What are some points to consider when buying ventilation fans for bathroom?


Everyone loves to take a long shower in the bathroom, but did you know that the steam and humidity can affect your air quality? Yes, it's true; this is why installing fans for ventilation for the bathroom is necessary. Bathroom ventilation fans can be an exhaust fan or a ceiling fan, and the primary purpose of these fans is to improve airflow, add ventilation, and minimize the humidity.


Excess humidity can cause healthier problems, and using ventilation fans can help you prevent mold and mildew problems and keep you safe and comfortable. Now, let's discuss some of the points you should consider before buying fans for ventilation.

  • Bathroom fan sizing – The first step is to consider the fan's right size and ensure that you will get the right amount of ventilation. Bathroom exhaust fans for ventilation are sized and rated by their strength to make the air in cubic feet per minute, or CFMs. The fans who are smaller generate less CFMs and are ideal for smaller bathrooms. The Fans that generate higher CFMs work perfect in big bathrooms.

  • Bathroom fan installation – Most of the bathroom fans are installed in a ceiling, but specific models can also be installed in a wall. You should install your fan to vent air outside of your home through your ductwork and the nearest soffit, and not into an attic. While choosing the right fans for ventilation, consider where you want the unit to be installed, on a wall or a ceiling. Then, select a model with the right size duct adapter for your home. Consider installing a fan with light over an existing light fixture for more accessible wiring and convenience. When you are installing a fan over a shower tub, make sure it is installed safely. You can also hire an HVAC technician to install your fan, and the electrician can do all the wiring requirements if you need assistance.

  • Features – The Ventilation fans these days have many features that will help you operate them more easily. There are many models that have lights that can replace existing fixtures or add supplementary lighting. Some fans have night lights for soft illumination during the night time. However, many fans come with humidity and motion sensors to improve the fan's overall performance and help save energy. A motion sensor detects when someone enters the bathroom and turn on the fan or light only.

  • Noise level – Before buying ventilation fans, make sure to check the noise level and choose a quieter model. Always select a bathroom fan with a sone rating of two and under. A sone is a measurement of sound related to how the average listener senses it. Fans that are rated four or more can generate more noise.

  • Efficiency – Since many years, ventilation fans are said to be more efficient than an average fan. The fan you choose must also meet low sound emission qualifications, low wattage consumption, and powerful but efficient performance under static pressure. You should invest in a fan that includes a motion or humidity sensor to help ensure it runs when required.


When buying fans for ventilation for the bathroom, you need to consider your space's size and then additional features such as lighting, heat, and sensors that activate the fan. In the end, there can be wide variations and choose the fan, which is less noisy and which you can tolerate.