Installing a Bathroom Fan
Tips for Installing a Bathroom Fan:
- When you install a bathroom fan do not let flexible ductwork sag because this will reduce air flow.
- During the bathroom fan installation, position the bath fan outlet in the direction of the home's exit point. This will minimize duct turns.
- Before adding an elbow or bend, allow 24" to 36" of straight run from the fan outlet point.
- Duct-wrap insulation (R-5 or above) will help minimize condensation in cold climates, especially on long duct runs.
- Exit vents should have back draft flaps to help keep cold air from entering duct.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ventilation Fans:
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What is a Sone, and how is it measured?
A Sone is a measurement of sound in terms of comfortable hearing level for an average listener.The lower the sone value, the more comfortable the listening environment. Sones are not decibels or volume, but rather how sound is “sensed.” One sone is the equivalent of a quiet refrigerator.
CFM is the acronym for Cubic Feet per Minute — the measure of air volume moved by the fan blower. Choose a fan with a CFM rating appropriate for your room size to ensure adequate ventilation.
What is continuous ventilation?
Continuous ventilation provides today’s airtight homes with a relatively constant and controlled lower level of ventilation. NuTone’s extremely quiet and efficient QT Series is ideally suited for these applications.
Can I mount NuTone fans above my tub and shower?
Most NuTone fans are rated for use over a shower or bathtub with a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter).
Can my ceiling fan be surrounded by insulation?
Yes. NuTone bath fans are designed to provide adequate cooling for motors and lighting, as well as products with integral heaters.
Will NuTone Fans work in wall-mount applications?
Some NuTone bath and utility fans may be wall mounted. See the spec matrix for specific models. Improper installation may affect fan life, safety and your warranty.
Will a ceiling fan or wall-mount utility fan serve as a range hood?
No. Range hoods are specifically designed to handle grease and high temperature environments. Ventilation provided by NuTone fans is only a supplement for odor and moisture removal in the kitchen.
What does “static pressure” mean?
Static pressure is the measurement of airflow resistance as it is pushed through ductwork which reduces the effectiveness of the fan.
How long should a bath fan run after a shower is used?
The Home Ventilation Institute recommends that a fan should be left on for 20 minutes more to clear humidity adequately and to ensure moisture and condensation in the fan body or ducting is minimized.
What should I do if I can’t wait for moisture to clear, but I don’t want a fan to run all day long.
NuTone has sensing fans that detect the humidity rise caused by a shower and turn on automatically – when moisture has cleared it turns off. Some wall controls also give you the option of humidity sensing, or timer control. Just set it and forget it.
Where should the exhaust fan be located?
Exhaust fans should be located in or near the shower or tub, and in an enclosed water closet. Keep exhaust points opposite the supply air source to ensure that the fresh air is drawn through the room. Bathroom doors should not be sealed too tightly at the bottom in order to allow “makeup air” to enter the room when the door is closed.
Where is the exhaust outlet on the ventilation fan?
The exhaust outlet is the point where air is discharged through the body of the fan housing into the ductwork. During installation, orient your fan with the exhaust outlet pointing toward the exit vent on your roof or wall to minimize turns in ductwork that impede airflow.
Why do the windows and mirrors fog even when the fan is running?
If windows and mirrors are very cold, condensation can still form on these surfaces. And if your bathroom is sealed tightly, replacement air may not be entering the room fast enough to displace the moist air. Be sure to undercut your door sufficiently to draw fresh air into the room. Fan placement can also be a factor.Your fan should be located far from the replacement air source to ensure the moist air is drawn out first. Finally, too many twists and turns in the ducting will significantly reduce the ability of the blower to remove moist air. Make sure your ductwork is as short and straight as it can be, with gradual turns rather than tight corners where necessary.
Why is water dripping from the grille of the fan?
Dripping water is either condensation (usually due to cold ductwork or improper duct installation), or a problem with the seal on a wall or roof vent. Insulated ductwork can help solve condensation problems, and running the fan longer will ensure moisture is completely removed from the duct. Ductwork should slope down toward a wall vent to direct condensation out of the exterior vent opening rather than back into the fan housing.
Can I install a heater over the bathtub or in a shower?
No. Heaters are not UL Listed (Underwriter’s Laboratory) for installation over a bathtub or in a shower.
Can I use an inline or multi-port fan in one large bathroom?
Yes, this works the best for large rooms because you can install the ports over the areas where the ventilation is needed the most (source control).The size of the multi-port would be determined by the size of the room.
Does a duct-free bath fan expel air?
No. A duct-free fan is not a ventilating device. It does not remove air from the room.
Can I use a smaller diameter duct than what the fan is designed for?
This is not recommended. It will cause the fan to run harder, greatly reducing the CFM performance of the fan and create excess noise.
Can larger diameter ducting be used with my bath fan?
Yes, larger diameters will result in improved performance.
What type of duct is recommended, rigid or flexible?
It is recommended, where possible, to use rigid duct. It has less resistance to air flow and allows the fan to operate much more efficiently. If flexible duct is used, be sure the duct is as straight as possible.
Can I exhaust my fan into my attic instead of out the roof or wall?
Never exhaust air into spaces within walls, ceilings, attics, crawl spaces or garages.The humidity may damage the structure and insulation.
What type of exhaust fan is best for a sauna or hot tub area?
High CFM-rated devices are normally recommended for this type of application.
Can I use a fan in a steam shower?
No. Since these are normally sealed chambers, a vacuum will be created.
Can I vent more than one bath fan out of a roof or wall cap?
No. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended ventilation requirements.
Resources for Wiring a Bathroom Exhaust Fan |
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Here is the Detailed Installation Manual for Nutone 110 CFM Exhaust Fan [PDF] |
More About Wiring a Bathroom Exhaust Fan
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