GBA Logo horizontal Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram YouTube Icon Navigation Search Icon Main Search Icon Video Play Icon Plus Icon Minus Icon Picture icon Hamburger Icon Close Icon Sorted

Community and Q&A

HRV soffit vent that prevents bugs (and fires)

mla12 | Posted in General Questions on

Hi.  We’re located in western Oregon. We have a room with an HRV that is fed by a soffit vent (~ 3.5″ x 10″).

We’re in the wildland urban boundary and are at risk for wildfires (we were evacuated a couple of years ago). We also get a *ton* of tiny bugs at certain times.

Our current vent is just a couple of layers of window screen. It becomes completely caked with bugs after a few months so I go up, unscrew it, clean the screen out, and reattach.

I’m wondering if there’s anything purpose-built for this application. I’ve read about vents designed to prevent wildfire embers from being brought into the attic. I’d like that additional level of protection, but I’m wondering about the bugs… we need something that is still easy to remove and clean.

Any suggestions or thoughts?

Thank you,

Maurice

GBA Prime

Join the leading community of building science experts

Become a GBA Prime member and get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

Replies

  1. rockies63 | | #1

    You could contact Vulcan vents, Embersout or Brandguard vents and ask them.

    https://www.vulcanvents.com/
    https://www.brandguardvents.com/
    https://www.embersout.com/

  2. user-5946022 | | #2

    My 4" round ERV intake also takes in many bugs, and like you, I put on 2 layers of fiberglass screen. Now I get both bugs and a clogged intake.

    Since your intake is 3.5"x10 will a 4x10 filter grill work? I used this 6x10 filter grill at the interior of my non ERV makeup air: https://www.plumbersstock.com/shoemaker-fg2-10x6-10inx6-filter-grille-2-filter-stamped-face.html Maybe you can find similar that is 3.5 or 4".

  3. mla12 | | #3

    > Now I get both bugs and a clogged intake.
    Ha, exactly ;)

    Thanks for the suggestions. Yes, @rockies63, I did contact a couple of those firms but haven't heard back yet.

Log in or create an account to post an answer.

Community

Recent Questions and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |