The exhaust fan market in the United States is experiencing steady and sustained growth. While often overlooked as a simple mechanical component, exhaust fans have become increasingly critical in building design, energy efficiency strategies, and indoor air quality (IAQ) management. Exhaust fans along with the wider HVAC industry is growing at approximately 6.9% per year and reflect a shift in how buildings are designed as well as code enforcement across the country*. So yes, the exhaust fan market is growing. A few key factors are driving this growth:

1. Increased Focus on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

One of the most significant drivers is the growing awareness of indoor air quality. Homeowners are prioritizing healthier indoor environments, particularly after heightened attention on airborne contaminants and ventilation. Homes now require better air exchange systems to remove moisture, pollutants, and odors, functions that exhaust fans directly support. This is especially critical in residential kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and main living spaces. Improved IAQ is no longer a luxury, it’s becoming a standard expectation.

2. Stricter Building Codes and Regulations

Government regulations are playing a major role in market expansion. Energy efficiency standards and ventilation requirements such as those developed by ASHRAE and the U.S. Department of Energy are pushing building owners to upgrade or install compliant systems.

These regulations often:

   • Mandate minimum ventilation rates

   • Require energy-efficient fan technologies

   • Drive retrofits of older buildings

As a result, many upgrades are no longer optional, they’re required for compliance, creating a consistent demand base. While these codes are not necessarily new, the increased enforcement of them has pushed the exhaust fan market forward.

3. Growth in Construction and Renovation Activity

Both new construction and renovations in residential housing are major growth engines. As homeowners are upgrading (new and existing construction), the ventilation system is now a focus, and as was stated above, part of code compliance. The need for residential homes continues to increase in the United States, so the need for proper ventilation through exhaust fans is also increasing.

4. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Trends

Energy efficiency is now central to building design. Homeowners are now more educated on ventilation systems and indoor air quality, and are asking for better products. These include increased energy efficiency, lower sound, and automated functions such as humidity-sensing fans that turn the fan on and off depending on the humidity level of the space. These innovations help meet sustainability goals while lowering operating costs and increasing convenience, making upgrades financially attractive.

5. Retrofitting Aging Infrastructure

A large portion of U.S. buildings were constructed decades ago and are now being upgraded to meet modern standards, and are now required to conform to current codes. As more and more homes are being renovated, exhaust fans are either being added or upgraded to better, more efficient models. It is unheard of for a contractor to reuse an exhaust fan when doing any type of renovation. That results in an increased need for exhaust fans.

U.S. Exhaust Fan Market Conclusion

The exhaust fan market in the U.S. does not show any signs of slowing down, supported by both regulatory and consumer-driven requirements. Consumer education and code compliance are creating new growth opportunities. The U.S. exhaust fan market is no longer just about basic ventilation; it is evolving into a critical component of building performance. Driven by indoor air quality concerns, regulatory requirements, energy efficiency goals, and technological advancements, the market is positioned for sustained growth over the next decade.

To learn more about Air King exhaust fan solutions for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other living spaces, visit airkinglimited.com.

*source: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/us-hvac-systems-market

Dual-speed and multi-speed exhaust fans may sound like terms that can be used interchangeably, but there are distinct differences between the two. Let’s take a look at each.

Dual Speed Exhaust Fan

A dual-speed exhaust fan will have two speeds – a low speed and a high speed, which may be referred to as a boost speed. A dual-speed fan will operate continuously on the low speed, so it will always be running. In times when more ventilation is needed, it will boost to high speed. This can be accomplished via a wall switch, a motion sensor, or a humidity sensor.

Why does it need to operate continuously?

Building codes (known as ASHRAE 62.2) in the United States call for a continuously operating exhaust fan to ensure proper ventilation of the home, increasing the indoor air quality. A convenient way to solve this code is to have a dual-speed exhaust fan. This allows the builder to only have to install one fan that solves for both the bathroom ventilation and the continuous ventilation.

How It Works

A dual is typically installed in a main bathroom and has a very low sound level. In most cases, you might not even hear it running. This is important for a continuously running fan since it will be running all the time. When the bathroom is being used, the fan will switch to high speed. This might be triggered by a wall switch, a motion or humidity sensor/switch in the fan, or mounted on the wall. Once the room is unoccupied, the fan will return to the low speed.

Multi-Speed Exhaust Fans

Multi-speed exhaust fans are different from dual-speed exhaust fans in that they only have one operational speed that is selected from two or more options. On a multi-speed fan, there is a speed selector integrated into the fan where the end user chooses which speed is desired or is needed for the space. The speed can sometimes be set at a specific number, or it could be a variable speed dial that you increase or decrease.

Why Would You Use It?

Multi-speed fans are primarily used in new construction, where the ventilation amount might need to be adjusted on-site. When you see a CFM rating, this is a test lab certification. The testing labs do a great job of testing as close as they can to the real world, but it can sometimes be different. The ducting might be a little different; there is an extra bend, a different wall cap is being used, and so forth (see our blog on static pressure). A room might require 80 CFM of ventilation. If an 80 CFM exhaust fan was installed, but is only delivering 70 CFM, there is a problem, and more than likely the installer will need to remove the fan and replace it with a larger one. If you have a multi-speed exhaust fan, all the installer has to do is adjust the speed to the higher CFM, and all is well.

The main difference between a dual-speed fan and a multi-speed fan is the number of active speeds operating. A dual-speed fan will have two, while a multi-speed fan will have one. Both provide excellent ventilation and increase the indoor air quality of your home. To learn more about Air King’s dual speed and multi speed options, including the newly introduced SF5810 three-speed slim-mount exhaust fan, visit airkinglimited.com.

7 Misconceptions About Exhaust Fans — What You Should Know

There are a lot of misconceptions about exhaust fans out there. Exhaust fans are one of the most underrated—and misunderstood—features in a home. They quietly remove moisture, odors, and stale air, helping to improve indoor air quality and prevent long-term structural issues. Yet despite their importance, many homeowners have misconceptions about how they work and what they’re designed to do. These misunderstandings can lead to improper installation, reduced performance, and even hidden damage to the home. Let’s clear the air—literally and debunk some common misconceptions about exhaust fans.

Misconception 1: Exhaust fans are only for removing odors.

Yes, exhaust fans remove odors, but their primary purpose is to remove humidity and moisture. In bathrooms, excess moisture from showers and baths can lead to:

• Mold and mildew growth

• Peeling paint

• Damaged drywall

• Premature wear on fixtures and finishes

Reality: Exhaust fans maintain healthy humidity and air quality.

Misconception 2: Exhaust fans don’t need to be vented outside.

