneling and adhesive was $170.
The installation process involved several steps. First, an assessment and planning were carried out to measure the brewing area and determine venting needs. Ryan then selected a suitable vent hood model for his space and brewing setup. The electrical work followed, ensuring proper connections for the vent hood fan and any lighting.
Next, ductwork was installed to route exhaust air outside. This often requires cutting through walls or ceilings. The vent hood was then securely mounted above the brewing area at an appropriate height. Finally, the system was tested for proper ventilation, airflow, and electrical safety.
If Ryan had hired someone for the installation, the estimated cost for labor would have been around $500. However, he chose to handle the installation himself, saving on labor costs, and sharing his experiences and related fees to help others in the brewing community.
The grand total for Ryan's vent hood installation was $1,130, providing a valuable insight into the costs and steps involved in installing a vent hood for electric home brewing systems. While these costs and steps represent standard practices and estimates, for detailed information specific to Ryan’s method, it may be best to consult directly with Old Standby Brewing or local experts in Salem familiar with home brewing ventilation systems.
By remedying the problem of steam in a home brewery, Ryan's vent hood installation not only keeps the space dry but also prevents potential issues such as moisture buildup on ceilings and walls, mold and mildew growth, and unchecked steam that can lead to further complications. This practical solution serves as a helpful guide for home brewers looking to improve their brewing environments.
Adopting a home-and-garden project, Ryan Oxton, the Market Development Manager at Spike, applied technology in his home brewing lifestyle by installing a Canarm 12" light industrial 3-stage fan vent hood over his brew day area, costing him $220. His DIY mentality allowed him to save on labor costs and share his experience and related costs with the brewing community, totaling $1,130 for the complete installation.
