Bathrooms are high-moisture, high-humidity environments. It’s important to have the right types of ventilation and enough of it to prevent issues and make your bathroom more comfortable. Here are a few tips for good bathroom ventilation and some different types to consider for your next bathroom remodel:

11 Tips For Good Bathroom Ventilation

Making sure you consider ventilation and have enough of it are key bathroom remodeling tips. Here are some considerations and tips for good bathroom ventilation to keep in mind when remodeling your bathroom:

1. Choose a high-quality exhaust fan.
2. Consider a smart fan.
3. Clean the exhaust fan regularly.
4. Open a window.
5. Add or replace bathroom windows.
6. Install window vent extenders.
7. Leave the door cracked open.
8. Include ventilation grilles.
9. Use a dehumidifier.
10. Consider using an air purifier.
11. Pick water-resistant materials during a bathroom remodel.

1. Choose a High-Quality Exhaust Fan

A high-quality exhaust fan is a key component of good bathroom ventilation. A good bathroom exhaust fan should:

• be large enough for the size of the bathroom to properly vent it
• located near the main source of moisture, which is usually the shower
• have clean and properly sealed ducts
• vent directly outdoors

When run during and after showers, it can help control humidity and moisture in the bathroom, especially with large, open walk-in showers or low-curb showers.

In this way, a quality, properly installed exhaust fan can also help mildew-proof your bathroom. A good rule of thumb is to run the exhaust fan for about 15-20 minutes after you finish showering to completely remove excess moisture from the bathroom.

2. Consider a Smart Fan

There are a lot of options for bathroom exhaust fans, and you can even opt for an upgraded fan with smart technology built in. Smart bathroom exhaust fans are often equipped with timer switches for automatic operation and consistent humidity control.

This can be a useful feature if you’re running the fan after a shower and tend to forget to turn it off. With a timer, it will turn off on its own, and it’s one less thing for you to remember. Many of them also have humidity sensors, which will automatically turn the fan on when humidity levels reach a certain level.

3. Clean the Exhaust Fan Regularly

Having the right exhaust fan is important, but it can only help provide good bathroom ventilation if it is clean and working properly. If you’re working with a contractor on a bathroom remodel, they will help you make sure you have an exhaust fan that will suit the size of your new bathroom, will be located correctly, and will be installed properly.

Once your new bathroom is finished, however, cleaning and maintaining the fan so that it keeps working is up to you. Regularly cleaning fan blades, housing, and the cover keeps the fan working optimally. Also, if anything looks like it needs to be replaced, you can take care of that before it becomes a problem.

A good rule of thumb is to plan to clean your bathroom exhaust fan every 6-12 months. If your bathroom sees a lot of use and it’s been a humid spring/summer, you may need to clean it more often. Not only does this keep the fan working to reduce moisture buildup to control humidity and prevent mildew, but it also improves air quality and can reduce irritation for people with allergies to dust.

4. Open a Window

Having an operable window in the bathroom allows you to circulate fresh air and help control humidity. Simply opening a window slightly can help release steam and moisture, while helping to circulate air. Using fans and windows together can often help you clear out steam and humidity even faster.

5. Add or Replace Bathroom Windows

Natural light and good air flow are important in bathrooms. If your current bathroom does have an outside wall or access to the roof and it doesn’t currently have a window, consider adding bathroom windows as part of your bathroom renovation. Improving function and flow is a benefit of a bathroom remodel, and you can also improve airflow, circulation, and ventilation by adding a window, while also increasing natural light.

There are different types of glass and many options available to add privacy to your windows, which can increase the number of options available for bathroom windows. If you don’t need to worry about privacy and you want a lot of natural light, you can go for larger windows. If your bathroom doesn’t have an exterior wall for a window, skylights can be an option for bathrooms next to the roofline.

Vented skylights are designed to open for ventilation and air flow, and can be operated electronically or manually. If skylights are an option, going for vented options gets you the added natural light along with the added ventilation. Adding skylights, or vented skylights if it works with your home design, is a popular shower remodeling idea.

If your bathroom does have a window, check to make sure it is still in good shape. If it’s outdated, damaged, or is showing signs that it might have air leaks, it’s worthwhile to replace your windows or upgrade them during the bathroom remodel. Not only does this improve energy efficiency and comfort in your home, but it also ensures you have a window that contributes to good bathroom ventilation.

