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Question regarding bathroom fans

16 years ago

I am about to start another phase of our master bath remodel and I need some advice on a good bathroom fan/light combo. Currently, we have a small broan/nutone exhaust fan directly above the toilet but we need to put a light up there as we are enclosing the commode for more privacy. It currently is mostly out in the open in our master bathroom, except for a partition which separates it from the tub. Once we put up a small wall and door, it would be extremely dark in there without an overhead light, as there are no windows in that part of the bathroom. This necessitates a change. So, I've read a lot here about Panasonic fans and had a few questions.

Last year, we put in a new shower on the opposite side of the bathroom and installed a Nutone fan (I was short on time to get a Panasonic) directly over the shower. Yes, following advice here, we did vent it directly through the roof to the outside of the house. I think that fan is 110 cfm and seems to adequately clear steam as our mirrors never fog and I take very long, hot showers. Therefore, the exhaust fan over the toilet would be only to "clear the air", as it would generally not be running when the shower is in use. I don't see the need to vent this one through the roof since it would not be pulling in any moisture. Is this correct thinking?

Also, I was thinking of a fan/light combo since it would take up less space overhead. I don't see the need for a separate fan and light in such a small area. Agree? In addition, I was thinking of having it controlled by a single switch (there is only one there now since all we have is the fan.) This would, of course, mean that the light and fan would always be on at the same time but I wasn't sure how complex it would be, electrical wise, to have separate switches or even if fan light combos can operate independently if they are housed in one unit. What are your thoughts on this?

Lastly, assuming we go with the Panasonic, is it better to order online, through Wave Plumbing, or try to find a local source? I am in the Nashville area. I am targeting this job to be completed during February and wasn't sure how much lead time I needed to obtain one of these. Please let me know your thoughts on this! Thanks!! Amy

Comments (2)

ventupete
16 years ago
IMHO it is advantageous to have the fan and light operate independently. It is often desireable to have the fan run for a while afterwards (especially after eating beans) and that way you avoid having to leave the light on also. They have great electronic fan timer switches with preset time buttons (5-10-20-30 or 10-20-30-60 minutes) that are ideal for toilet fans (otherwise known in the trades as fart fans). In order to have separate switches you will need to run an additional switch wire, however, if you are going to add a wall to enclose the toilet, it's pretty simple to run the wiring at that time. Most fan light combos have the ability to operate separately. It's also pretty easy to drop in a recessed can light and have a fan only unit.
apbnash
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for the reply - I'll keep all that in mind! Amy
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The revised layout is just as bad as before Rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic. Every time you go through those doors--especially while carrying laundry--you will have to open both of them. I think they are silly, inconvenient, and pretentious in a home. Totally agree. I can't see why they're "a thing". With that much closet space I’d be inclined to double stack the washer dryer in order to add a door directly to the utility room. Wash day would get a whole lot easier. I was going to suggest a door between the utility room and the closet. So many steps could be saved. I'd also move the washer/dryer to the exterior wall; this will allow the dryer to direct most efficiently straight to the outside. Cheaper and more fire-safe. As to stackable machines, two considerations: - Consider that this ties you into front-loaders, which are space hogs. I have enjoyed my current front-loader (they're way deeper), but I think I'll go back to traditional machines when these need replacing. - Go down to Lowes and see stacked machines are good for you. Personally, I'm way too short to choose them, which is too bad because I do like the concept. I honestly don't understand your quest for symmetry in the bathroom. Agree. Symmetry "shows" on a blueprint ... but it won't "show" at all in real life. I didn’t want 4’ for men. Just find it too small. I currently have 5’. Hence wanted at least 5’ and only way for it was to take it from women side and make it 5’ for both sides. Pinpoint for us ... WHY do you see 4' or whatever size as too small? Are you keeping a bunch of stuff on the countertop? Are you short on drawer space? Towel space? Personally, I like minimal stuff on the countertop -- no clutter, please. Looks messy and is an obstacle to cleaning. My husband and I share a 4' vanity, and we don't need more counter space. If it's drawer space that you think is too small, take some time to study vanities. Stock vanities tend to give lots of space to the sink (worse still if you're using duplicate sinks) ... and although the vanity may be ample-space-wide, the drawers may be tiny. Consider going with a custom vanity ... you can get MUCH WIDER drawers in the same space.
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