Heating and cooling systems for underground shelters

Nuclear threats, extreme weather, and doomsday predictions – people can never tell when they’re going to happen, but they can always prepare for the worst rather than be sorry.

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One of the options people could take is to build an underground shelter, at least 8 feet deep, adjacent to the occupants’ house, and equipped with the necessary survival kits and proper ventilation.


The chapter on Nuclear War Survival Skills of the book Fighting Chance: Ten Feet to Survival by Eugene P. Wigner notes that one of the most significant survival skills that people should learn is “how to keep occupied shelters adequately ventilated in all seasons and cool enough for many days of occupancy in warm or hot weather.”

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The author recommends using a large-volume shelter-ventilating pump, an expedient heating machine which doesn’t require ample technical know-how to build. The book shows how to build the machine using inexpensive household materials.


Another heating systems option is to use geothermal heat pumps run by electricity generated through solar power. Builders may need to hire a professional to set up the heat pumps. Heating and systems contractors, like Hobson Air and A Plus Quality Inc., can provide necessary assistance. Adequate ventilation is still required during freezing weather conditions as the earth’s moist will continue to absorb body heat, leaving the occupants prone to weather-related illnesses.


Natural ventilation can be achieved by following the structure of an Eskimo igloo. The spiral dome is built with small ventilation openings poked at the ceiling and at the floor to protect its occupants from harsh temperatures. A shelter with a chimney-like vent is proven to be useful during cool weather, supplying occupants with enough air needed to prevent the build-up of carbon dioxide. However, it should be noted that this vent may not work during warm weather.

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Experts from Hobson Air can assess whether or not your underground shelter is well- ventilated. This website offers more about proper ventilation during harsh weather conditions.