The steamy debate: Ceiling fans vs. Exhaust fans for your bathroom?
Your bathroom can be a source of great relaxation and comfort, but it's also a place where strong odors, mold and mildew can thrive, if proper measures aren’t taken to avoid it. The solution may lie in ceiling fans or exhaust fans, but which is right for your bathroom?
INADEQUATE BATHROOM VENTILATION CAN LEAD TO MOLD & MILDEW
Without good bathroom ventilation, the steam from your bath or shower can seep into your walls, creating a damp, dank place for that mold and mildew to live and spread, which becomes a safety hazard for you and your family. That mold and mildew can also begin to degrade the structural integrity of your home, which can lead to major damage, even having your home condemned due to violation of safety regulations. It's critical that you understand the importance of proper bathroom ventilation, so that you can make the right choice for you and your home.
EXHAUST FANS
Many homes come standard with bathroom exhaust fans built-in. Some are attached to the bathroom light, and most are not of the best quality, which is what leads to the many complaints people have about this type of fan. But these fans do help remove pesky odors from your bathroom and moisture from the air; helping protect from mold and mildew.
NOISY EXHAUST FANS CAN BE REPLACED WITH QUIET MODELS
Unfortunately, many inexpensive bathroom exhaust fans create a loud, rumbling that can be heard several rooms away. There are, however, high quality bathroom exhaust fans that run with little to no noise while providing the same benefits, if not more.
BATHROOM EXHAUST FANS WITH LIGHTING
You can install an exhaust fan with its own wall switch, or you can opt for an exhaust fan and light combination for added convenience. Another benefit of bathroom exhaust fans is that some models even come with heated lighting options, so you no longer have to dread stepping out of your shower and facing a rush of cold air.
WHEN TO CONSIDER USING A CEILING FAN IN YOUR BATHROOM
If you find the cost of higher quality exhaust fans a bit steep, and don’t want to settle for the less-quiet models, then a bathroom ceiling fan is your best option. A ceiling fan can’t ventilate your bathroom, but it can help circulate the air, keeping the air from stagnating and clinging to your walls.
DOES YOUR BATHROOM HAVE A WINDOW?
Unfortunately, if your bathroom doesn’t have a window, then a ceiling fan will not do much to help reduce the moisture in the air. Without a window, it is essential that you use a bathroom exhaust fan. If there is a window in your bathroom, then pairing it with a ceiling fan can provide many of the same functions as an exhaust fan, but with less of a sound disturbance.
BATHROOM VENTILATION - IT'S A PERSONAL DECISION
In the end, people make their decision based on what best suits their personal preference, but when shopping for fans online, it's important consider what is best for the home, so you don't end up doing more harm than good. When deciding whether to use ceiling fans or exhaust fans for your bathroom, using something, is always better than nothing.
