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,


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Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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