Any bathroom without a window to allow ventilation must have an exhaust fan. They are necessary for some locations even when there are windows. Ventilation from bathroom exhaust fans must be done through ductwork or sidewalls and outside. Because it eliminates hot, stinky air and excess moisture, installing a bathroom exhaust fan is time and labour-intensive but worthwhile. Mould grows in moist environments, and bad scents are generally unpleasant for any bathroom. As a result, it’s crucial to understand exhaust fan sizing and how to pick one with the right capacity for your bathroom.
See also: Best exhaust fan for kitchen to ensure adequate ventilation
Bathroom exhaust fan: What is it?
A bathroom exhaust fan is a mechanical ventilation tool that, when connected to the home’s exterior via ductwork, removes stale, unclean, and excessively humid air, enhancing the quality of the air inside the bathroom.
Bathroom exhaust fan: Why do you need one?
A correctly installed bathroom exhaust fan removes excess moisture, humidity, smells, and other pollutants from the bathroom air. Additionally, it helps in getting rid of water vapour buildup on walls and mirrors. Proper ventilation will make occupants much more at ease. Improved indoor air quality is accompanied by decreased house damage, which spares the owner from having to make expensive repairs.
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Bathroom exhaust fan: Types
An exhaust fan draws air out, whereas a ventilation fan pulls in the fresh air; therefore, there is a difference between the two. There are four different types of bathroom exhaust fans, including:
Ceiling-mounted exhaust fans
The most common design of bathroom exhaust fans is one that is ceiling mounted or positioned on the ceiling. It functions by coupling with an exhaust duct located above the bathroom.
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Wall-mounted exhaust fans
When a ceiling-mounted exhaust fan is not feasible, a wall-mounted fan is used. The wall-mount fan does not require exhaust ductwork because it vents straight outside.
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Know about: exhaust fan for kitchen
Inline exhaust fans
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An inline exhaust fan is installed in another location and connects into the ductwork in the attic. The system is installed with a grill that is mounted in the bathroom ceiling which connects the system.
Window-mount exhaust fans
While less common than other types, a window-mounted bathroom fan can be installed in the same way as a window-mounted air conditioner.
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Choosing a bathroom exhaust fan: Things to consider
Following are some things to consider while choosing a bathroom exhaust fan for your home.
Standard exhaust fan sizing
The cubic feet per minute, or CFM, at which bathroom exhaust fans can circulate air is what determines their rating. Bathrooms that are 100 square feet or smaller must use standard fan sizing. As a general guideline, you need at least 1 CFM per square foot of your room area. Exhaust fans for bathrooms larger than 100 square feet can be selected based on the number of fixtures present in the space. Add up the required CFM ratings for all of the fixtures to calculate using this formula. A 100 CFM fan is required in a bathroom with only a shower and a toilet, whereas a 200 CFM fan is required in a bathroom with a jetted tub, toilet, and shower.
Noise levels/ratings
Consider the sound rating after selecting the appropriate fan size for your bathroom. If you want to make a bathroom calm and soothing, a silent fan might be a good investment. The fan will operate more quietly. The quietest fan available for purchase has a sone rating of “1”. Sones, a scale used to describe loudness levels, are used to measure fan noise. The fan is incredibly quiet if it has a rating between 0.5 and 1.2 sones. Ratings between 1.5 to 2.0 sones are great too. Fans with noise levels over 4.0 sones are pretty noisy.
An additional fan
Installing a separate exhaust fan for the toilet or shower section of your bathroom is a smart idea if those areas are walled off by a door. A 50 CFM fan should be enough and work fine in tiny enclosed spaces. If not, do the necessary estimate based on the size of the room. Just keep in mind that the fan needs ventilation to function properly. Lack of “makeup” air will cause the fan to underperform if the enclosure door is closed and there isn’t a gap at the bottom of the door. When using the bathroom or shower with the vent fan running, you should leave the door slightly ajar if the enclosure’s door gap is smaller than 5/8 inches. Installing a louvred door to enable air circulation is another option.
Smart options
The fan is activated by a motion sensor when someone enters the restroom. During routine operations like shaving, the fan speed can be pre-set to a modest level, and it can be switched on for high-volume tasks like showering.
- A switch or motion sensor can be used to turn on overhead lighting.
- Models with night lights assist you to navigate at night by using a low-wattage light.
- Ventilation fans with humidity sensors turn on automatically when the equipment detects high humidity levels.
- When it’s cold outdoors, built-in heaters, often infrared heat lamps, add a little more warmth.
FAQs
What distinguishes a ventilation fan from a bathroom exhaust fan?
A ventilation fan works to introduce clean air from the outside into a closed environment, whereas an exhaust fan works to remove pollutants from the indoor air of a building, whether it be residential or commercial.
Are bathroom exhaust fans effective?
Yes, excess moisture, humidity, smells, and other pollutants will be removed from the bathroom air by a correctly placed bathroom exhaust fan. Additionally, it helps in removing water vapour buildup on walls and mirrors. Proper ventilation will make residents much more at ease.
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