Uncovering the Financial Implications of Sufficient Indoor Beer Fermentation Airflow Systems.
Ryan Oxton, the Market Development Manager at Spike, has shared the details of his recent vent hood installation for his home brewery in Salem, Oregon. The setup, designed to keep the space dry and remedy the moisture problem that often arises during home brewing, cost Oxton a total of $1,130.
Oxton's vent hood installation involved a Canarm 12" light industrial 3-stage fan with weather hood, which cost $220. He also used FRP paneling and adhesive, totaling $170. The custom sheet-metal hood for his vent hood setup cost $240, bringing the total equipment cost to $630.
The installation process itself was a significant part of the overall cost. A simple wall-mounted installation can range from $300 to $1,100, but Oxton's setup required more extensive work, such as pulling the exhaust and steam up through an exterior wall. If Oxton had hired someone for labor, the cost would have been approximately $500.
The cost to install a vent hood for electric brewing in a home brewery can vary significantly. A mid-range vent hood typically costs around $800 to $1,200, and installation can add another $300 to $1,100. However, if the hood needs to be installed over an island or requires building soffits, going through ceilings, or extensive ductwork, installation costs rise sharply, sometimes up to $2,500 or more.
Additional costs include repairs to ceilings or walls after installation, which can add several hundred dollars, and permit fees or inspections, often ranging from $100-$200 or more. For a home brewery electric vent hood, which may have unique ventilation requirements due to steam and odors from brewing, the costs would be similar to a high-quality kitchen range hood installation with professional ducting. Expect total costs roughly from $1,100 to $4,000 or more, depending on complexity and venting path.
Moisture buildup can result in mold and mildew if not addressed, making a vent hood installation a crucial investment for home brewers. Oxton's vent hood setup is similar to one found in a restaurant over a grill, and the process and photos he shared may serve as a useful guide for others in the brewing community considering a similar setup.
Special thanks to Ryan Oxton from Old Standby Brewing for sharing the costs, process, and photos of his vent hood installation. His transparency and willingness to share his experience can help other home brewers make informed decisions about their ventilation setup.
The home-and-garden project of installing a vent hood for Oxton's home brewery has been a substantial investment in his lifestyle, costing approximately $1,130. As technology advances, home brewing equipment like the high-quality vent hood setup Oxton installed may require professional installation, adding to the overall cost, which can range from $1,100 to $4,000 or more.