Some homeowners (and unfortunately even some contractors) believe that venting an exhaust fan into an attic or wall cavity is fine. But what you’re actually doing is dumping warm, humid air into a confined space, where it can condense and cause:

• Mold growth

• Wet insulation

• Wood rot

• Attic structural damage

Moisture doesn’t disappear—it relocates.

Reality: Exhaust fans must be ducted to the exterior, NOT into attics, crawlspaces, or wall cavities.

Misconception 3: Leaving the door open does the same thing.

Leaving the bathroom door open after a shower may help a little, but it doesn’t quickly or effectively remove moisture. Exhaust fans create a controlled, directed airflow that pulls moisture out of the room and out of the house.

Reality: Natural ventilation is not a substitute for mechanical ventilation.

Misconception 4: Bigger fans are always better.

A fan that’s too powerful for a small bathroom can actually cause problems:

• It may create uncomfortable drafts.

• It might pull conditioned air out of the house too quickly.

• It could overload ductwork, leading to noise and reduced efficiency.

Correct sizing is everything. A fan should be appropriately rated based on the room’s square footage and usage.

Reality: Proper sizing matters more than power.

Misconception 5: Exhaust fans only need to run while I’m in the room.

Moisture remains in the air long after the shower is off. Turning the fan off too soon traps humidity in walls and ceilings. A good rule of thumb:

Run the fan for at least 20–30 minutes after showering.

Even better? Install a humidity-sensing fan or a timer switch.

Reality: Exhaust fans need time to do their job completely.

Misconception 6: Exhaust fans don’t need maintenance.

Dust, lint, and debris build up on fan blades and in ductwork, reducing airflow and increasing noise. A clogged fan can’t exhaust moisture efficiently. Simple yearly maintenance (vacuum the grille and fan blades) keeps performance high and noise low.

Reality: Like any mechanical system, fans need periodic cleaning.

Misconception 7: Exhaust fans cost too much to operate.

The energy efficiency of exhaust fans has come a long way. Choosing an ENERGY STAR® certified model ensures that the energy usage is low. Many fans on the market today use between 10 to 40 watts of energy. The national average cost for a kilowatt of electricity is $0.18. Here are some calculated costs:

• Exhaust fan operating 3 hours/day: between $2 - $8 per year

• Exhaust fan operating 24 hours/day: between $16 – $70 per year

When you compare the costs of repairs, mold remediation or other problems caused by not using an exhaust fan, the cost to operate is low.

Reality: The benefits of an exhaust fan far outweigh the cost of energy needed to power them.

Final Thoughts on Misconceptions about Exhaust Fans.

When installed and used correctly, exhaust fans protect your home from moisture damage, improve indoor air quality, and reduce the risk of mold. Yet when misunderstood or neglected, they can contribute to the very problems they’re meant to prevent. If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: Exhaust fans are not just conveniences—they are essential components of a healthy home.

Ensure your fans or being used, use them for the correct amount of time, maintain your fans, check your ducting and make sure they’re vented outdoors—your home will thank you. For more information about Air King’s energy efficient exhaust fan solutions, visit airkinglimited.com

5 Benefits of Exhaust Fans in Your Home

The benefits of exhaust fans in your home are many. They are one of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve comfort, safety, and air quality inside your home. Whether installed in the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry area, these fans effectively work behind the scenes to remove excess heat, humidity, odors and other contaminates. Here are five key benefits of exhaust fans in your home:

1. Improves Indoor Air Quality

Exhaust fans pull stale, humid and polluted air out of a room and replaces it with fresher air. In kitchens, range hoods help remove smoke, grease, fumes and other contaminates that happen during the cooking process, while in bathrooms, they eliminate odors and moisture. The laundry room can be a forgotten area when it comes to exhaust fans. A laundry room traditionally has many contaminates including heat from the dryer, moisture from wet clothes, and a buildup of chemicals from detergents and other cleaning products that are typically stored there. By improving airflow, exhaust fans reduce airborne irritants that can trigger allergies or breathing issues.

2. Reduces Mold and Mildew Growth

Moisture buildup is a common problem, especially in bathrooms and laundry areas. Without proper ventilation, condensation can lead to mold and mildew, which not only damage walls and ceilings but also pose health risks. Exhaust fans clear out humidity, which reduces the chances of mold and mildew buildup. It is important that the exhaust fan has enough airflow (CFM) for the room size and operates for the proper amount of time. As a guideline, the fan should operate for at least 20 minutes after a shower – longer depending on the amount of moisture generated and the relative humidity in the room. Exhaust fans with a humidity sensor built into the fan or a fan connected to a wall mounted humidity sensor can be an easy way to ensure the proper amount of ventilation is taking place.

3. Protects Your Home’s Structure

Excess moisture doesn’t just encourage mold—it can also weaken paint, wallpaper, wood, and even drywall. If you are experiencing peeling paint or wall paper in your bathroom or laundry room, the culprit might be there is too much moisture and you either need to install an exhaust fan or upgrade the one that is already there. By controlling humidity, an exhaust fan helps protect your home’s finishes and structural integrity, saving you money on costly repairs in the long run.

4. Increases Comfort

There are two main ways an exhaust fan increases comfort in your home. The first is what is known as local ventilation. This is an exhaust fan installed in a bathroom, kitchen or laundry room to remove contaminates when the room is in use. It will make a bathroom more comfortable by removing the excess moisture, odors and heat. In a kitchen it will remove steam, grease and odors. In a laundry room it will remove excess moisture, contaminates and odors (think about when your children throw their sports equipment in there). The second why to increase your home’s comfort is wholehouse ventilation, which is a fan in a central part of the home that runs continuously, ensuring that there is a constant exchange of stale air with fresh air for the entire home. When sized and operating properly, you will experience a home that just fells “fresher”. When used properly, exhaust fan creates a more comfortable space that you actually want to be in.

5. A Healthier Home

Indoor air quality can have a direct effect on the health of the people living in your home. Poorly ventilated homes are more likely to cause illnesses. Whenever mold or mildew is present and it is being breathed in by the occupants of the home, that can lead to all kinds of health items. Doing everything you can to prevent mold and mildew as well as other contaminates in the home is always going to be the best strategy. The common saying: "Treat the cause, not the symptoms" holds very true. In a past blog post we went a little deeper into this subject and looking at what is called Sick Building Syndrome. You can read that post by clicking here.   

Final Thoughts

The benefits of exhaust fans in your home are many. From increasing your indoor air quality to extending the life of your home, exhaust fans play a key role in maintaining a clean, comfortable, and efficient living environment. For more information about Air King’s solutions for bathroom ventilation, laundry room ventilation and kitchen ventilation, visit airkinglimited.com.

