Like most Boston homeowners, you probably don’t give much thought to your bathroom exhaust fan. Sure, you flip it on when the room is too humid or when it smells, but you most likely aren’t aware of all the benefits these crucial devices provide.
Does a bathroom really need an exhaust fan?
Yes! Bathrooms really need exhaust fans. They’re essential for getting rid of excess moisture, reducing problematic humidity, and removing unpleasant odors. Massachusetts even requires homebuilders to install a ventilation system according to the state’s residential energy code.
Are bathroom fans worth it?
The advantages of having a bathroom fan greatly outweigh the downsides…because there are none! Here are the main reasons Boston homeowners need to equip their bathrooms with exhaust fans:
Odor removal
Stinking up a bathroom is an unpleasant experience, but not quite as bad as having to use it after the odors have taken over. Cut out the problem (and embarrassment) altogether with a powerful exhaust fan capable of removing those nasty smells for good…or at least until the next time. Plus, those unpleasant odors can contain microscopic bacteria so it’s best to get rid of them quickly.
Increased safety
The potent chemicals contained in many bathroom cleaners can pose a threat to you and your family when inhaled. Some of these might even be caustic. Shutting the door and opening a window can help but an exhaust fan goes a step further by actively removing the air along with the potentially harmful fumes. Say goodbye to those clinical smells too!
Reduced humidity
There’s nothing better than transforming your bathroom into an at-home sauna after a long day of work. Unfortunately, this puts a damaging amount of moisture in the air as humidity levels rise. If giving up hot showers is out of the question then a bathroom exhaust fan is non-negotiable. Letting humidity sit in your bathroom can result in a litany of problems including peeling or warped paint, streak marks, and – everybody’s favorite – mold and mildew.
Further Reading: If you’re struggling with rampant humidity issues, consider dehumidifying your entire home.
Easier cleanup
High humidity isn’t just an issue for mold and mildew. It can also make it harder to clean up after a shower. With too much moisture in the air, squeegeeing isn’t going to do anything but move the moisture around. To prevent pools of water from collecting at the bottom of your shower, along the sides, and in various crevices, it’s essential to have a bathroom exhaust fan. You’ll still have to do some post-shower cleaning, but you’ll have an easier time preventing streak marks and other blemishes.
How do bathroom fans work?
Bathroom exhaust fans pull air from within your bathroom, push it through ductwork, and dump it outside through either a soffit or eave vent hood. The power of a bathroom fan is rated in cubic feet per minute (CFM) – the amount of air it can draw from a bathroom over a certain amount of time. Exhaust fans with a higher CFM are more energy efficient.
Although the basic function of bathroom fans doesn’t differ greatly, there are certain features that vary between each model. For example, many come equipped with light so you don’t have to worry about installing an additional fixture. Other bathroom fans feature heating functionality to keep the space nice and toasty which can give your primary heating unit a nice break.
Not sure what kind of bathroom fan you need for your home? That’s where the experts at Boston Standard Plumbing can help. We can determine the ideal model based on your home’s needs and your personal preferences. Our highly experienced team of skilled technicians will handle the entire installation too so you can rest assured that everything is working optimally. Schedule an appointment today to get the bathroom fan you need.
Categories:
Electrical
