5 Factors to Consider when buying an Bathroom Exhaust Fan

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Purchasing a new bathroom exhaust fan can be an overwhelming decision due to the extensive selection available in the marketplace. Opting for an Energy Star Rated exhaust fan can help you achieve significant energy savings and narrow your selection. To assist you in making an informed choice, here are five crucial factors to consider when choosing the right bathroom exhaust fan for your needs.

1. CFM

CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute, which is perhaps the most vital factor in selecting the appropriately sized exhaust fan. CFM indicates how much air is moved per minute. To determine the right fan size, estimate one CFM for each square foot of bathroom space. For a bathroom that is 50 square feet, you will need a fan rated for 50 CFM. The Home Ventilation Institute suggests adding 50 CFM for every toilet, shower, and bathtub for bathrooms larger than 100 square feet, plus an additional 100 CFM for a whirlpool tub.

2. Features

Some exhaust fans come with additional features that enhance energy savings, such as motion sensing capability that automatically turns off the fan when no one is in the room. Another useful feature is a humidity sensor that activates the fan only when moisture is detected. Additionally, some fans include a light or a low-wattage night light to help you navigate the bathroom in darkness.

3. Sones

Sones measures the noise level. The higher the Sones rating, the noisier the fan. Typically, a quiet fan is rated at 1.0 Sone or less. Keep in mind that a quieter fan may come at a higher cost.

4. Duct Size

For an exhaust fan to function effectively, it must have proper ducting. The duct needs to be routed to the outside, where moist air is expelled, and must fit the duct connector on the fan. Therefore, be sure to check the duct diameter before purchasing an exhaust fan.

5. Light or No Light

Many fans come with built-in lights that utilize energy-efficient bulbs. Operating the switch will turn both the fan and light on or off simultaneously.

By keeping these five factors in mind, you will spend less time worrying about the return of the incorrect exhaust fan and enjoy the energy savings of an Energy Star Rated Bathroom Exhaust Fan.

Related Items

Under poor conditions, the warm, moist air produced by showers and baths can harm your health and your home. High humidity creates an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues while damaging sheetrock and wall studs.

Installing a new exhaust fan or replacing an old, inefficient one allows you to control humidity levels, prevent damage, and eliminate odors from your bathroom. With various types of bathroom fans available, it is vital to find a fan that fits the size and features suitable for your home. This guide explains the different types of fans and helps you decide which is best for your situation.

Before Choosing an Exhaust Fan

Given the array of bathroom fans to choose from, it's crucial to identify the fan that meets your needs. When selecting a built-in fan, pay attention to key features like CFM, sones, and how the fan’s design integrates with the room's overall aesthetics.

What is CFM?

CFM, or Cubic Feet per Minute, is one of the most critical factors in any exhaust fan purchase. It indicates how much air the fan can move in one minute under laboratory conditions—higher CFM translates to better ventilation potential. An effective bathroom fan should completely refresh the air eight times an hour, approximately every 7.5 minutes. Look for a fan with a CFM rating that matches your bathroom size accordingly.

Use this calculator to figure out the correct CFM needed for your bathroom fan:

Bathroom Length (ft) x Bathroom Width (ft) x Bathroom Height (ft) x 0.13 = Minimum CFM needed

For example, if the bathroom length is 12 ft, width is 7 ft, and the ceiling height is 8 ft, the room would require a fan with a minimum CFM of 87.36:

12 x 7 x 8 x 0.13 = 87.36

For bathrooms under 100 square feet with an 8-foot ceiling, the average minimum fan size is 1 CFM per square foot.

Exhaust Fan Specifications

When choosing a bathroom fan, numerous options exist, from location and size to design. To find the best bathroom exhaust fan, understanding these specifications is key:

• Amperage (Amps): Indicates the energy the fan uses to operate at maximum capacity.
• Duct Size: Ensure the duct size matches the diameter of the fan's duct connector.
• Sones: Indicates perceived loudness, not measured in specific decibels but relative comfort levels.
• Static Pressure (SP): Refers to the resistance created as air moves through the ducts.
• UL Listing: Indicates whether the fan is suitable for damp or wet environments.
• Volts: Reflects the electrical force necessary for the fan to draw the correct amperage.

Understanding these basic terms ensures that the exhaust fan you choose will meet the requirements of the room where it is installed.

Types of Bathroom Fans

The different types of bathroom fans can be easily categorized based on their looks and installation characteristics, helping you narrow down your search.

Standard Exhaust Fans

These fans replace older installations and prioritize functionality over form. Common features include:

• Mounted in the ceiling or wall, often protruding into the room.
• May include integrated lights or basic features.
• Common types include bath fans with heaters or heat lamps.

In-line Fans

Installed in attics or crawl spaces, these fans are relatively quiet and connect within ductwork to ventilate multiple rooms:

• Installed out of sight in the attic.
• The motor remains hidden behind vents, enhancing aesthetics.
• More powerful motors result in effective ventilation.
• Soundproofing keeps noise levels lower.

Decorative Exhaust Fans

These fans blend in with the room decor and often resemble decorative light fixtures, offering lower Sone ratings and additional features:

• Designed to resemble decorative lighting options.
• Available in a variety of styles to match your decor.

Must-Have Bath Fan Features

Exhaust fans can be both functional and stylish. Consider the following customizable options:

Heater

Fans with built-in heaters keep your bathroom warmer during colder months.

Humidity Sensing Bath Fans

These fans activate when they detect increased humidity.

Title 24 Compliant

California customers must ensure their bath fans comply with energy efficiency standards set by Title 24.

HVI Certified

The Home Ventilating Institute certifies products based on ventilation standards for better air quality.

The Newest and Best Exhaust Fan Features

Select from advanced features to enhance your bathroom's exhaust fan:

• Bluetooth® Speakers: Fans with wireless speakers for music streaming.
• Lights: Ensures safety and visibility at night.
• Motion Sensor: Activates the fan when someone enters the room.
• Timers: Keeps the fan running for a preset duration.

Energy Star Criteria

Energy Star certified products meet EPA requirements for energy efficiency, offering greater savings and comfort while reducing noise. Features of Household exhaust fans with the Energy Star label include:

• Greater efficiency and comfort with reduced noise levels.
• Enhanced performance motors.
• Improved blade design for optimal performance and durability.

To qualify for Energy Star certification, a bathroom exhaust fan must meet specific sound output and energy consumption standards.

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