Bathroom exhaust fan with light – pros and cons
Unlike the classic models, the bathroom exhaust fan with light have their advantages as well as a few downsides.
Pros:
- Controls humidity: Taking a shower or turning on the heater generates humidity and mold in the bathroom. This situation can be controlled by purchasing a bathroom exhaust fan. If mold is not controlled, it can quickly grow and spread over the entire surface, and then it will be more cumbersome and costly to remove. Therefore, it is important to have an exhaust fan in the bathroom to prevent situations like these.
- For the permanence of the walls: One of the factors that tend to cause damage to the walls is excessive humidity. This can begin with the cracks in the walls, weakening the structure. As a consequence, the paint can be damaged, and mold can appear. However, treating the wall and applying the necessary paint will command high costs. This would be an expense that you could do without, with a bathroom exhaust fan.
- They can be used in other rooms asides the bathroom. This is due to the rather aesthetic design the construction, finishing, and the LED lighting offers. Other places they can be used include smelly garages, mudrooms, exercise rooms, kitchen areas, laundry rooms, etc.
- Multiple functions. These fans don’t just provide ventilation. They are also an ideal lighting system. Others also include heating functionality.
- Alternative to an AC. An exhaust fan is really versatile, but not in any way an ideal replacement for an AC. However, if you don’t have the latter, an exhaust fan can do a lot of moisture removal.
- Eliminates airborne contaminants and diseases: An exhaust fan can eliminate radon, carbon monoxide, pet smell, cookery, and formaldehyde. Frequently ridding of airborne irritations and threats offer great health advantages.
Cons
- Wall switch required: There must be a wall switch especially for the lighting system.
- More expensive: The bathroom exhaust fans with light comes with additional but not very high costs. This is understandable because of added lighting and heating functionality.
Features to consider while choosing a bathroom exhaust fan with light
From the types, mounting options, installation location, the switch or ignition system, CFM capacity, coverage area, lighting and heating, and the noise level, here are some features to consider before choosing.
Type: flexible vs. rigid
The exhaust fans are either classified as flexible or rigid according to the ventilation ducts. The flexible ducts, recommended for dimensions of less than 16 cubic feet, can easily be used around obstacles. So, it is advisable to choose flexible insulated conduits. The smooth surface of the rigid ducts facilitates air circulation and is ideal for more spacious dimensions. The shorter the duct, the more easily the air circulates, and the less powerful the fan must be. Choose models with a diameter of at least 4 inches. For longer runs, opt for 6-inch ducts that facilitate the movement of air. Small 3-inch diameter ducts are not recommended.
Mounting options
Many exhaust fans can be wall-mounted or ceiling mounted. However, because you’re searching for models with light, the best mounting option is the ceiling type. This way, the LED light, and produced heat will reach all parts of the bathroom, as it is with Broan-Nutone 9093WH. So, it’s best to only look for models installable on the ceiling.
Energy rating and electrical needs
Because of their dual functionality, the bathroom exhaust fan with light can be energy-consuming. However, they should be as efficient with energy as possible. Generally, an averagely energy-efficient model should require around what a 40W bulb consumes. If your exhaust fan takes 1W of power for every 3-5 CFM, it will draw about 30-50 watts.
Installation location
When determining the mounting of the fan, take into account that the fan housing must be securely attached to an attic truss. A typical installation is done on the ceiling, and in the middle of the room. Depending on the model, you can also mount it directly above the shower or bathtub. The circuit must be protected by a differential circuit breaker. The fan can also be installed on the wall of a bathroom. However, this installation is less efficient since humidity tends to rise towards the ceiling. If the toilet is in an enclosed space, it is best to install a fan there as well.
The conduits are hidden in the ceiling, and sometimes the attic, to be then directed outside. They must be installed horizontally. It must be installed in a slight downward slope towards the outside. This is to facilitate the flow of water if there is condensation. Make sure to insulate and seal all the elements of the ventilation system so as not to create any heat loss.
In the case of a bathroom renovation project, the plumbing or electrical elements already in place can affect the path of the conduits.
Standard switch
On some items, the device turns on at the same time as you press the light switch. Therefore, it is when you use this room only that it extracts the air. Other models can be started using a cord that must be pulled manually. Some types allow this device to be put into service in a timed manner. You define in advance the duration for which the device must operate whether you are present or not. Some models are provided with hygrostats. This implies that you adjust the hygrometry rate, which is appropriate for you. It is capable of triggering itself when the defined threshold is reached. Moreover, more efficient devices can turn on by presence detection thanks to an infrared component that accompanies them. The fan activates with the same switch as the main light in the bathroom. This avoids having to operate two switches. It ensures that the fan operates as soon as a person turns on the light in the bathroom. In fact, some switches, such as the Broan-Nutone 9093WH fans, have switches that control 4 functions.
Manufacturing materials
The manufacturing materials of your fan are very important. They will determine the resistance that it will have to fulfill its useful life. In this sense, the most common are steel frames and high-quality resistant plastic blades. These will offer you better results, durability, and performance-wise.