5 Tips to Installing an Exhaust Fan

If you are thinking about or have already started the process of installing an exhaust fan in your home, Air King has a few tips to help you through the process. An exhaust fan is a vital part of your home’s overall indoor air quality, so making sure you have the right product is critical.

Size it Correctly

Exhaust fans measure the amount of air they move in cubic feet per minute (CFM). This is the first step in determining what fan to use. A quick calculation is that you want 1 CFM per 1 square foot. So if your bathroom is 10 feet by 10 feet, you will want at least a 100 CFM exhaust fan. Depending on usage – hotter showers, more frequent use and so forth, you should consider a higher CFM fan to make sure you are ventilating the room properly.

Choose Correctly

There are many factors that go into how to choose the correct product when installing an exhaust fan – size, sound, features and so on. Air King has written many articles in this regard and encourage you to browse through the Blog archive. For this article we want to focus on some of the items that can get overlooked, like certifications. If you are installing the fan over a tub or in a shower stall, it will need a special certification to ensure safety. You will want to look for the statement: “Certified for use in a tub/shower on a GFCI circuit” or a similar statement. The same holds true if you plan on installing the exhaust fan on a wall. There are special certifications for wall mounting. This information is typically found in the product specifications or product description.

Connect it to the Correct Ducting

The size of ducting connecting to the fan can have significant performance implications. Most residential homes have either 3”, 4” or 6” ducting. It is ideal to use a fan that matches the ducting of the home or is able to transition to larger ducting. For instance, if you are installing an exhaust fan with a 4” duct, you want the ducting in the home to be at least 4”, larger is fine, but if you have smaller ducting in place, it will greatly reduce the performance of the fan.

Use the Correct Ducting

This could probably be a part B in the Connect it to the Correct Ducting section, but we think it is important enough to have it's own point. There are a few different types of ducting available and they all can have different effects on how your exhaust fan operates. For the most part, you will be using existing ducting and as we mentioned above, it is important to match the ducting of the exhaust fan to the size of the existing ducting. In cases where you will be installing ducting, there are a few things to consider. Generally, there are two types of ducting – flexible and rigid. When possible, rigid ducting is the best to use as it provides an ideal path for the air to flow out of the home. Flexible ducting provides an easier installation but can decrease the performance of the fan depending on the length and type. When comparing the two types of ducting, think of a car driving down a smooth road (rigid ducting) and how easy it is. Now think of the same care driving down a bumpy road (flexible ducting) and how the car needs to go slower and the ride is not as comfortable. Both ducting gets the job done, but one is definitely better than the other. In some installations, flexible ducting is the only option.

Seal it Correctly

An item that regularly is overlooked when installing an exhaust fan is sealing the fan. No matter how precise you try to be when cutting the opening into your ceiling or wall for your exhaust fan, there is almost always going to be gaps around it. These gaps can allow unwanted drafts to come into the room from the attic or wall cavity. An easy solution is to seal around the housing. If you have access to the fan housing through an attic space, using spray foam or a bead of caulk all the way around the housing onto the ceiling material will be your best option. If you only have access at the room level, using caulk around the edge of the housing will be your best option as using spray foam might be a little difficult to control.

With a little planning and knowledge of your home, installing an exhaust fan can be a fairly easy project. Air King offers a full line of ventilation solutions that can help the overall indoor air quality of your home. To learn more about Air King exhaust fans, visit airkinglimited.com.

Is a Bathroom Exhaust Fan Upgrade Worth It?

As a manufacturer of ventilation products, you might expect us to automatically say “yes” to a bathroom exhaust fan upgrade. But before we jump to conclusions, let’s explore why upgrading your bathroom exhaust fan could be a smart move—and when it might not be necessary.

Why Consider Upgrading Your Bathroom Exhaust Fan?

There are typically two main reasons to upgrade:

1. Your current exhaust fan has stopped working.
2. Your current fan is underperforming—too loud, too weak, or just outdated.

Let’s take a closer look at both scenarios.

Your Exhaust Fan No Longer Works

If your existing fan is no longer operational, this is a great opportunity to decide whether a simple replacement is enough—or if it’s time to upgrade.

Here are some questions to ask:

Did the old fan meet your needs?

If so, a one-to-one replacement might do the trick.

Is an upgrade worth the cost?

Sometimes, for just a bit more, you can get a fan that’s quieter, more energy efficient, or has additional features.

Will installation require changes?

Upgrading might mean enlarging or reducing the size of the opening in the ceiling or wall. Consider whether you're comfortable with DIY or if hiring a professional makes more sense. Labor for replacing a fan typically runs between $250–$400, depending on complexity—not including the cost of the fan itself.

Your Fan Isn't Performing Like It Should

Maybe your fan is technically working, but it’s not working well. Here’s how to diagnose and decide:

Noise Level

If your fan sounds like a jet engine, it may be time for a quieter model. Fan noise is measured in sones:

0.5 sone or lower – Nearly silent
1.0–2.0 sones – Quiet operation
3.0–4.0 sones – Noticeable, like a conversation
4.0+ sones – Loud and potentially disruptive

Ventilation Power

If your mirror constantly fogs up or you're seeing mold or mildew, chances are your current fan isn’t providing enough airflow. Fan strength is measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute). A general rule of thumb is 1 CFM per square foot of bathroom space. So, a 10' x 10' bathroom needs at least a 100 CFM fan. But that’s just a starting point. You may need more power (up to 20% more) depending on:

• How frequently the shower is used (how many people utilize it)
• Water temperature (more steam = more ventilation needed)
• Local humidity levels

A good solution to ensure proper ventilation is a humidity-sensing fan, which turns on and off automatically based on the room’s humidity.

Energy Efficiency

Most bathroom fans don’t consume a lot of power, so energy savings alone may not justify an upgrade. But if you're replacing the fan anyway, it’s smart to look for ENERGY STAR®-certified models, which offer efficient performance with lower long-term energy use.

So, Is a Bathroom Exhaust Fan Upgrade Worth It?

In many cases, yes. Whether your current fan has stopped operating, is too loud, or is just not cutting it in terms of ventilation, an upgrading can provide:

• A quieter, more comfortable bathroom
• Better protection against mold and mildew
• Smarter energy use and potentially lower bills
• A more automated and convenient user experience

Now that you have all the information, it might be the perfect time to go beyond a basic replacement. To learn more about Air King exhaust fans, visit airkinglimited.com. Also read through our other blog posts on CFM and sones.

