If your bathroom, kitchen, or other regular rooms don’t have a ventilation system in place, the health of anyone living in your home is at risk. Having plenty of windows or exhaust fans in the right places can prevent health problems like allergies, asthma, headaches, or any disease caused by mold spores and fungus.
Once you’ve computed the CFM rating, you need to consider the fixtures inside your bathroom. Be aware that each fixture, such as the shower, has its own CFM rating. So if you have a heating tub (with 100 CFM), shower (with 50 CFM), bath tub (with 50 CFM) and toilet (with another 50 CFM), you need to add 250 CFM to the total bathroom CFM rating you computed earlier.
All units come with their own ventilation duct. Install it properly, running the duct from the bathroom to the attic or roof soffit that leads outside the house. Make sure to point the duct vent downwards when you vent the unit. This prevents debris, water rain or dirt from clogging the hose.
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Before fitting an exhaust ventilation fan…
Fitting an exhaust ventilation fan is easy to do, particularly for those who love do-it-yourself projects. However, you must first identify the type of fan you need. For bathrooms, here are your options:- Ceiling Mounted – As its name suggests, these fans are installed in the ceiling and include a vent outside that works by removing musty indoor air.
- Wall Mounted – This type of exhaust fan removes air from outside. Fitting an exhaust ventilation fan of this kind requires some space between bathroom walls.
- Inline – Installed in between ducting, inline exhaust fans are ideal for existing bathrooms with no space for other ventilation systems.
- Exterior Mounted – Installed outside the house, these fans are recommended if you’re concerned about ventilation noise.
- All-in-one – Combination fans work as either an exhaust fan with a light, a heater and an exhaust fan, or a combination of three features in a single unit. These fans are great if you’re looking for an aesthetically appealing device.
Choosing the Right Fit
When fitting an exhaust ventilation fan for your bathroom, you need to check the recommended CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating of the fan. You can do this by multiply your bathroom’s length, width and height to determine the air volume in your bathroom. Once you got the cubic feet measurement, you multiply it with the recommended CFM rating of 8 cubic feet (for bathrooms). Since a CFM rating is measured in minutes, divide it by 60 minutes to find the exact CFM rating for your specific bathroom requirements.Once you’ve computed the CFM rating, you need to consider the fixtures inside your bathroom. Be aware that each fixture, such as the shower, has its own CFM rating. So if you have a heating tub (with 100 CFM), shower (with 50 CFM), bath tub (with 50 CFM) and toilet (with another 50 CFM), you need to add 250 CFM to the total bathroom CFM rating you computed earlier.
Installing the Exhaust Fan
Since installing ventilation involves some electrical wiring, those who live in buildings must first obtain a permit. If you have your own house, then go ahead and buy the exhaust fan with the appropriate CFM rating, then start fitting an exhaust ventilation fan by tracing the housing on the ceiling or wall. Make sure the area you choose provides a route for proper venting. Cut about 1/8-inch from the edge of your outline. Check the manual provided with the exhaust fan to learn about the wiring schematic appropriate for your unit. Use the bathroom’s main light when connecting the wire to the exhaust fan.All units come with their own ventilation duct. Install it properly, running the duct from the bathroom to the attic or roof soffit that leads outside the house. Make sure to point the duct vent downwards when you vent the unit. This prevents debris, water rain or dirt from clogging the hose.
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