The Benefits Of A Bathroom Exhaust Fan
For most of us, showers are a regular thing, whether daily or a few days a week. But, unless you're consistently taking cold showers, you're likely creating some steam in your bathroom – steam that is trapped in those enclosed doors with you until you're done scrubbing up and open the bathroom door back up. Steam equals moisture, and moisture can do damage to a room in a plethora of ways.
Most bathrooms are equipped with exhaust fans, whether you're renting or own a home. If yours doesn't have one, it's definitely an investment you'll want to make. If your exhaust fan stops working, be sure to get it fixed (not only will this save you future headaches, it can prevent bigger issues, like a house fire, according to American Family Insurance).
So, why are exhaust fans so important in bathrooms, and what are they really doing for your home?
What your bathroom exhaust fan does
In the simplest of terms, the exhaust fan exhausts air out of the room. According to Hero Home Services, that air is pulled out of the room via a vent duct that takes the exhausted air to an exit vent outside. By turning on your exhaust fan during a steamy shower, you'll probably notice that the mirrors don't fog up as much (or at all) as they do when you don't have the fan on — this is because that air the fan is pulling out is filled with moisture from your hot bath or shower.
When the moist air isn't being pulled from the room, it lingers and does a bunch of nasty things like increasing the risk of developing mold on your bathroom walls and floor. Steam from baths and showers can also cause issues with the glue holding tiled floors down and cause wallpaper to start peeling off the walls.
Another great benefit of the bathroom exhaust fan is keeping your mirror clear for after-shower shaves and face cleansing. It also keeps your floors from getting slippery, which can be dangerous when exiting the tub.
Bathroom exhaust fan maintenance tips
You can get the most out of your bathroom exhaust fan by keeping it clean and well-maintained. According to Home Warranty of America, because your fan is pulling stuff through it, there is a chance it can get clogged up with dust and debris. This means it's essential to clean it out every few months by removing the cover and using your vacuum hose attachment to suck out all that built-up dust. They also suggest cleaning the fan blades with a cloth.
If your exhaust fan starts making noises, doesn't turn on or off correctly, or shows any other signs of something being wrong with it, you may want to call in a repair person. Noisy exhaust fans are a sign that something is wrong, and when not taken care of, this can lead to a fire because of the motor overheating. Having your fan looked at by a professional could save you a lot of time, money, and heartache.