Importance of Exhaust Fans in Bathrooms

Function

• Exhaust fans remove gases and vapors created within your home by pulling them into a vent and blowing them outside the house. Vapors can result from household activities such as cooking, cleaning, showering or bathing. In bathrooms, exhaust fans remove odors, fumes and humidity or moisture.

Types

• Exhaust fans are available in two models: standard and inline. Standard exhaust fans are usually mounted just above the ceiling, with an intake vent cut into the ceiling below and an outlet that extends to the roof. The fan creates suction that pulls air up through the intake vent and blows it out the roof vent, where it is discharged from the house.

  Inline exhaust fans are mounted to joists in the attic. One duct runs from the fan to a ceiling vent and another duct runs from the fan to a roof vent. The duct connected to the ceiling sucks air from below into the fan. The fan blows that air into the duct connecting to the roof vent.

Odor Control

• Bathroom exhaust fans reduce odors in the air. This can result from stale air or caused from functions like toilet use. Reducing odors not only makes the bathroom air quality better, but it also makes it more pleasant or inviting for other residents and guests.

Humidity Reduction

• Exhaust fans can reduce bathroom mold and mildew growth by lowering humidity levels. Showering or bathing increases the amount of moisture present in bathrooms. Mold and mildew easily form when relative humidity levels exceed 60 percent. Exhaust fans remove water vapor or steam in the air to reduce relative humidity. By expelling moisture from inside the bathroom, the formation of mold and mildew is reduced.

Fumes and Safety

• Bathrooms are often smaller enclosed spaces. Many products used to clean bathrooms create fumes. Chlorine bleach can emit hazardous toxic fumes, especially for individuals with breathing problems. Using an exhaust fan helps to remove these fumes from inside the bathroom. By venting fumes to the outside of the home, safety issues are reduced.