Is it better to install a bathroom vent fan in the shower or the middle of the bathroom?
– Steve
As long as the wiring for your bathroom vent fans is attached to a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) and the fan is rated for a shower area, the best place to locate your vent fan is on the ceiling in or near the shower where it will do the most good. Vent fans that include a heater, however, should not be installed over a shower.
Another consideration is that the fan should be located away from the intake air source, such as a door or window (if the window will be open). If the window and door will be closed, make sure there is a 5/8” or greater gap under the door to allow fresh air into the room.
Other vent fan installation tips include:
- Make sure the vent fan moves enough cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air for the size of your bathroom.
- Exhaust the air from the vent fan to the outside of the house, not in the attic.
- Use smooth ductwork and limit the length and bends as much as possible, following the instructions that came with the fan.
- Install a wall or roof cap that closes when the fan is off.
- Use insulated ductwork in colder climates to prevent condensation on the inside or outside of the duct.
Good luck with your project,