Is a Dirty Exhaust Fan a Good Thing?

It might seem like an odd question, but is a dirty exhaust fan actually a good thing? The simple answer is no, but to answer the question fully, we need to look at it a little differently.

What is the Purpose of an Exhaust Fan?

The main purpose of an exhaust fan is to improve the indoor air quality of the room by removing moisture, odors and contaminates from the living space. This means that particles are going to be traveling through the exhaust fan and ducting.

How is a Dirty Exhaust Fan a Good Thing?

A dirty exhaust fan, or one that has a build-up of dirt on it is a good thing in the sense the fan is operating correctly and effectively. As contaminates travel through the fan, they are inevitably going to build up on the inner workings on the fan. Most commonly on the fan blade and the fan grill. In its simplest form, this means the exhaust fan is doing its job and removing the unwanted contaminates from the living space. If you exhaust fan runs for any length of time (months/years) and you never need to clean it, it means one of two things. One, you live in a home that has no dust, no contaminates, no pets, and probably no people. Second, the fan is not being used as much as you think it is or should be.

How is a Dirty Exhaust Fan a Bad Thing?

Before the screaming, yelling and rebuttals start pouring in – yes, we agree that a dirty exhaust fan is not a good thing for the overall function of the fan. As dirt and debris builds up in and on the exhaust fan as well as the ducting, the performance of the fan is going to reduce. You will typically see a decrease in the amount of airflow the fan is able to produce and an increase in the sound level. As we mentioned before, the most common place for dirt build-up is on the fan blade in the form of what is going to look like lint. This build-up on the fan blade adds weight and causes the motor to have to work harder. This not only can reduce the effectiveness of the exhaust fan; it can also shorten the motor life. The same holds true with build-up in the other areas such as the grill and especially the ducting. The narrower the openings become, the less effective the exhaust fan will be.

What Should I Do?

The best way to combat a dirty exhaust fan is to have a regular cleaning schedule. Most maintenance can be done by the average homeowner. There are however a few steps to take to reduce the chance of injury or damaging your fan.

First and foremost, consult the cleaning instructions for your particular model. While most cleaning instructions for exhaust fans are similar, there are differences. Fans with a light will have slightly different instructions than one without. In general, never use water or liquid cleaning products directly on the fan motor. For parts you can use a liquid cleaner or soap/water to clean, always makes sure they are completely dry before reinstalling and restoring power.

Second, always make sure to turn the power off to your exhaust fan before starting any cleaning or maintenance.

Third, if you are unsure of how to clean your exhaust fan, consult a HVAC or Electrical professional. Duct cleaning service can also be another resource to consult.

While we will admit, asking the question – Is a Dirty Exhaust Fan a Good Thing, is a bit of a leading or trick question, it does prove that it is doing what it is supposed to be doing. As we outlined, taking a few steps to ensure your fan is clean and properly maintained will benefit your home’s indoor air quality as well as the life of your fan.

Learn More

To access Air King user manuals, including maintenance instructions, visit the User Manuals section of the Air King website. To learn more about Air King exhaust fans, visit the exhaust fan section of the Air King website.

Most homes across North America have at least one exhaust fan and eventually it will need to be replaced which begs the question – should I upgrade the exhaust fan? When we say upgrade the exhaust fan, we are referring to replacing it with a model that might be quieter, have more airflow or features like a humidity sensor. There are a few considerations when upgrading.

Is my old fan no longer working?

This is probably the most common reason why exhaust fans are replaced. In this case you have basically two options – replace it with the exact or similar model or upgrade it to a better model. A few simple questions can direct you to the decision that is best for you:

Did you have any issues with mold, mildew or the steam from showers clearing fast enough? If the answer is no, then you probably have the right amount of airflow. This is measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute). If not, this is a good time to upgrade the amount of airflow.

Was the current fan too loud? Sound in exhaust fans is measured in Sones. One sone is about the sound a refrigerator makes, two sones is twice that and so on. A fan that is at 0.3 sones is almost silent.

Do you have a light or do you want to add one? If the room is dark and you want to add lighting, this would be an opportunity to add a fan/light combination. Depending on how you want it to function (light working independent of the exhaust fan or not), this might require additional wires to be run to the fan.

Would the room benefit from having a humidity sensor? A humidity sensor either as a wall control or integrated into the fan is very helpful in rooms that always seem to struggle with moisture. The humidity sensor will turn the fan on or off depending on the humidity level of the room. This is really helpful is situations where the fan doesn’t get turned on or is not left on for the proper amount of time. A humidity sensor automates that process.

Is my current fan not effective?

Unfortunately, when it comes to the exhaust fans in a home, builders will cut corners a bit and install the least expensive model on the market. While for the most part they are still okay, there is a lot of room for improvement. You might look to upgrade the exhaust fan if the fan is not properly clearing the room of moisture or odors, the fan is too loud, or something is not mechanically working with it. While replacing a fan has its challenges, for the most part it is something that an average do-it-yourselfer can accomplish in a coupe of hours. A lot will depend on if you can access the fan from above (attic), the physical size of the fan and if the old fan’s ducting matches the new one. When deciding to upgrade, you can use the same criteria discussed in the section above.

Do I need to add an exhaust fan?

You might run into a situation where an exhaust fan wasn’t installed. In years past the building code only required that a window be the bathroom. The theory was that if you open the window, it provided the airflow to clear the room of moisture and odors. While there is some truth to that, thankfully we have evolved to understand that a mechanical solution (exhaust fan) is a much better and more controlled way to provide ventilation. Getting back to the question of if you don’t have an exhaust fan installed, this is a great opportunity to make sure you choose one that will fit your needs. Once again, you can use the same criteria as was outlined in the “Is my old fan no longer working?” section to ensure you make the right choice.

Determining if you should upgrade the exhaust fan of your home does not need to be a difficult one. Hopefully the information provide in this post will help you through the process. To learn more about Air King’s exhaust fan solutions and upgrade options visit airkinglimited.com

My Exhaust Fan Isn't Working Properly

A question we get on a regular basis is people telling us their exhaust fan isn't working properly. It is a simple enough question but it has a multitude of answers. While it is impossible to list every scenario, we will look at some more common issues that happen with exhaust fans no matter who the manufacturer is. Generally when an exhaust fan isn't working properly it can be classified into one of two categories – mechanical or installation.

Mechanical issues generally occur over time and are affected by a host of factors such as usage, environmental issues (living near salt water), where the unit is located and so forth. Some issues that might seem like they are mechanical could actually be installation issues and we will get into those in the next section. Generally if the fan does not operate right after installation it is most likely an installation issue rather than a mechanical one – not always but most of the time. Some of the common mechanical issues are:

The fan stops operating.

