Shipping containers are vital in both short and long-term storage of items and raw materials. As such, it is advisable to have a system put in place to preserve any items that may be affected by temperature elevations.
Also, the shipping containers are now popular as building modulars for homes. Therefore, knowing how to ventilate a shipping container should be a priority once you have bought one for storage purposes.
Yes, it may take a lot to ventilate the shipping containers or modular houses because the shipping container itself is not insulated. So it could take more energy and knowledge to cool down it in the summertime and more energy to heat it in the winter.
If you do it right, you will receive fewer energy bills. You can also find more information about containers at the special service such as Pelicancontainers that is specialized in the topic and help to answer most of the questions.
Significance of shipping container ventilation
Let’s take a short moment to understand why improving the airflow in a shipping container is important.
A poorly ventilated container will over a period of time allow the accumulation of moisture. It does not matter what the contents of the container are, moisture does not aid in preserving any items stored, organic or otherwise.
Perishable goods do not respond well to humid environments and tend to decompose quicker. Although other items (inorganic) aren’t as sensitive to humid environments, their structural integrity may be affected least to compromise in function.
A poorly ventilated shipping container promotes the growth of harmful bacteria.
As a consequence, such environments become toxic to the individuals who interact with them. They become sources of illnesses, especially with regular exposure.
Some of the health consequences of a poorly ventilated shipping container may include:
- Throat and eye dryness
- Disturbances in concentration
- Shortness of breath
- Sleep disorders
Taking all the above into consideration, it is safe to assume that providing proper ventilation will prevent a lot of potential issues not only for the items being stored but also for the individuals who have to work around the containers.
Installing the vents
To install efficient ventilation, there are a few things to consider. These include the location of the vent(s), the number required for optimum ventilation, and the type of vent required. Let us look at each of them separately;
Focusing on the location
Vents put at the right site enable efficient movement of air inside the shipping container. One of the best practices is the use of a whirlybird on the roof of the container. Once this is done, vents should be placed on the lateral walls.
Doing this assists the whirlybird in facilitating the best possible air circulation, enabling cool air to remain inside the space while warm air is ejected. It is advisable to add as many vents as possible usually alongside each other especially if the shipping container is being used as a working space.
Thinking of the size and quantity
Shipping containers usually come in two standard sizes. The smaller, 20-foot container usually requires a 4 by 4 vent while a 6 by 6 vent is recommended for the larger 40-foot container.
You also have the choice to increase the number of vents if the situation requires it.
When we talk about ventilation, you have to consider whether you need a 6-meter or 20-foot container or 12-meter or 40-foot container for your needs and requirements.
The size of the container will depend on the space and capacity required for the usage.
Sure, a 12-meter container will cost more than a 6-meter container, as well as ventilation. So take measurements before you buy a container and think of other appliances that you will use.
What type of ventilation will you choose?
Choosing the right mode of ventilation usually depends on what you need it for. Installing the proper ventilation for small-scale purposes is simple and straightforward.
However, for more complex projects, seeking professional help might be the best solution to helping you figure out what ventilation will work best for your shipping container.
Based on your needs, you may need the following type of ventilation for your shipping container:
- Whirlybird vents or turbines
- Smaller vents that promote comfortable airflow
- Louvered vents
Once you have the answers to each of the above questions, you will be ready to add proper ventilation to your shipping container.
Improving comfort in the shipping container
While adding vents to a shipping container will drastically improve airflow, you still have room for improvement.
Because your shipping container may be subject to warm or cold climates or both it could be advantageous to install either an airconditioning unit for the former or a heat pump for the latter.
Taking this extra step will ensure that the internal environment within your shipping container is comfortable regardless of where you are. It is important to note that hiring a professional team is the best way to install such systems as they are usually complex in nature.
Another option to improve the overall ventilation is to buy a dehumidifier. This solution, unlike the previous two, is a temporary one. All you need is a source of power and a few pipes that lead water out of the container.
Final thoughts
Shipping containers are useful for both small and large-scale storage purposes and also for the architects who are using shipping containers for building modular homes or stores.
However, simply putting items in a container does not mean they will keep their integrity. To facilitate this you need to add a ventilation system, which as we have seen, will not only protect the items inside the container but also any individuals who regularly interact with it.
The best way to ventilate a container is to install vents. Installing vents can be easily done especially when working with smaller containers, however, the best results are usually achieved by experts.
Additionally, adding dehumidifiers, an AC unit, or a heat pump can improve the levels of comfort as well.