I'm in the process of upgrading the bathroom exhaust fans in my house, and everything is straightforward except for the master bathroom. Its dimensions are 12 feet wide, 18 feet long, and 10 feet high. I've come across two different methods for calculating the minimum airflow needed: one uses square footage, suggesting I need at least 216 CFM, while the other, based on room volume, says I need over 280 CFM. I'm also looking for a fan that has a light built in, but I can't seem to find any fans that meet such high CFM requirements along with a light. Am I missing something in my calculations, or are there really no fans available with these specs?
2 Answers
It sounds like you've done the math right! For your space, using the dimensions you provided, a calculation of around 280 CFM makes sense. If you're looking for options, you might want to check out Home Depot's bathroom exhaust fan buying guide. They recommend the highest CFM unit with lights if you can find it. Just make sure to install it close to the shower to ensure better effectiveness!
You might also consider the height of your ceilings when looking at your fan options. Even though you're stuck on finding a high-CFM fan with a light, don't forget to think about how often you're using the shower. Since you and your wife shower daily, it makes sense to prioritize airflow! I’d recommend getting the highest CFM fan you can find that has a built-in light because it’ll definitely help with moisture in that space.
Exactly! Our current fan isn't cutting it at all, so I’m leaning toward whatever option brings the best airflow, even if it's a bit less than ideal. Thanks for the feedback!
Thanks for the tips! I did check out the guide, but it seems like the products that fit the bill for high CFM aren't that common with lights. I’ll keep searching for the best options!