This could be the motor has worn out and has stopped running. You can expect this in older fans that have been operating for a long time. If it is a newer fan, check your warranty as many fans have at least a one-year warranty and some up to a 5 year warranty.

Fan starts making loud noises – “metal” sounds.

More than likely this is because something inside or around the fan has come loose. This could be something in the mounting system, a weld on the housing, the motor mount has come loose and so on. If it is the mounting, simply tightening the mounting screws or re-enforcing the connections to the joist or stud should solve it. If the welds on the housing have come undone this is a little harder to fix and you might be better off replacing the unit – especially if it is an older unit.

Fan starts making loud noises – “rattling” sounds.

This is typically attributed to the fan blade becoming out of balance and can sometime sound like the fan is pulsing. This happens in one of two ways. The first is the blade becomes warped. This can happen if there is excess heat or chemicals. A more common reason for this is the fan blade my be dirty and have a build-up on it causing it to be out of balance. Refer to your unit’s instructions sheets for care and maintenance. The good news is this is usually a fairly simple fix.

Doesn’t seem as if the fan is moving the same amount of air as it used to.

If the amount of air being moved decreases over time or the sound of the fan increases over time, the main culprit is usually a build up in the ducting or a blockage at either the wall or roof cap. Bird’s nests are a common issue. Check to see if there is anything blocking where the fan is exhausting.

If you determine it is not a mechanical issue, then the reason your exhaust fan isn't working could be an installation issue. In general you should notice these issues right away but there are some that will show up a little later. Some of the common installation issues are:

Fan does not turn on.

This is usually a wiring issue where they were not connected properly. Check the wiring diagram in your installation instructions. Another common issue is that sometimes people forget to restore power to the unit either at the circuit board or at the wall switch (don’t worry, it happens to the best of us).

Fan does not operated as expected.

Here is where it gets a little more difficult to pinpoint the issue and it requires a bit of investigative work. First, check to see if the size of the duct collar on the unit matches the duct size you are connecting to. If the duct you are connecting to is smaller, you will loose airflow (CFM) and increase sound (sones). Going from smaller to larger ducting is fine but reducing it can cause some issues. Second, determine how long and how many turns the ducting has before the air leaves the home. The longer the ducting and the more turns it makes, the more static pressure the air has to overcome. This will cause the fan to work harder, reduce the airflow and in many cases increase the sound. A best practice is to keep the ducting as short and straight as possible. Third is what type of ducting is being used. It is always recommended that straight, ridged ducting be used. While flexible ducting is easier to use, it can decrease the performance of the fan – especially if it has a bunch of turns and twist like was mention above. Sometimes these items can’t be avoided. If you can identify them in the planning phase however, you might be able to address them there by using a higher power and quieter fan to compensate for the performance “lose” you might experience.

Fan makes loud or rattling sounds immediately after installation.

We touched on a few of these items above, but if they are happening immediately after installation it probably has to do with how the fan was installed. With the power OFF, check to make sure the fan’s housing is securely fastened to the joist or stud. Next check to see if the fan blade is out of balance or is hitting the housing as it spins (you can spin it with your hand). Check the duct collar and connections to make sure they are all secure. Check the motor mount. Many fans have what is called a venturi or a venturi plate that holds the motor in place within the housing. If this is not installed properly or securely it might rattle or cause the fan to be out of balance.

Identifying why your exhaust fan isn't working properly can sometimes be a tricky but utilizing the suggestion we laid out in this post will hopefully help. For more information about exhaust fans, visit airkinglimited.com. If you are looking for a specific Air King model, utilize the search feature or access instruction and user manuals here.

Can I Use a Duct Reducer With My Exhaust Fan?

You decide it is finally time to replace your old exhaust fan in your bathroom. You go out and buy the new model and are excited to get it installed. One issue. When you take out the old one you notice that the duct size is different – now what? This is a common issue when replacing exhaust fans. Codes have changed over the years and where 3” duct might have been common, it is now 4” duct. Many codes and builders across the USA are even going up to 6” duct as standard. So what do you do if you have smaller size ducting in your home than the duct coming from your exhaust fan?

A common solution is to use a duct reducer. This attaches to the duct collar coming off the exhaust fan and reduces the duct size down. For instance, if your fan has a 6” duct collar but your ducting is 4”, you can use a 6” to 4” reducer. Seems simple and easy – right. Well, unfortunately it is not that simple. Many fans are not designed to be used with a duct reducer. By reducing the ducting you are creating more resistance and not allowing the air to flow as freely as it was designed to do. This will cause the amount of air you can move to be reduce and in many cases will increase the sound level of the fan. It will also make the fan work harder and possibly reduce the lifespan. This falls into the category of if it is your only option other than replacing all of the ducting and the wall or roof cap, then you might consider it.

A better option is to try and get ahead of the game so to speak. When researching a replacement for your fan, try to determine what size ducting you already have in place. There are a few ways you can do this.

1. Find the model number of the fan you are replacing and do a search online to find out the duct size. This is generally accurate but you do need to keep in mind that the person who installed it could have also used a duct reducer. 

2. When you remove the old fan you can see what size duct was used and if a reducer is in place. The issue with this is we know most people like to have the new fan on hand before taking the old one out.

3. If you have access to the fan from above (attic) you can measure the size of the existing ducting.

What about if the ducting in my home is bigger than the ducting from the exhaust fan? In almost all situations going form smaller to larger ducting will not create any issues. You will need to have an adapter installed to properly connect the smaller ducting to the larger but you shouldn’t see any increase in sound or decrease in airflow.

To learn more about exhaust fans and ventilation visit airkinglimited.com or consult a professional in your area.

Anatomy of Exhaust Fans

Exhaust fans play a pivotal roll in maintaining the indoor air quality of our homes. Utilizing them decreases contaminates, reduces moisture and makes our homes healthier to live in. So how do exhaust fans work?

Having an understanding of how exhaust fans or as they are sometimes called – bath fans work is an important component to making sure they are utilized correctly. The basic principle of an exhaust fan is to take the “bad” air inside your living space and move it (exhaust it) out. That air is then replaced with fresh air. It is a fairly simple concept.

The exhaust fan’s main component is a blower of some type. Lower end units will utilize a fan blade that looks similar to a typical portable fan. Higher end units will utilize a blower wheel or as some people refer to it, a squirrel cage. Blower wheels generally are able to produce more ventilation at a quieter sound level. In either case the wheel or blades turn and generate airflow that is directed through the fan’s duct collar.

