Proper bathroom exhaust venting

Bathroom exhaust fans are necessary in order to remove moisture from the air when hot water is run for either baths or showers.  Older houses generally rely on windows to vent this moisture, but during cold months, the windows are not opened, so this moisture can build up and lead to damage.  Examples of this damage can include stains, bubbling paint, and mold.

Noisy vent fans can be caused by worn bushings in the fan motor.  Dust build up on the fan blades, housing and cover louvers can reduce the fan’s efficiency, and cause premature failure. 

Vent fan exhaust should be run as directly as possible, with as few bends as possible.  Rigid ducts and insulation around the duct’s exterior reduce the amount of condensation trapped inside, which can lead to corrosion and other damage.

These ducts should terminate at the home’s exterior.  Terminating the ducts within the attic will not effectively remove the moisture, and can lead to mold problems.