Exhaust Fan Info

The benefits of having a bathroom exhaust fan are concerned with the proper maintenance and preservation of structural materials that can be damaged by too much moisture. Health concerns are also addressed with its use as it effectively controls moisture build up that encourages the occurrence of health threats because of mold and bacterial growth harbored by a humid environment.

A bathroom exhaust fan can effectively remove unpleasant and undesirable odors in order to improve quality of indoor air. When choosing to own a bathroom exhaust fan, there are several considerable factors to keep in mind in order to get the best deal out of your bathroom exhaust fan. In order to choose the best system, always look for a bathroom exhaust fan that is noise free and most energy efficient.

Choose an adequate bathroom exhaust fan size as required per area measurement. The bathroom exhaust fan capacity utilizes a rating of either in liters per second (L/s) or cubic feet per minute (cfm). Normally an average bathroom would require an exhaust fan that can draw 25 Ls or 50 cfm. A noisy bathroom exhaust fan indicates poor quality and will not exhaust enough air. Larger fans are needed in wider bathrooms such as those with a spa. It is advised to install the bathroom exhaust fan as near as possible to the source of odor and moisture.

It is most prudent to look for the Home Ventilation Institute Rating that usually labels a bathroom exhaust fan model to make an objective comparison as to noise and energy efficiency level of the unit. Because most bathroom exhaust fans have an integrated light and heater, look for the efficiency of the fan and ensure that no air is leaked.

Check to ensure the bathroom exhaust fan’s airflow quality. A unit that is not insulated, droopy and undersized flex ducting with dirty back draft damper can reduce the airflow rate by more than 50%. One way of checking that the bathroom exhaust fan is effectively drawing air is to hold a piece of tissue to the fan grill. The exhaust air should be able to hold the tissue tightly into the grill. Checking the outlet is another way of checking that air is drawn out of your house.

Bathroom exhaust fan control is usually integrated with one switch as the lighting of the bathroom. But the lighting is usually turned off long before the fan can effectively draw air out of the bathroom. It is most convenient therefore to buy a unit with an electronic timer setting.

Never forget to periodically clean the bathroom exhaust fan as the unit attracts dirt like a magnet that can restrict air movement. Cleaning can be done simply by removing the fan module. Make sure that the unit is unplugged for safety purposes. Clean and dust the exterior fan and the fan ducts which may be difficult at times.

When buying a bathroom exhaust fan always look for a unit that comes with convenience of use integrated with energy saving power performance.

Tags: attic exhaust fan, fan, basement, kitchen exhaust fan, bathroom exhaust fan