The next part of the exhaust fan is the duct collar. Exhaust fans must be ducted to the outdoors and run through ducting in the home to either a wall cap or a roof cap. While these components are not necessarily part of the fan, they are integral components that are required. The duct collar of the fan is connected to the ducting from the home. Ducting can range from 3 inches to 6 inches in typical residential homes. More and more new construction is moving to 6 inch ducting as it provides better airflow with less resistance. It is important to match the ducting size to the size of the exhaust fan. For instance if you have 4 inch ducting but have a 6 inch ducted exhaust fan you will need to reduce the ducting down to fit. This will make the fan work harder, reduce the airflow and increase the sound level.

A second part of the duct collar is the backdraft damper. This is a flap that closes to prevent drafts from coming back into the home. Backdraft dampers are usually either gravity closing or spring loaded. The way they work is when the fan is operating and blowing air out of the collar the force of the air opens the damper. Once the unit is shut off the damper will either “fall” down on gravity type dampers or close with spring-loaded dampers, sealing off the ducting.

The next component of an exhaust fan is the housing. The housing holds everything together and is what is installed into the ceiling. Housings come in many different sizes and are installed in different ways. Common installations include hanger bars that slide into a channel on the housing and then extend out to connect to the ceiling joists. A second mounting type is mounting tabs. These are tabs on the housing that install directly to the ceiling joist. Other mounting types are ones such as with the Air King BFQ series that have a snap-in bracket.

So far all the components we discussed are ones you won’t see once the fan is installed. The one that you will see is the grill. Like housings, grills come in all different sizes and shapes. The grill has a few functions. First is to cover up and protect all the inter workings of the fan. Second is to be aesthetically pleasing - no one wants an ugly hole in their ceiling. Lastly the grill provides a balance of décor and function as it needs to be able to allow enough air to come into the fan without restricting that air.

These are the main components of an exhaust fan. In addition some fans will have extra features like a light, heater function, humidity sensor, motion sensor and more. For more information about the exhaust fans available through Air King visit airkinglimited.com.

Fighting VOCs

If you are reading this post, you probably either have a little bit of an understanding of what VOCs are or at least are interested in finding out why we need to be fighting VOCs. VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. Volatile is not a word generally used in the everyday language and it sounds a little scary. Let's first understand what a VOC is.

Volatile Organic Compounds are all around us in many of the products we use. The most common use is in paint products as well as cleaners. VOCs dilute or dissolve other ingredients in those products to make them more effective. Paint is probably one of the most recognized ones but VOC are also used in items like mattresses and building materials as flame-retardants. A common alternative name for VOCs is off-gas. This happens because VOCs have a high vapor pressure that allows them to evaporate easily. For instance when paint is put on a surface it immediately start to off-gas as part of the drying and curing process, that is what you are smelling. With paint, this off-gas is a byproduct but with items like perfumes and fragrances, the off-gas is part of the design. It is what allows them to “smell” nice for longer periods of time.

Why do we need to be fighting VOCs as the title of this article suggest? Part of the off-gas process means that the “bad” stuff is entering into the air that we are breathing. This can cause minor symptoms like coughing or eye irritation but can also escalate to things like headaches, decreased lung function or a metal fog and in extreme case even more serious health issues.

Now that we have most of the bad news out of the way we can turn our attention to fighting VOCs. The first step is to try and reduce your exposure to VOCs by looking a little closer at the products you are using. Here are a few tips on what you can do:

1. Look for paint that is VOC free or at least low VOC. While these are still going to have some VOCs (even the VOC free ones – sorry), they will be greatly reduced from the standard paints.
2. Look for fragrant-free cleaners and especially laundry detergent. Have you ever gone into your laundry room and been “hit” with the smell of flowers or fragrance – that is your cleaners and/or detergents off-gassing their VOCs into the air. This is usually intensified in a laundry room due to the fact that it is a smaller and typically enclosed room.
3. Avoid items that come in the form of an aerosol. VOCs are detrimental due to them being able to easily enter the airflow. Aerosols by nature put product into the airflow. Aerosols also typically have some type of product like formaldehyde or some of the other nasty chemicals in them.

A second step in fighting VOCs it to look to the ventilation of your home. Having a well ventilated home is essential to having a better living environment. VOCs as well as other contaminates are going to build up in you home. That is part of living. Having a plan in place like a ventilation system and a way to bring fresh air into the home will great reduce your risks and exposure. Even opening a window while cleaning if you can is a great way to help your indoor air quality. Many home are already equipped with exhaust fans in their bathrooms and kitchen. This is great and they should be utilized. More and more homes are now also utilizing a continuous running exhaust fan in a central location of the home. It is actually part of the building code. The goal is to exhaust as much as possible out and then bring fresh air in to dilute anything that remains. Most would agree that these methods make sense and many practice them, here is where a lot of homeowners lose a little sight. For many homes the largest source of VOC’s is typically located in the laundry room. As we mentioned above these rooms are usually small and enclosed so the amount of VOCs that build-up is significant. Adding a small exhaust fan that vents to the outdoors in these rooms can have a tremendous effect on lowering the amount of VOCs in the room.

While we would like to suggest avoiding VOCs all together, that is almost impossible to do in our currently living environment. VOCs in some form or fashion are all around us. Doing what you can to limit your exposure to them is step one, improving your indoor air quality with ventilation and fresh air is step two.

For more information about the indoor air quality of your home and how you can improve it, please read through the many articles we have written over the years. Visit airkinglimited.com for information regarding Air King exhaust fan and fresh air intake solutions.

You have probably heard it said one way or another that the first step in fixing a problem is identifying the problem. The same holds true with our home’s indoor air quality (IAQ). Home contaminate identification is the first step on the path to improving it. Here is a list of our top 5 contaminates:

