If you can't find an automatic one, know that our fan timer can be set for anything from 5 minutes to I think 90 minutes. We keep it set to 45 minutes, so when you enter the bathroom you press it on and that's it -- it stays on for 45 minutes and turns off by itself.

I think there is an automatic switch that will sense humidity and turn the fan on.

Timers

With Houzz, do you notice a lot of 'empty' responses? Not a link, not a model number, not a manufacturer - but rather 'I think' or 'I've seen'. Just fills the site with clutter.

Panasonic has several models that would fit your criteria. Motion sensors, humidity sensors etc. Some are constant on that have variable speed and have built in countdown timers. Very quiet. Well worth the extra money.

<i>With Houzz, do you notice a lot of 'empty' responses? Not a link, not a
model number, not a manufacturer - but rather 'I think' or 'I've seen'.
Just fills the site with clutter.</i>

I am certain this is directed at me and I feel like I need to defend myself. If I have not used or seen a product then I will not recommend it. However, it is possible that the OP did not know that sensor switches existed. If the OP feels that this is something they might want to look into, they have access to the internet and can google "automatic switch that senses humidity" as easily as any of the rest of us. And they can decide which one is appropriate for their particular situation.

If you don't like it, you can take your snark elsewhere.

jerzeegirl, I wish you hadn't felt the need to defend yourself. There was nothing wrong with your post (or mine) - in fact, before I read your answer, I had no idea there was such a thing as an auto sensor fan. Frankly, that was more useful to me than a link to a site from which someone has purchased "stuff".

You can also have the fan wired to the bathroom light, so when you flip on the light the fan goes on automatically. I suppose you could also wire it so the light and fan are on the timer, so the fan and light turn OFF automatically if someone is in the habit of forgetting to turn them off.

I've been considering this question for my powder room. Now we have 2 switches, and no one ever turns the fan on - maybe becasue the old one was so loud. But now that we have a new quiet fan (Panasonic), I debated outting it on the same switch as the light so it wouldn't get left on (can't hardly even hear it). But I'm leaning towards a sensor switch (Lutron version) because it allows you to set a timer so the fan stays on for a set amount of time after the person leaves - just in case its really needed!

Thanks, sjhockey. Of course, you are right - have to remember to just take a deep breath and recite "om mani padme hum". :-)

Pardon my ignorance but for the in-line fans servicing multiple bathrooms, do all the bathrooms vent when the fan is switched on in any one of the bathrooms?

Jrb - yes all vent at the same time .

It's possible to install remote dampers , but it's quite complex and most contractors can't handle it especially at a price homeowner's feel like paying.

Thank you. That's they way it appeared but I had to ask.