How much would it cost to install a bathroom fan either on the ceiling or on the outside wall?
In other words, which one is better between through the attic-suffice and through a wall?
Also, which one is less messy?
If you put the fan through the wall, you do take up wall space that may be used for other purposes, i.e. shelving or whatever. Through the ceiling doesn't take up any usable space, and is generally a quieter type of system.
It is probably less messy to install the ceiling fan, if it is in the top floor, because you don't have to run the wire from a switch, through the wall, which may require cutting drywall, etc. You can usually run a wire from a wall switch into an attic without any drywall removal.
Good Luck!
Sarah,
I would suggest the ceiling is the best choice. Before you decide, you need to know that the wires have to connect from a switch (somewhere) and run to the fan. This requires some added expense if this is a new installation. As to mess, neither is really less messy than the other ... not an issue.
Cost, depends on what has to be done, access to the location, degree of difficulty, where the outlet (vent) is located, etc.. Sorry, no set price. Best guess would be around $200 to install, but that is just a "ballpark" figure.
Regards,
Mark
Hi Sarah,
A few other considerations:
1. Install a de-humidistat in the main hallway to turn the fan on when the relative humidity rises above a set 49%. There may be a different desired setting in your region but 49% generally helps you to avoid mould and dust mites in the house.
2. A wall installation does not vent moisture as well as a ceiling installation. Steam rises, so the fan should be located within a recommended distance from the shower (I can't recall how far).
3. Buy the quietest fan on the market yo can afford.
4. Consider a fan that has the motor in the attic attached to a truss rather than attached to the ceiling. Again, less noise this way.
5. Make sure the ducting does not run horizontal and vent out a soffit. the steam will rise back up into the attic and can cause mould. Vent it out the roof (but if your roof is within warranty ask the roofer who did the job if hiring someone other than them will void the warranty). The duct run should be as short as possible and be made of metal, not accordion-style vinyl ducting.
6. Whatever type of fan design you choose, the penetration through the ceiling should be sealed from moisture escaping into the attic.
I hope this helps!
Geoff Shellard, CMI, CMRC, IAQ
Operations Manager
Bio Solutions Inc.
Hi,
Yes the ceiling is the best place and around 3 feet from the shower is the best place to install, and My opinion I don't take it out by the roof more holes more chances of leaks, now there is so many products and choice of direction I would Install it under the soffit and less expensive to install. If you can install it apart from the light switch with a timer, the suggest to let it run 15 to 20 min, after your shower, with a timer it would be energy efficient and you wont forget it.
Good luck
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