How To Ventilate a Smoking Room

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  • 4-12 hours
  • Intermediate
  • $180-350
What You'll Need
Stanley knife
Ready-mixed cement
Wire strippers
Voltage detector
Vent panels or air bricks
Exhaust fan
Wall-mounted extractor fan
Foam insulation
Tape measure
A-frame ladder

Though a smoking room is an ideal location in which to entertain friends and family, the seclusion from the rest of the property can create a situation where the space becomes stuffy and smoky. Prevent this occurrence by installing an efficient method of ventilation.

Step 1 - Assess the Smoking Room

The manner in which you ventilate your smoking room will depend on the location of it within your home. For example, a ventilation method you use for a room at the side of the house may not be suitable for a room at the front of the house. You will also need to note the construction of the property to determine the extent of work that you are prepared to undertake.

Step 2 - Consider Basic Ventilation

white fan

If you want to avoid any construction work in your smoking room and open windows are insufficient, consider setting up an exhaust fan by an open window. This will create a negative pressure in the room to direct any unwanted haze toward the atmosphere outside. A fan will produce better results than simply opening a window.

Step 3 - Fit Vents into the Walls

Whether due to security or adverse weather conditions, you may not always want to open windows. Fitting vents within the walls can also increase ventilation. Because heat and smoke tend to rise, you should fit vents high up on the wall of the smoking room to create a point at which smoke can leave the room and air can circulate.

Measure the size of the vent and mark the wall with the appropriate dimensions. If the wall covering requires it, use a Stanley knife and a straightedge to cut it out. This step will give you direct access to the masonry so you can position a chisel in order to chip away a gap. You can then fit the vent into place before you seal the border with cement or foam insulation, depending on the size of the gap.

Step 4 - Install an Extractor Fan

ceiling exhaust fan

In the event that your smoking room would benefit from an electric-powered extractor fan, you may find it worthwhile to contact a professional if you are unsure where the relevant wires are situated. However, if you have the confidence to do it yourself, you can do so by using a voltage detector to find the location of the electrical wires.

Follow the route to where you intend to position the extractor fan and mark the place on the wall. Turn off the electricity supply before you follow the above process to create a gap in the masonry. Locate the wire within the wall recess and strip the ends before attaching them to the connectors of the extractor fan. Fit it into place. Turn the electricity supply back on to test the operation before you seal it in place with cement or insulation.