1. It sounds a little silly but one of the largest sources of contaminates in our homes is us. We breath, we bring in contaminates from the outside on our clothing (pollen, dirt, dust, etc.), viruses and so forth. Other than never leaving the house and stopping breathing (not really an option), there isn’t much we can reduce. Maybe leave the dirty shoes outside before coming in the home but not much more. What we need to look at is how to mitigate. A regular cleaning schedule is a good start. Using natural cleaning agents that do not give off harmful gasses is a must, otherwise you might be doing more harm than good. Also a good vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter will prevent you from putting all the “bad” stuff right back into the room. Lastly, having a good system in place to ventilate the home as well as bring in fresh air is a must. The ventilation fans will help remove contaminates replacing them with fresh air coming in.
2. The kitchen and cooking. While there might be some out there that never use their kitchen, our guess is the vast majority do. Cooking is one of the top contributors to bad indoor air quality. You have steam, grease, smoke (some of us more than others) and all kinds of other contaminates generated during the cooking process. If these are not mitigated it cannot only be bad for the indoor air quality, it could also be dangerous. The good news is there is a simple answer – your range hood. Ideally, your range hood should vent to the outdoors rather than return the air to the kitchen after going through a filter. In previous blog posts we listed a lot of reasons why people do not use their range hoods. Moral of the story – USE YOUR RANGE HOOD!
3. You might say – wait, you just told us to clean our homes in the first point. You are correct, but we need to focus on the way to properly clean. Cleaning agents are some powerful things. If you have ever used toilet bowl cleaner, the smell can knock you back a bit. It does its job but it is also giving off more bad gases than you probably want to know about. The same holds true with a lot of the other items we use to clean – furniture polish, bleach, laundry detergent and the list goes on. So we know we need to clean but how do we do it without negatively affecting the IAQ of the home. There are a lot of “natural” cleaners on the market today. We are not necessarily endorsing these as so many make claims but after a little investigating are not as advertised. What we do advocate is utilizing the exhaust fans of the home when cleaning. Do you turn the bathroom exhaust fan on when you clean? If not you should. Even turning the kitchen range hood when you are cleaning in or around the kitchen will help. Slightly opening a window when you can is another easy and effective way to bring fresh air in, diluting the concentration of cleaners.
4. The bathroom. This is another area of the home that is a necessity but can also have a negative effect on your indoor air quality. When we shower it produces moisture. Moisture leads to mildew which leads to mold, which is bad. For the sake of those around you, please continue to shower but lets look at ways to reduce the moisture generated. The number one thing you can do is to properly utilize the exhaust fan. A properly sized and functioning exhaust fan will greatly reduce the amount of moisture in the room. Without moisture it is very hard for mold and mildew to grow. The key is making sure your fan is powerful enough and runs long enough. Exhaust fans have progressed a lot in the past few decades and now you can get them with integrated humidity sensors that automatically turn the fan on when the humidity rises and then turns off when the humidity drops. A mistake many people make is not running the exhaust fan long enough after a shower or bath. In some cases it might take more than an hour to clear out all the humidity that has built up. Air King has a full line of effective and affordable humidity sensing exhaust fans. Opening windows is another solution but you need to be careful. Not sure if you live in a northern state you want to open windows in the middle of winter, same holds true for southern states in the middle of summer.
5. Candles, incense, diffusers. This is probably the one that gets the most push back. We are writing this blog at the beginning of November right in the heart of pumpkin spice season. We enjoy a nice smelling candle as much as the next person but we need to stop and think about what is happening. When we light a candle, or more accurately, burn a candle it is releasing all types of contaminates as well as scents. At its root, we are burning something that releases carcinogens into the air. You might see “Clean burning candles” but generally all that means is the wax gets burned up with the candle instead of dripping all over everything. Another one is “naturally made”. This is great, but it still needs to be burnt. Wood is “naturally” made but if you light a bonfire in your living room, you’re going to have some problems (okay, maybe a little extreme but you get our point). Now if you still want to light candles, a way to lessen the impact on your indoor air quality is to utilize them in well-ventilated areas. Taking a bath? Make sure the exhaust fan is on. If using in the main living area, is there a way to have a flow of fresh air coming in to dilute it?

BONUS: Pets. Yes we love them as they are part of the family but they can be a menace to the indoor air quality of the home. There is the dander, the hair, what they bring in on their fur (pollen, dirt, etc.). Don’t get us wrong, we love pets but it is important to have a strategy to keep their impact on the indoor air quality of the home as little as possible. Oh and guess what, pets benefit from good IAQ as well. The good news is the strategy with pets is mostly the same as the other items we have been talking about, cleaning, proper ventilation and good airflow.

Now, if you have been paying attention, you probably noticed a common theme through all of these points on home contaminate identification – ventilation and fresh air. If you can properly ventilate your home while replacing the stale “bad” air with fresh, your indoor air quality will be the best it can. Now also add in regularly changing your air filters if you have central heating/cooling, you’re really going to see a noticeable difference.

For more information about Air King’s line of indoor air quality solution including exhaust fans, range hoods and fresh air intake, visit airkinglimited.com. Also check out our other posts about indoor air quality.

Indoor Air Quality Math

We bet you didn’t know Indoor Air Quality Math was a thing? In this post we are going to take a look at some of the numbers involved with IAQ.

5X

The air inside your home can be up to 5 times more polluted than the air outside. Build up of contaminates from cooking, cleaning, laundry as well as everyday living can build up quickly inside a home. People breathing creates CO2 which has a negative impact on the IAQ of the home. What should we do to combat this? The answer is to move the bad air out and replace it with fresh air. This can be done in many ways. Simply opening a window can be effective but is hard to control. The best solution is to have properly installed exhaust fans removing the air inside the home, then some type of air intake to bring fresh air into the home. Solutions like the Air King QFAM have an optional MERV16 air filter that can remove almost all particles that would enter the home. Just a quick note, in case of active wildfires or other significant pollutants in the air, it is not recommended that an air intake system be used.

85%

85% of Americans don’t realize the air in their homes poses a possible health hazard. This comes from the American Lung Association. Much like what we discussed in the above paragraph. Build up of contaminates, especially cleaning chemicals can create a hazardous environment.

50%

Up to 50% of airborne contaminates come from the cooking surface in the kitchen. Cooking is one of the largest contributors to bad indoor air quality. The normal cooking process creates all kinds of contaminates. That’s before we let those eggs cook a little too long! If those contaminates are not exhausted out of the home we can end up breathing them in. The best solution is utilizing a range hood that vents to the outside and is sized for your specific cooking surface. The Air King ECQ series has an added feature of a continuous, barely audible low speed – click to learn more.

20 minutes

The exhaust fans in your bathrooms should run for a minimum of 20 minutes after the room has been used. Just because you are done in the bathroom doesn’t mean all the contaminates are. They can continue to linger for much longer. In higher moister situations, using an exhaust fan with a humidity control, like the Air King E130SH ensures that all the moister is exhausted before shutting off.

So you see, indoor air quality math gives us some simple insight into what we can do to improve our living environment. To learn more, read through our other post on Indoor Air Quality or visit the Air King website.

