If you are in need of a ventilation system and/or an exhaust fan for your bathroom, this is the guide for you. The first step is to take into account the overall size of the bathroom in square footage. You should also determine the capacity of the airflow of the fan. It should be in measurements of CFM. For example, you should have 1 CFM per square foot of space in your bathroom. So, if your bathroom is 100 square feet, the fan will need to be rated at 100 CFM. Other considerations that should be made are the sones or noise level, the level of energy efficiency, and special features – such as humidity sensors. Continue reading to learn more.

The Initial Steps

When seeking to purchase a ventilation system and/or exhaust fan for your bathroom, you should consider the following steps:

1. The Bathroom Size – You should measure the length and the width of the bathroom and then multiply the two in order to discover how many square feet it is.
2. The CFM Requirements – Next, you should calculate in order to find the CFM requirements. You should have 1 CFM per square foot.
3. Energy Certification – It is a good rule of thumb to choose a ventilation system and/or an exhaust fan that has the Energy Star certification. This will help to keep your utility costs down.
4. Sones – The sones measure the amount of noise that is put out by the ventilation system/exhaust fan. The lower the rating, the less noise the fan will make when it is in operation.
5. Installation – You will need to make certain that the fan is completely compatible with the ceiling height and the duct size that is in place.

Why is it Important to have an Exhaust Fan in Your Bathroom?

The exhaust fan in the bathroom is a specially-engineered vent fan that is designed to capture potential contaminants, odors, and moist air at the source and push them outdoors. The exhaust fan pulls air with high levels of humidity out very quickly, and it helps to keep any and all condensation from settling on the mirror or mirrors, the paint in the room, and any grout that is in place. This means it plays a vital role in preserving the quality of the air and the finishes within the room.

If the home is sealed up tight, it is impossible for fresh air to get through into the home. If there is not some type of intentional flow of air, the steam created in the bathroom will increase the level of humidity within the room will support the growth of mold and mildew. As time progresses, the increased moisture may prove to be devastating to the cabinets in the bathroom, the blister paint, and any drywall. By installing a bathroom ventilation system and/or an exhaust fan, you will improve the indoor air in your home.

Many people think that a bathroom exhaust fan simply clears the mirror or mirrors in the room; however, it also offers numerous other advantages. These include the following:

• It improved the indoor air quality by taking the stale air and pushing it outside than having to use the HVAC system for redistribution.
• It will help prevent the development of mold and mildew from expensive remediations.
• It protects the paint in the bathroom, and also the wallpaper, the fixtures, and other surfaces within the bathroom. As a result of this, the life of all of these components is extended immensely.
• The system and the fan are effective at keeping the air clean and fresh in between bathroom cleanings.
• Condensation is reduced on the windows and mirrors, which helps to limit water streaks and prevent corrosion.
• By having a ventilation system and/or an exhaust fan put in place in the bathroom, you will be supporting compliance with your local building codes and the guidelines of Energy Star.

Why Does Ventilation in the Bathroom Matter?

If you take a hot shower, you may not realize it, but a lot of water vapor is put into the air. If ventilation is not installed, that air and humidity will not be pulled outside. Then, moisture will settle on all of the surfaces in your bathroom. In turn, this will create an environment that breeds mold, mildew, and even dust mites.

You may think these microorganisms just affect your bathroom, but they don’t/ In fact, they release spores and then they circulate throughout the entire home. This causes an erosion in the air quality of the interior of your home. In turn, many health complications may occur. These include headaches, fatigue, respiratory issues, and flare-ups.

The air in the home then becomes stagnant. It will wear on the paint, the walls, and the cabinets. As time and the damage progress, the paint will start to peel, and the wood will start to warp. Eventually, the poor ventilation will result in serious and very costly damage.

If you have a bathroom fan that has a built-in sensor for humidity, you can remove the excess moisture. This will prevent damage to both your home and your loved ones’ health. A ventilation system and/or exhaust fan in the bathroom will preserve your home and your health. This is especially true when it is combined with a whole-house system. An example is an energy recovery ventilator (ERV). The bathroom exhaust fan will help in creating a cleaner environment all year long.

How Do I Maintain My Bathroom Exhaust Fan?

Maintaining your bathroom exhaust fan is actually very simple. Simply complete the following steps:

1. You should inspect and prioritize cleaning the grille of the fan once every 6 months. You simply need to vacuum the dust from the cover of it. Then, take it wash with a mild soap and warm water to ensure that the airflow is unobstructed.
2. Next, wipe off the housing unit that covers the motor and the blades of the unit with a cloth that is damp. Be sure to completely turn off the power when you do this.
3. The next step is a tissue test. All you have to do is hold up a tissue against the grille while the fan is set to run. If it clings, you have optimal airflow. If it falls, you should check the ducts to determine if any obstruction is present.
4. You need to check the exterior flap of the vent to make sure that it opens freely. It should not have any blockage from dust, nests, etc. If the vent is restricted, it will force humid air back into the bathroom.
5. You should make it a habit to replace or upgrade the sensors in your bathroom exhaust fan. This way, you know that the fan is functioning properly. This will help ensure that the unit is properly monitoring humidity and motion in the room.
6. Turn on the bathroom exhaust fan and listen to see if you hear any rattling or grinding sounds. If you hear any unusual noise, it is likely that a mounting screw is loose or that the duct is worn. It could also indicate that the motor bearings are worn and require immediate attention.
7. Once the fan is completely clean, you should reset any timers and/or sensors on the device. This will help the fan maintain the capacity associated with the airflow of the exhaust fan.

How Long Does a Bathroom Exhaust Fan Last?

In most instances, a bathroom exhaust fan will last up to 10 years. If you have an Energy Star model that has ECM motors that are brushless, you may get up to 20 years out of it.

What Factors Impact Fan Performance?

There are several factors that impact the performance of the bathroom fan. These include the following:

• The type grilles are affected. If the grille is open, there will not be as much air restriction.
• The type of ducting can impact performance. If you have rigid ducting, air is allowed to pass through the fan more easily.
• The length of the ducting can impact the performance of the fan. For example, if the ducting is long, the pressure is lower in the fan.
• The number of duct bends has an impact on the performance of the bathroom fan. If the bends are sharp, the air flow will be more restricted.

Contact Us

We here at Reynolds Plumbing specialize in the installation, maintenance, and repair of bathroom ventilation exhaust fans. We have served customers in the Wayne County area for over 40 years. In addition to this, we specialize in HVAC. We specialize in heating, air, and plumbing. Our services include commercial, industrial, and residential. We are licensed, insured, and backed by many rave reviews. If you want to optimize your bathroom ventilation and exhaust system, call us today for immediate assistance with the endeavor at the following number: 765-966-0994