Bathroom Fans

The next time you're taking a steamy shower or relaxing in a nice hot bath, take a second to look at how much moisture is building up in your bathroom. If you don't have a bathroom ventilation fan, or if your bathroom fan isn't operating correctly, the buildup of that moisture could lead to peeling wallpaper, cracked paint, warped doors, and unhealthy mold and mildew.

Making the Switch
Today, most handymen recommend timed bathroom fans as opposed to the simple on/off switch in order for a more complete ventilation of the room after use. Also, with the new quieter fans it is not uncommon to forget to turn them off after the suggested 20 minute running period following use. The timer eliminates this issue. Most switches can be easily replaced with a timer switch. Many bathroom fans today come with built-in timers, and the even fancier ones come equipped with humidity sensors that will automatically cut the fan off once the room has been adequately ventilated.

Choosing Your Fan
There are a lot of big, ugly, noisy bathroom fans out there. Most people want the quietest bathroom fan they can find, but just remember that the quieter it gets, the louder the price tag. Some other things you might want to consider:

• Look at the fan's efficiency and power ratings.
• Match the power of the fan to the size of your bathroom.
• Make sure the fan is intended for moist conditions such inside the shower enclosure.

*If your bathroom does not already have a bathroom fan installed, be aware that installation requires some electrical and carpentry skills. If you are not quite as 'handi' as you'd like to be, you might consider hiring a professional for this task.