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Bathroom exhaust fan upgrade

3 years ago

We have a Broan exhaust fan from a big box store that doesn't seem to do much, or at least not quickly. It's on a timer and we always set it for an hour after a shower. Sometimes we have to run it longer to pull the humidity out. What is a better brand to replace it with? The bathroom is 10 x 15, and exhaust fan is located in the ceiling just outside the shower door and it vents to the outside on the side of the house.

Featured Answer

Helen

3 years ago

Since OP wants a fan to deal with humidity after showering, a quiet fan is what most people would want. If one is taking a shower in the evening or if one is on a different schedule so that one showers while one's partner is still in bed, a quiet fan is desirable.

My fan doesn't go on unless it senses humidity and it goes off when the ambient humidity in the bathroom decreases. This level (at least on my Panasonic) is adjustable. When it was installed, it was too sensitive and I think it went on if there was some drops on the sink but after it was adjusted, it worked perfectly to just take care of humidity after showers. I would imagine if humidity rose for other reasons it would turn on but that's not an issue in my bathroom.

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Comments (8)

Helen
3 years ago
I have a Panasonic Whisper and it is fabulous. It goes on and off based on ambient humidity levels in my bathroom.
AJCN thanked Helen
AJCN
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks! I looked up Panasonic Whisper. How do I decide what model to choose and what CFMs are needed? Also, what is a "sone?"
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wdccruise
3 years ago
Here's The Spruce guide to fan sizing. "Sone" is a unit of loudness. Frankly, I prefer a loud fan because it covers up, you know, "the noise" plus you're less likely to forget it's turned on.
AJCN thanked wdccruise
recordaras
3 years ago
We love our Panasonics. We got them slightly oversized for the room since we’re in a humid climate and the bathrooms don’t get much ventilation. Still very quiet and mirrors unfog very quickly after a shower.
AJCN
Original Author
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Next question: After I buy the replacement fan, who installs it? Not me. Do I have my HVAC person come, an electrician? Do they do it from inside the bathroom, or do they have to go in the attic?
Helen
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Mine was installed during a complete remodel but I believe the electrician did the installation along with the rest of the wiring and lighting.

Since you have one already installed I would imagine that it is already vented and it simply needs to be connected. Mine did not require access to the unit above me.

My HVAC guy did adjust the ambient humidity detector after installation as a courtesy when he was working on my HVAC unit but he didn't do the initial installation.

Why not call your HVAC guy if you have one or an electrician and find out whether they do the installation and what they would charge.
AJCN thanked Helen
catbuilder
3 years ago
Are you sure the fan is the problem, and not the ducting? How long is the run, how many elbows, and is it rigid duct?

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