Installation kit
It can be very annoying to have to go to the store just to buy the installation materials for your exhaust fan. Ensure that the one you are going to buy includes all the kit and the installation instructions to avoid the inconvenience. There are also some models that neither require drilling nor require great knowledge. Look for these if you have no engineering or electrical experience and do not plan to bring in an expert.
CFM
Each bath, shower, and toilet cubicle requires a surplus of 50 CFM. On the other hand, if you have a jetted hot tub, you will need to add to the exhaust fan capacity a surplus of 100 CFM. See more on the CFM criterion in the FAQ section.
Coverage area
Before purchasing a bathroom fan, examine the power required for efficient operation. This is calculated according to a very simple rule.
You must expel 1 ft³ of air per minute for each square feet of area. Increase this figure by 20%, and add 1 ft³/min per linear foot, in the case of rigid pipe. Add 2 ft³/min in the case of a flexible pipe. For example, for a 10 × 10 feet bathroom ventilated by a 6 feet long flexible pipe:
- 100 ft³/min (10 x 10) + 20 ft³/min (20% 100) + 12 ft³/ min (length of hose × 2, since it is a flexible duct) = 132 ft³/min.
A bathroom with smaller dimensions requires a fan whose minimum power is 50 ft³/min. If your bathroom is equipped with a hot tub or multi-jet shower, use a fan of at least 250 ft³/min. This is because the hot water emits a lot of moisture movement.
Noise level
Bathroom fans are generally rated by the noise they generate when they operate at full capacity. The higher the number, the louder the model. The noise level of the exhaust fan is measured in sones. It varies from less than 1 sone to 4 sones, or even less in the case with the Panasonic FV-05-11VKL2 and Hunter 83002, which feature only 0.3 sones. A fan of 2 sones or less is considered silent. If the device is classified as 2 sones, its sound level is twice as loud as 1 sone devices. Thus, an exhaust fan classified 0.5 sone has a noise level similar to that of the noise of rustling leaves. It is, therefore, very silent. If it is 1 sone, its sound level is equivalent to the sound of a moderate conversation or a silent refrigerator. If it is 2 sones, the noise is similar to moderate conversations. And if it is 3 sones, the noise is the same as that of a noisy fan.
Lighting
Exhaust fans with integrated lighting are very practical when the bathroom is small. To buy the best bathroom exhaust fan with LED light, choose a model that has at least a 12W dimmable LED, as it is with the Akicon model. Some models also offer low voltage night lights, practical in children’s bathrooms.
Heating
The primary functions of exhaust fans with light are ventilation and light emission. However, there are also fans with heating systems, such as the Broan-Nutone 9093WH model. These are particularly appreciated after leaving the bath or shower. Models that have heating features also offer great value for money. Although, in most cases, this feature contributes to the price and energy usage.
Durability
Exhaust fans with light are relatively expensive. So, you wouldn’t like to blow hundreds of dollars on a product that wouldn’t last beyond a year. You can look for maintenance-free models whose brushes wouldn’t need to be replaced. Models with permanently lubricated motors are also a great option. Because bathroom fans are often exposed to moistures, ensure the construction materials are rust-resistant. Choose models made of galvanized steels. The fans must also have antirust finishes.
Price
The price may determine the overall quality and features. But this isn’t always the case. Some brands are renowned for their unwavering standards when it comes to quality, regardless of the price range. Meanwhile, models with heating systems and additional features like sensors, timer, etc. come at extra costs. They can cost a few hundreds of dollars. However, you can find bathroom exhaust fans under 200 dollars, such as the Hunter 83002 and Akicon models.
Warranty
Bathroom fans with lighting features are high-end types of exhaust fans. So, it’s important they come with manufacturer warranties. If the durability is a concern for you, go for models with at least a 3-year manufacturer guarantee. The year of warranty offered on a model can vary according to parts such as the motor, LED light, and other parts. For each of these, ensure the policy covers it for at least 3 years.
Extras
- Timer: A wall timer is used to switch on the fan and to select the start-up period. Some models come with this. Meanwhile, you can buy this separately and connect it to the system.
- Detectors: There are models with motion or humidity detectors; one of which is the Panasonic FV-05-11VKL2 fan. The motion sensors activate the fan when it detects movement. Meanwhile, the humidity sensor can, for example, turn on the fan as soon as the humidity is too high in the bathroom.
Installation tips
Installation is a task that can be simple if you have some knowledge. But if you do not have the experience, it is recommended that you seek the help of a professional. Meanwhile, if you want to do it on your own, follow these step-by-step instructions and tips that will allow you to install it easily.
- Choose the place where you are going to place the bathroom exhaust fan. If you have an internal ventilation system, take advantage of it. Put the fan there and connect it to the outside.
- If it is not near the ventilation, you can place it somewhere else and link the evacuation pipes to this system. In the case that the bathroom has a window, one option is to install it there.
- Mark the place where you are going to install it. Use the drill at each marked point. Then place the base and fasten it very well to the wall or ceiling, correctly tightening the screws.
- Install the necessary electrical connections for the product to function properly. We recommend that before starting the work, cut the power in the entire area. This is so you can perform the installation safely.
