Carbon Monoxide and Nitrogen Dioxide Mitigation: Parking Garages

What is CO/NO2 Mitigation and Why is it Important in Parking Structures?

Carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are harmful gases that can accumulate in parking structures. CO is produced by gasoline-powered vehicles and equipment, while NO2 is generated by diesel-powered engines. Without proper ventilation and mitigation, elevated levels of these gases can pose serious health risks. Effective CO/NO2 mitigation systems dilute and control these emissions to maintain safe, breathable air for garage users.

Distribution of Ventilation Flow in Parking Structures

Historically, ventilation systems of enclosed parking garages have relied on ducted systems to extract air from the parking area.

Impulse ventilation, or jet fans, offers an effective alternative to ducted extract systems. Extract fans are still required to provide air extract to comply with local regulations for pollution, however, ducting within the parking space may be minimized or removed completely.

Advantages of Jet Fan-based Systems:

  • Lower space demand
  • Lower installation cost
  • Lower energy usage thanks to lower static pressures
  • Easy maintenance
  • Together with intelligent controls, offer even lower operational costs

The Case for Demand Control of Ventilation Systems

By controlling fan speed based on demand, significant energy savings can be achieved.

Belimo Controller Example:

Belimo Controller
  • One controller can control up to 32 controllers
  • Works off 0-10v, 14ma, Mod bus, BACnet
  • Senses both CO/NO2 or CO or NO2
  • Can turn fans on and off or modulate the speed based on the parts per million of CO/NO2 controls
  • Works directly with EC motors in jet fans and with VFDs

Read more about the IFFT centrifugal jet fans, and contact us to learn more about solutions and strategies for your parking structure application, including Belimo controllers.

Product Highlight

IFFT Centrifugal Jet Fans

IFFT Product

The IFFT centrifugal Jet Fans were designed with relative compactness and efficiency in mind. They are perfect for moving a great deal of air to help keep a parking garage safe. 

February 24, 2026