6. Install Window Vent Extenders

A window vent extender can be installed on existing windows to make them even more effective at ventilation. Window vent extenders are installed along the window frame to allow you to get ventilation and air flow via the window, while maintaining privacy and without needing to open the window completely.

This can help you make the most of your bathroom windows when it comes to ventilation and circulating air. You can also look for options with adjustable settings that allow you to customize what you need for the seasons.

7. Leave the Door Cracked

A simple way to add a little extra ventilation to your bathroom is to leave the door cracked open slightly during a shower, and then leave it open afterwards to air out the bathroom. If you have a walk-in shower, it’s also a good idea to leave the door open for a bit to allow more air to circulate and dry out the interior of the shower.

Similarly, if you have a shower curtain, leave a gap to allow for air flow and ventilation. Just make sure you minimize how bunched up the curtain gets and extend it to dry properly to prevent mold and mildew from growing in the folds of your shower curtain.

8. Include Ventilation Grilles

Ventilation grilles are small vents that are installed in walls or doors to connect the bathroom to adjacent rooms and allow for some air to flow in and out more freely. Grilles with adjustable slats allow you to control the airflow if you need to. Ventilation grilles are also a good option for interior rooms that are “blocked in” and may not be able to have windows, like basement bathrooms or bathrooms with rooms on all sides.

9. Use a Dehumidifier

Even with a good fan, grilles, windows, and other types of bathroom ventilation, you may still benefit from a dehumidifier. Central Pennsylvania summers can get really humid sometimes, and good bathroom ventilation only goes so far against high humidity inside and out.

Using a dehumidifier on these days in addition to your bathroom exhaust fan can help you reduce moisture and humidity and maintain a more comfortable environment on those “air you can wear” days.

10. Consider Using an Air Purifier

Using an air purifier is a tip to improve kitchen ventilation and air quality that you can use in the bathroom, too. In addition to having good bathroom ventilation, you can further improve indoor air quality by using an air purifier as well. Look for air purifiers with HEPA filters.

HEPA filters can remove 99.97% of harmful air particles and any particles that are 0.3 microns in size, including dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, etc. You may even be able to find a combined air purifier and dehumidifier for maximum benefits.

11. Pick Water-Resistant Materials During a Bathroom Remodel

Water-resistant materials are bathroom must-haves. They help reduce condensation and moisture buildup and can help prevent mold and mildew growth. Although these materials make a bigger difference in preventing mildew and mold, they can be helpful in humidity control and good bathroom ventilation, too.

Picking the wrong materials is a bathroom remodeling mistake to avoid. Materials that absorb moisture remain damp and can contribute to problems with humidity and moisture buildup in the bathroom. They’re also more prone to develop mold and mildew because they stay wet longer. Leaving things damp and allowing moisture to build up and stay in places can be ways you may be encouraging mold growth in your home.

The types of materials that are a good fit for high-moisture areas like bathrooms repel moisture instead of absorbing it. By keeping moisture on the surface and not absorbing it, water-resistant materials make those surfaces easier to clean, but they also make it easier and faster for them to dry with good bathroom ventilation.

6 Types of Bathroom Ventilation

Good ventilation in your bathroom should be included on any bathroom remodel checklist. It usually requires the right mix of different types of ventilation and options for air flow. You need to have more than one way to dry out your bathroom. Here are some different types of bathroom ventilation to consider when you’re remodeling your bathroom:

1. Surface-mounted fans
2. Inline fans
3. Duct fans
4. Operable window
5. Ventilation grille
6. Dehumidifier

Remodel Your Bathroom With Zephyr Thomas

Poor ventilation in the bathroom is uncomfortable and often contributes to moisture issues, water damage, and mold and mildew growth. Air leaks, water leaks, mold issues, and more are signs it’s time to remodel your bathroom. In the process, you can seal leaks, get the right bathroom ventilation, and get the bathroom you want and need.

A bathroom remodel adds value to your home, and it increases comfort and convenience for you. Bathroom ventilation is a key part of keeping your bathroom comfortable and in good shape. These are some tips for good bathroom ventilation and some types of bathroom ventilation to consider for your next bathroom remodel.

If you’re ready to remodel your bathroom or start another home improvement project, contact Zephyr Thomas at 717-399-4708 to schedule a free estimate.