Bathroom Ceiling Panel Fan
(Photo from orayzio)
Install a Smart Bathroom Vent and Light
You can greatly reduce or eliminate the many problems created by excess moisture in your bathroom by adding a simple exhaust fan. A bathroom vent fan removes steam, which can fog up mirrors and windows, and moisture, which can collect in a bathroom and lead to problems like mold and mildew if it doesn't function properly. One of the most cost effective additions that people can make to a bathroom is replacing an old ceiling light or a ceiling vent with a smart vent or light. A smart bathroom vent or light is designed to sense when someone enters or exits the room and it turns itself on or off appropriately. These kinds of bathroom vents also sense the humidity level, such that it activates when the humidity rises. These smart vents with humidity control are a great way to remove the moisture in a bathroom. A smart bathroom vent can stop the growth of mildew which is not a problem any homeowner wants to deal with when it comes to bathrooms.
Each time a bathroom has an existing light or vent in the ceiling an electrician can charge a couple hundred dollars to swap it out with a brand new smart sensing combination fan / light unit. It will usually be more expensive than $200 unless the contractor can use the existing setup so that no new wiring is needed. The price will be more if new wiring is required or if he can't get to the ceiling joists of the restroom and so the old unit can be accessed. Also, if the ceiling joists run perpendicular to the vent duct, more work is required, and that may be more expensive.DIY Bathroom Fan Install - or Hire the Experts?
Properly venting a bathroom will help prevent moisture buildup and mold. The easiest way to install an exhaust vent is to mount it in place of an existing ceiling fan. If there's access to the ceiling joists of your bathroom and you have electrical experience and the proper tools, you can replace an old fan/light unit with a new unit for about $150. Only perform this task if you're comfortable working with basic electricity. If not, hire an electrician especially if the vent / lighting is not going to be a direct swap.
DIY Bathroom Installations Can Be Messy
(Photo from starjewel)
More Helpful Links on Installing a Bathroom Fan
- http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,689843,00.html - Installing a ventilating fan in your bath will help eliminate fogged-up windows, steamy mirrors and stale odors. But more importantly, it will help prevent moisture ...
- http://www.bhg.com/bathroom/remodeling/projects/install-a-bathroom-vent/ - Install a Bathroom Vent In about three hours, replace your noisy fan with a quiet, high-capacity unit that will keep your bathroom fresh and healthful.
- http://www.doityourself.com/stry/bathexhaustfan - The key to preventing mold and mildew is to get the moist air out of the bathroom before it has a chance to condense. An exhaust fan is the best way to do this.
