Why Do You Need a Bathroom Fan?
Bathroom mold can escalate quickly, causing significant damage to your home. Left untreated, mold seeps into walls and ceilings, degrading paint and structural integrity, and spreading beyond the bathroom to lower the air quality throughout your house.
A bathroom fan exhausts excess moisture from the air, preventing mold formation. It also helps dry wet surfaces after showers or cleaning. A properly installed, high-quality fan is crucial for maintaining the health of your bathroom and your entire home. Here's what you need to know when choosing and installing a bathroom fan:
Sizing Is Everything
The size of your bathroom should match the air-moving capacity of the fan. Typically, a fan needs to move 1 CFM (cubic foot per minute) of air per square foot of bathroom space. Larger bathrooms or those with features like saunas or whirlpool baths may require more powerful fans.
Proper Duct Installation
The fan must vent moist air outside the house, not into the attic, to avoid water damage, mold, or mildew in the roof structure. Ensure the fan is connected to a dedicated duct that routes to the exterior of your house.
Timer Management and Automatic Sensors
For maximum effectiveness, the fan should run for 15 to 20 minutes after using the bathroom. Installing a timer ensures this happens automatically, saving you the trouble of manual management and conserving energy.
Automatic sensors can further enhance convenience. They activate the fan based on humidity levels, ensuring it runs when needed and stays off when not necessary, even during hot showers or periods of high humidity.
Safety Is Important
Since a bathroom fan is an electrical device operating in a humid environment, safety is paramount. Ensure the fan is wired to a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) for protection against electrical hazards.
Need Any Further Help?
For expert advice and professional installation, contact Building Performance Solutions.