Choosing the Perfect Bathroom Exhaust Fan
by Guest Post on May 12, 2012
Because moisture is a bathrooms biggest enemy, you must vent the hot, moist air out of the bathroom. Without doing this paint will peel, doors will warp and you run the risk of mold.
The first thing you should consider is a timer instead of a switch. The success of your fan relies on a two-fold approach. The Home Ventilating Institute recommends that your fan be capable of achieving 8 air changes per hour, with the exhaust of air continuing for 20 minutes after use of the bathroom. Using a timer will help you achieve the extra run time without having to remember to come back and turn it off. Plus with the new quiet fans available it isn't uncommon to forget to turn a bathroom fan off now because we don't have that load roar to remind us it is on. To achieve the air exchanges we need to correctly size the fan.
- First, find the volume of the bathroom. Volume = length x width x height
- Find the CFM (cubic feet per minute). Volume / 7.5
- This CFM is the minimum airflow required to achieve 8 air exchanges per hour.
Example: Volume = 10 x 6 x 8 = 480
CFM = 480/7.5 = 64
In this example you would only purchase a fan that has a CFM listed on the box greater than 64.
Next comes noise. Choose your fan based on how quiet you want it. I want the quietest fan I can afford. Ideally, you don't even want to know it is on. However, the price goes up as the noise levels go down, so you have to keep your budget in consideration.
Bathroom fans are measured by SONES. 4.0 Sones is the sound of normal television (Ridiculously loud for a fan) 3.0 Sones is office noise (Still very loud for a fan) 1.0 Sone is the sound of a refrigerator and 0.5 Sone is the sound of rustling leaves. A very quiet bathroom fan that will just make a gentle whoosh is a fan at 1.0 Sone or below.
So after you spend the extra money on a quiet fan don't make common mistakes in the installation to negate that low Sone fan. Always use screws in the installation, not nails. Nails will vibrate lose eventually and create noise. Use 4-inch venting not 3 inches, the bigger the venting the quieter it will be. Make turns in your venting gradual; avoid 90-degree bends if possible to reduce air noise in the venting.
The only other considerations are features and look. You can get a fan with a light in it; you can even get a fan with a heating element in it. Looks run from just a white grill to just about anything you can imagine. The limits are just your budget and your tastes. But start with CFM and Sones ratings first, then looks. Doing this will ensure you have a bathroom fan that not only looks good but is doing its job, which is protecting your bathroom from the perils of moisture.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
87647 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
69733 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
69065 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
47764 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
28855 Views
Latest Articles
Understanding Indonesia’s Real Estate Investment Laws for Foreigners
Indonesia, with its stunning landscapes, deep-rooted cultural heritage, and renowned hospitality, has emerged as a top destination for foreigners...
on Jan 25, 2024
Real Estate Development in Asian Cities
In many Asian cities, the rapid pace of urban development has led to the decline of historic districts, areas once teeming with cultural richness...
on Jan 25, 2024
Shower Envy: Elevating Your Bathroom with a Stunning Walk-In Shower
Are you tired of the same old routine in your bathroom? It might be time to consider a change, and one way to elevate your bathroom to a new level...
on Jan 22, 2024
Exploring Crowdfunding as an Innovative Approach to Real Estate Investment
The landscape of property selling has been transformed significantly due to the advent of property crowdfunding. This innovative approach,...
on Jan 10, 2024
The Rise of Co-Living Spaces in Asian Cities
Asia, home to 21 of the worlds 30 largest cities, is a significant player in the global economy, contributing 38% of the goods and services of the...
on Jan 5, 2024
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates
Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 263
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 200
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 115
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Why a Smart Sprinkler Controller is a Smart Investment
If you have been thinking about picking up a smart sprinkler controller, it’s time to pull the trigger. Smart and WiFi sprinkler controllers...
5 Instances When It is Time to Call the Professionals
Many homeowners today are trying to save money and utilize their own skills by handling a lot of their home improvement projects themselves. And...
Taking the Right Care of the Floor
Everyone wants a nice and cozy home to relax and spend quality time with his or her family. They ensure that everything in the house is in order...
How to Keep Your Home Running Properly
Having a home is a major responsibility. Between the bills and the upkeep, it can be a lot to handle, but ensuring that your home runs properly is...
Top Home Exterior Repairs and Projects to Tackle in Spring
As most of us are buckling down for a long winter season, it may be that your thoughts are elsewhere and you could, in fact, be looking ahead to...