install-bath-fan-xIt happens almost every time: You get out of the warm shower, and your bathroom mirror is covered in steam. The room is lingering with visible humidity. Sometimes, high humidity from stoves causes kitchens to become hot and sticky, too. If homeowners are not careful, this high humidity could cause headaches, trigger allergic reactions and contribute to dust mite and mold problems.

To solve this problem, proper ventilation is key. We know windows do a similar job, but exhaust fans are made just for this purpose. Here are a couple of Warner Service’s favorite reasons, aside from eliminating high humidity, to install a exhaust fan in your home:

Reduce fumes. Bathrooms and kitchens are typically cleaned with aggressive and harsh chemicals that can cause a mecca of health-related issues if inhaled or improperly handled. These exhaust fans reduce the fumes from those cleaning agents that could potentially leave lasting issues and side effects, such as asthma, dizziness, skin irritation, liver, eye or kidney damage, lung problems, or burns.

Control odors. We are talking about a bathroom, where bad odors thrive. Whether it is upstairs, on the main level or in the basement, bathrooms need exhaust fans to help draw out the potency of unpleasant smells. This will create fresher air. It will also help control the effect of water stains on any veneer from wood furniture that your bathroom may have.

Work efficiently. Exhaust fans work better than traditional windows at eliminating high humidity and moisture because they are concentrated to a specific space. Their installation location has a purpose for the highest energy and cost efficiency possible. For the most eco-friendly fan, request or purchase an Energy Star unit. These exhaust fans have maximum sone ratings (low fan noisiness), too, so no matter how often or how long you use your unit, it should stay quiet.

Now that you know why you should install an exhaust fan in every bathroom in your home, here are some tips to get the most out of your appliance:

  1. Make sure you place your unit over or adjacent to a shower or tub and within an enclosed toilet stall.
  2. Before installation, make sure your bathroom doors are undercut to allow regular air to enter and exit.
  3. Allow the exhaust fan to run for at least 20 minutes after bathroom use for the biggest impact. You can also purchase units that come equipped with timers and humidity sensors that turn on when they detect a rise in moisture.

To perform an at-home test for effectiveness of your exhaust fan, follow this step-by-step guide:

  1. Grab a single square of toilet paper or a sheet of paper.
  2. Hold the square or sheet up to the exhaust fan.
  3. If the unit is strong enough, it will hold the toilet paper or sheet tight to the ceiling, and your unit is good to go. If you get close enough and hear a whirring noise, call a professional.

Most homes come with a built in exhaust fan for each bathroom, and many home models now have exhaust fans in the stove for kitchen humidity. However, if any of your moisture-filled rooms do not have one, contact Warner Service today.