A vent fan helps to keep your bathroom comfortable year-round, but the best ventilation relies on positioning your fan correctly in the first place. Whether you’re looking to install your first fan or replace an older model, knowing how to get the right placement will make a huge difference in how well it works and how long it lasts. Read on for three tips to help you create the perfect environment when you’re trying to position a bathroom vent fan.
Measure Before Purchasing
Measure both ceiling height and vent fan height before making a purchase. This will ensure that you get the perfect fit for your home.
Use a stud finder to make sure there are no major obstructions in the way of where you want to place your vent fan.
Consider what direction you want your bathroom vent fan to push air, as well as whether or not it is better for it to be on an outside wall or an inside wall.
Consider Your Budget
1. Consider your budget. If you have a higher budget, it may make more sense to purchase a vent fan with stronger airflow (for example, one with a CFM of at least 1200). If you have a lower budget, then it may be better for you to purchase a vent fan with less airflow (for example, one with a CFM of under 800) or even choose not to install one at all.
2. Make sure that your bathroom vent fan is centered in the room. To do this, measure from two opposing corners and divide by two. The ceiling height should be proportional to how far apart these two measurements are from each other. You want a high enough ceiling so that when someone enters the bathroom they will not knock their head on the exhaust pipe coming out of the wall. 3. When installing a bath vent fan, if possible install it before any drywall has been put up around the perimeter of the space so that installation is easier and cleaner.
Avoid Placing Over Cabinets
In order to prevent water from dripping onto cabinets, it is best not to place a vent fan over them. This will help keep mold and mildew away and ensure that your home stays well-ventilated. To make this easier, be sure to measure how high up the bottom of the cabinet begins before you plan where to put your vent fan.
It’s also important to remember that if there are windows in your bathroom, be sure not to block any of their ventilation by placing vents above them or near them.
Another tip for positioning a bath room vent fan is making sure that it’s at least 18 inches from the ground in order to avoid any floor damage due to condensation.