Types of Bathroom Fans You Need to Know

Bathroom fans are essential for circulating the air inside of your bathroom. Bathrooms can become hot and steamy, making the air quality less than ideal for long periods of time. Excess moisture in your bathroom can also cause mold and mildew. This guide will cover everything you need to know about bathroom fans so that you can choose the one that's best for you.

How to Choose a Bathroom Fan

When determining how to pick a bathroom fan, you'll need to measure the square feet of your bathroom first. Once you have your bathroom's square footage, convert it to cubic feet per minute (CFM), which tells you how much air your fan will be able to move per minute. A fan should have a CFM rating high enough to replace the air in your bathroom at a rate of eight times per hour.

Tip!

Use this formula to find the CFM rating your bathroom fan needs: Bathroom Size x 0.13 = Minimum CFM Rating. Choose a fan that can ventilate at least 1 CFM per square foot of room. So, for an 80 square foot bathroom, select an 80 CFM fan.

Tip!

For extra-large bathrooms, add 50 CFM for every toilet, 50 CFM for every bathtub or shower and 100 CFM for a jetted bathtub. If you are buying fans for a large master bathroom, rec room, home theater, or other room over 100 square feet, consider installing multiple fans.

Bathroom Fan Types

Traditional: Traditional bathroom fans have a minimal and clean look that features a vent and sometimes a light fixture. These fans attach to the ceiling or wall and are not flush with the wall. If you're looking for something simple that gets the job done, opt for a traditional bathroom fan.

Decorative: Decorative fans are usually disguised as ceiling lights and feature a shade that hangs below them. If you're looking for a bathroom fan that doubles as a light and is aesthetically pleasing, opt for a decorative bathroom fan.

Bathroom Fan Features

Heater: Bathroom fans with heaters not only circulate air but also heat the air. This is a great feature for you if you live in a colder climate, or if you prefer for your bathroom to stay warm.

Humidity Sensor: Bathroom fans with humidity sensors automatically control the humidity in your bathroom. If your bathroom gets too humid, the fan will sense it and turn on the ventilation system. This is a great way to ensure that there's no mold or mildew developing in your bathroom.

Motion Sensor: A motion sensor is a great feature to have in a bathroom fan. This will automatically turn your fan on whenever your bathroom is in use. If you find that you use your bathroom fan more often than not, or want the convenience of not having to flip a switch, opt for a fan with a motion sensor.

Timer: These types of bathroom fans come with a built in timer to turn the fan on and off. This is a great way to ensure saving on electricity costs.

With Light: These types of bathroom fans come with a light that turns on when the fan turns on. These fans are a great way to consolidate two necessities in your bathroom.

Now that you know the types of bathroom fans and their features, you can choose the best fan for your bathroom.