| Bathroom Exhaust Fans |
When planning a bathroom project, ventilation is an important aspect
to consider. What size fan do I need is a frequent question. In my
experience the general rules used for calculating CFM or Cubic Feet
per Minute are usually underestimated. Most exhaust fans under 110
CFM's simply do not provide enough air exchange for an average hot
shower. There are however some guidelines put forth by such
agencies as the Home Ventilating Institute.
According to the guidelines there a 5' X 8' bath would need only a 40
CFM fan. I tend to disagree with this and would double that amount.
The other issue is the noise from the fan itself. On any low CFM fans,
50 CFM is the normal basic fan, they are quite noisy. When you get
into the 100 CFM fans and higher, you can get quiet models such as
the Nutone QT models or the Broan QT models.
It is very important that the bathroom has space for air to enter in order
to have air exchange take place. This is accomplished by undercutting
the door. The space under the door provides that air.
For larger bathrooms or bathrooms with steam showers, a great
product to exhaust air is an in line exhaust fan.
These have three attributes that make them very appealing. One is the
size, they can be purchased in a wide variety of sizes, on average
from 150CFM up to as much as 800 CFM with some brands. Another
nice feature is they can have more than one intake grill, and they are
only about 5" circle type grills. The best feature of all is the actual fan
unit is placed remotely, in an attic for instance, making them the
quietest type of exhaust fan.
The inlet is pictured on the right. These can be placed
in the ceiling in the shower, steam shower, toilet area
or in two of these locations. Fantech is the model I
have used most frequently.
to consider. What size fan do I need is a frequent question. In my
experience the general rules used for calculating CFM or Cubic Feet
per Minute are usually underestimated. Most exhaust fans under 110
CFM's simply do not provide enough air exchange for an average hot
shower. There are however some guidelines put forth by such
agencies as the Home Ventilating Institute.
According to the guidelines there a 5' X 8' bath would need only a 40
CFM fan. I tend to disagree with this and would double that amount.
The other issue is the noise from the fan itself. On any low CFM fans,
50 CFM is the normal basic fan, they are quite noisy. When you get
into the 100 CFM fans and higher, you can get quiet models such as
the Nutone QT models or the Broan QT models.
It is very important that the bathroom has space for air to enter in order
to have air exchange take place. This is accomplished by undercutting
the door. The space under the door provides that air.
For larger bathrooms or bathrooms with steam showers, a great
product to exhaust air is an in line exhaust fan.
These have three attributes that make them very appealing. One is the
size, they can be purchased in a wide variety of sizes, on average
from 150CFM up to as much as 800 CFM with some brands. Another
nice feature is they can have more than one intake grill, and they are
only about 5" circle type grills. The best feature of all is the actual fan
unit is placed remotely, in an attic for instance, making them the
quietest type of exhaust fan.
The inlet is pictured on the right. These can be placed
in the ceiling in the shower, steam shower, toilet area
or in two of these locations. Fantech is the model I
have used most frequently.
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