Bathroom Ventilation and Ceiling Fans
Although a traditional ceiling fan (one with exterior blades) is not generally what a homeowner considers when looking for ventilation in the bathroom.
A small, half-bath or even a small full bath is usually not an appropriate place to consider installing a traditional ceiling fan, however in more modern, larger deluxe homes with large "live-in" bathrooms, a ceiling fan can add both a functional as well as a decorative touch that makes this area even more elegant and comfortable.
To avoid possible confusion, a bathroom ceiling fan is not the same creature as the bathroom exhaust ceiling fan or ventilator although the terms may often be used interchangeably.
Building codes in all the areas I can think of require bathrooms to have a means for directly ventilating hot, moist air to the outside.
This can be accomplished by having either a window that can be opened in the bathroom or some type of electrical ventilating device that pulls the air from the bathroom and discharges it to the outside of the home via a vent.
Each type of external ventilation has its pros and cons.
A window often provides a nice decorating touch as well as providing a source of natural light and outside air ventilation.
However, a window doesn't remove bathroom odors and moist, hot air very well under most circumstances and can't generally be used during the colder months.
If the window is of wood construction, you may also run the risk of it warping with the obvious negative results.
Window units are also susceptible to mold and mildew (depending on the material used in their manufacture) and require some extra attention when it comes to cleaning.
A mechanical ventilation system (that runs quietly) will effectively eliminate hot, moist air and bathroom odors year round.
Because of the moist air drawn through them, frequent cleaning of the blades is advisable to avoid the build-up of debris, etc.
Hanging bathroom ceiling fans serve both functional and decorative purposes.
Although they don't remove (exhaust) odors, etc.
they do provide a pleasing movement of air in an area that usually doesn't include this simple luxury.
Even bathrooms with good outside ventilation can be stuffy sometimes, particularly when you are spending time on the "throne" or when drying your hair or after taking a shower.
Exhaust systems, whether mechanical or an outside window, take time to remove heat and moisture from the bathroom area and most of us want more or less instant relief when stepping out of the shower or when taking a long, soothing bath.
The air circulated by the addition of a ceiling fan can keep that mirror steam-free and otherwise provide the added comfort that you will enjoy.
There are several important considerations to keep in mind when deciding on the type, style and size of a fan that will be used in this area.
Many on-line or brick and mortar retail sources will include a category for ceiling fans which can make the selection process easier.
A primary consideration is the actual size (length) of the blades.
3-blade models are very popular in bathrooms.
These ceiling fans are available with smaller motors and shorter blades that limit the intensity of the air circulation.
To be on the safe side, shop for a fan with a variable speed control that will allow you to adjust the air circulation to its most comfortable level.
Take into consideration the height of the bathroom ceiling.
A good rule of thumb is to maintain at least 6 ½ to 7 feet of clearance from the bottom of the fan to the bathroom floor.
If you have, for example, an 8-foot ceiling, a fan with a 3-inch down rod will be just about right, etc.
For lower ceilings, "hugger" type ceiling fans are available from most manufacturers.
Avoid purchasing a ceiling fan with wooden blades or blades that are made of other natural material that tend to warp in damp or moist conditions.
Keeping the blades at the same weight is a major factor in preventing a ceiling fan from getting out of balance and becoming noisy.
Bathroom ceiling fans generally need to be cleaned more often than ceiling fans in other rooms because the moist conditions under which they operate causes dust, dirt and other debris to accumulate more rapidly.
While some people use the bathroom for strictly functional purposes and are in and out rather quickly after completing their "business", others use the bathroom as a place to relax and unwind after a long day of hard work.
Adding a ceiling fan to this area can truly enhance its use and make the time you spend there a pleasant experience.
A small, half-bath or even a small full bath is usually not an appropriate place to consider installing a traditional ceiling fan, however in more modern, larger deluxe homes with large "live-in" bathrooms, a ceiling fan can add both a functional as well as a decorative touch that makes this area even more elegant and comfortable.
To avoid possible confusion, a bathroom ceiling fan is not the same creature as the bathroom exhaust ceiling fan or ventilator although the terms may often be used interchangeably.
Building codes in all the areas I can think of require bathrooms to have a means for directly ventilating hot, moist air to the outside.
This can be accomplished by having either a window that can be opened in the bathroom or some type of electrical ventilating device that pulls the air from the bathroom and discharges it to the outside of the home via a vent.
Each type of external ventilation has its pros and cons.
A window often provides a nice decorating touch as well as providing a source of natural light and outside air ventilation.
However, a window doesn't remove bathroom odors and moist, hot air very well under most circumstances and can't generally be used during the colder months.
If the window is of wood construction, you may also run the risk of it warping with the obvious negative results.
Window units are also susceptible to mold and mildew (depending on the material used in their manufacture) and require some extra attention when it comes to cleaning.
A mechanical ventilation system (that runs quietly) will effectively eliminate hot, moist air and bathroom odors year round.
Because of the moist air drawn through them, frequent cleaning of the blades is advisable to avoid the build-up of debris, etc.
Hanging bathroom ceiling fans serve both functional and decorative purposes.
Although they don't remove (exhaust) odors, etc.
they do provide a pleasing movement of air in an area that usually doesn't include this simple luxury.
Even bathrooms with good outside ventilation can be stuffy sometimes, particularly when you are spending time on the "throne" or when drying your hair or after taking a shower.
Exhaust systems, whether mechanical or an outside window, take time to remove heat and moisture from the bathroom area and most of us want more or less instant relief when stepping out of the shower or when taking a long, soothing bath.
The air circulated by the addition of a ceiling fan can keep that mirror steam-free and otherwise provide the added comfort that you will enjoy.
There are several important considerations to keep in mind when deciding on the type, style and size of a fan that will be used in this area.
Many on-line or brick and mortar retail sources will include a category for ceiling fans which can make the selection process easier.
A primary consideration is the actual size (length) of the blades.
3-blade models are very popular in bathrooms.
These ceiling fans are available with smaller motors and shorter blades that limit the intensity of the air circulation.
To be on the safe side, shop for a fan with a variable speed control that will allow you to adjust the air circulation to its most comfortable level.
Take into consideration the height of the bathroom ceiling.
A good rule of thumb is to maintain at least 6 ½ to 7 feet of clearance from the bottom of the fan to the bathroom floor.
If you have, for example, an 8-foot ceiling, a fan with a 3-inch down rod will be just about right, etc.
For lower ceilings, "hugger" type ceiling fans are available from most manufacturers.
Avoid purchasing a ceiling fan with wooden blades or blades that are made of other natural material that tend to warp in damp or moist conditions.
Keeping the blades at the same weight is a major factor in preventing a ceiling fan from getting out of balance and becoming noisy.
Bathroom ceiling fans generally need to be cleaned more often than ceiling fans in other rooms because the moist conditions under which they operate causes dust, dirt and other debris to accumulate more rapidly.
While some people use the bathroom for strictly functional purposes and are in and out rather quickly after completing their "business", others use the bathroom as a place to relax and unwind after a long day of hard work.
Adding a ceiling fan to this area can truly enhance its use and make the time you spend there a pleasant experience.
