Make sure the fan is turned off (either through the switch or circuit breaker).Bathroom fans have come a long way, and many homeowners are attracted to combination units that offer lighting, heating, and humidity sensing.īathroom Exhaust Fan Maintenance: Cleaning and Troubleshooting Common Issuesįollow these steps to clean your exhaust fan: The actual fan is installed in the attic where it blows humid air out of the home through ductwork. This type of fan has the lowest profile, only requiring a small vent in the bathroom. Wall-mounted bathroom fans installed on exterior walls don’t require ductwork. It pulls air up through the bathroom fan vent. This is the most common type of bathroom fan. If you’re worried about aesthetics, more modern, hidden options are also available. Types of fansĮxhaust fans for bathrooms are available in a variety of mounting styles with different venting options (roof, soffit, sidewall). Not all bathrooms are the same size, and some people take longer, hotter showers than others, so the time it takes to remove humidity will vary according to the space and water usage. Use your judgment, and keep the fan on for as long as you feel is necessary. Suggestions for ‘proper’ fan use range from 15 minutes to half an hour. Our Companies Are Backed by the Best Pick Guarantee. Damage to tile, grout, flooring, cabinet finish, hardware, and/or fixtures.

If you notice any of these issues, it might be time to consider having a bathroom fan installed: The frequent running water creates a humid environment that provides the perfect home for mold and mildew. As most state building codes require them, bathroom exhaust fans are generally standard in new constructions, though some states have exceptions for bathrooms with windows.īecause you regularly run water in the bathroom (shower, sink, toilet, etc.), bathrooms are at a greater risk for mold growth than other places in your home. If you don’t have one, you should think about your bathroom’s ventilation. If you have one, it doesn’t make sense to risk mold growth by not using it. The short answer: Yes, it’s probably the safe thing to do. Bathrooms are subjected to some of the harshest housecleaning chemicals available ( try one of these alternatives), putting homeowners at risk of inhalation if the space isn’t properly ventilated. These fans can also be useful in removing harmful odors and fumes from cleaning materials. Bathroom fans pull moist air out of your bathroom before it has a chance to condense on the floors (causing a slipping hazard) or on the walls (where it encourages bacteria, mold, and mildew growth). Like attic and kitchen fans, they draw hot, humid air out of your home. Bathroom exhaust fans are part of your home’s ventilation system. The electric motor pulls the moist air into ductwork that leaves the house through a vent (soffit or side of the house) or hood (roof).

Bathroom fans consist of an electric motor, a fan, ductwork, a vent or hood, and a bathroom vent cover. About Bathroom Exhaust Fans How do bathroom fans work, and what do they do? And an essential part of any whole-house ventilation strategy includes bathroom exhaust fans. In a world where mold-inducing moisture threatens our bathrooms, what are we to do? The answer is clear: we must ensure that our homes are properly ventilated. What’s your biggest complaint with the bathroom after you take a shower? Foggy mirror? Slippery floors? Sure, both are annoying, but the moist air poses a threat to your long-term health by creating an environment in which mold, mildew, and bacteria thrive.

Bathroom extractor fan