Sound Perception

We are constantly surrounded by sound. It is all around us. We also have ways to measure sounds. Some people might be familiar with the term Sones. In a previous post we went into depth on sones (What in the world is a Sone – how loud is my exhaust fan?). More people are probably familiar with the term decibel but might not know what it really is. The book definition of a decibel is a unit used to measure the intensity of a sound or the power level of an electrical signal by comparing it with a given level on a logarithmic scale. With these sound measurements we can get an idea of how loud or quiet a product will be. For instance, it would be logical to think that a fan that is 3 sones will be significantly louder that one that is 1 sone. Generally that would be true, but there are more factors involved. We are going to take a look at a couple main ones.

What environment is the fan installed?

Most exhaust fans are going to be placed in bathrooms. Generally bathrooms are going to have a large amount of area tiled or have hard surfaces. There is very little noise absorption in a bathroom. This is going to cause the fan to sound louder than if it was installed into say a living room that has wall-to-wall carpet with fabric couches and chairs. A great way to demonstrate this is to play music through your cell phone holding it at arms length. Now take an empty plastic bucket and put your phone inside it. Did you notice any difference in sound? The volume did not change, but the perception of sound did. Now do the same thing but this time put a towel inside the bucket first – any difference?

 

Ambient Sounds

We perceive noise differently depending on the amount of ambient sound around us. When an exhaust fan is installed into a bathroom that is isolated from the rest of the home, any sounds inside the room are going to be heard more easily. Here is another comparison for you. When you are walking on a busy city street, the sounds of cars running, even honking sort-of blends in. Now think about walking on a back road and the sound of the same car is going to be perceived as louder – especially if it honks it’s horn.

 

So what do we do with all this?

Having this knowledge will hopefully help when it comes to purchasing your next exhaust fan. Take into consideration how your bathroom is laid out, what materials are being used, is there anything in the room to absorb sound, etc. If your bathroom is going to be floor to ceiling tile, with a glass enclosed shower, the perceived sound is going to be more than if that same fan is installed into a bathroom with tile only in the shower area, large bath mats and a cloth curtain. To get the same perceived sound level, you will need to chose a fan that is considerably quieter.

 

The good news is that quiet – actually almost silent exhaust fans are readily available and Air King has the solution waiting for you. To learn about available quiet exhaust fans visit www.airkinglimited.com.

Increase the Effectiveness of Your Exhaust Fan

If you are looking to renovate a bathroom or are building a new one, something that can often get overlooked is the exhaust fan placement. While the shiny fixtures and fancy tiles can and probably should get most of the attention, taking a few minutes to determine the best place to install an exhaust fan will have years of benefits – maybe even longer than the shiny things.

First, make sure an exhaust fan is being installed. We have spent plenty of time in our past blogs exploring the benefits of utilizing an exhaust fan and the dangers of not having one. It is critical that one is installed. Having a fan anywhere in the bathroom is miles better than not having one, but we want to concentrate on maximizing its effectiveness.

It sounds simple, but you want to locate the exhaust fan as close to the source of the most contaminates as possible. When we talk about contaminates in a bathroom setting, the biggest one is moisture. While odors are also a concern, moisture is what will cause the most damage if not properly mitigated. With this in mind, the best place for an exhaust fan is generally going to be inside the shower or right over the tub. This puts the exhaust right at the source.

Great – that was easy now we can get back to the shiny things and the fancy tiles. Well not so fast. In order for the exhaust fan to be installed inside a shower or over a tub, it has to be approved for that use. Not all exhaust fans are – especially if you have one that has a heater function to it. You want to make sure the fan says “UL approved for installation over a tub or shower” or “certified for wet locations”. If it is not and water hits the fan, it could cause a short or worse. If you have a fan that is not approved for wet locations, it can still be used, but not directly over the tub or shower. In this case, you want to place the fan as close to the shower as possible so it catches as much of the moisture coming out from the shower as it can. The further away from the shower, the less effective it will be. At that point, you will need to look at using a fan that is actually over powered for the room, which can cause other issues.

So far we have looked at a “typical” bathroom. In some cases, the shower and the toilet are separated – especially in larger bathrooms. In this situation, you might want to look at installing two exhaust fans. A smaller one to handle the toilet and a larger one to handle the moisture. This allows you to place exhaust fans at the two main sources of contaminates in the bathroom and control them independently.

For more information or to see the line of Air King bathroom exhaust fans, visit www.airkinglimited.com

Rental season is here – is your ventilation ready for guests?

With a growing number of families owning rental properties or being part of a service like Airbnb there are always things to take care of. Is the rental clean, did anything break, when are the next guests coming and so forth. Then there are things that are not as much at the forefront of our minds but could have an impact. One of these is the ventilation in the rental. Yes, we are talking about the exhaust fans in the bathrooms. Now before you just tune this out with an “Are you kidding me” hear us out on this one.

We have already addressed the importance of proper ventilation within a home and especially in the bathrooms in some of our previous posts. Now we want to apply that to a rental property. It’s just a fact that most people are not going to take care of the place they are renting as well as if it were their own home (for those who do – thank you!). That means things like exhaust fans probably are not going to be used to their fullest potential – as in they won’t be turned on. This can lead to problems such as mold, mildew, or moisture damage in and around the shower. No one wants to have to spend extra time and money cleaning or repairing something that could be avoided.

Here are a few things to consider on how to combat the issue:

NOTE: All electrical work must be done in accordance with all local and national codes. If you are unsure, hire a licensed electrician to do the work.

1.     Add a motion sensor (or occupancy sensor) to control the exhaust fan. There are models that have this function integrated into the unit or you can add this feature as a wall switch. This will ensure that the exhaust fan turns on each time someone enters the bathroom.

2.     If it is a fan/light combination, wire the light and the fan together. This way every time the light is turned on, the fan will also be turned on. This can usually be done very easily even after the fan is installed.

3.     Add a humidity control to the fan. As with the motion sensor, there are many exhaust fans that have this function built in but there are also wall controls that can easily be added to most installations such as the Air King DH55.

4.     Install a dual speed fan. These fans have a low speed that runs continuously, providing constant ventilation. The high speed provides ventilation when the bathroom is in use. A wall switch or a built-in humidity and/or motion sensor can control this.

5.     Think about installing a larger CFM exhaust fan. While the general rule of thumb is 1 CFM of exhaust per square foot, this is a minimum, not a maximum. Generally, rentals are going to be used a little harder than normal living. Instead of an 80 CFM fan for your 80 square foot bathroom, a 100 CFM fan will be more effective. You don’t need to go crazy, but something in the 10% to 20% extra ventilation should do the trick.

With so many other things to be concerned with on your rental property, why not eliminate one of them by ensuring your bathrooms are properly ventilated. Happy renting.

For more information about Air King’s ventilation solutions including motion sensing, humidity sensing and dual speed fans as well as wall control switches, visitwww.airkinglimited.com.