Hey everyone! I tried to replace my bathroom exhaust fan today and found out that the one I have isn't even connected to any ducting. Apparently, ductless fans are a thing, but this one looks like it's meant to be installed with a duct. I've been living here for three years without any ducting, and I haven't noticed any mold or mildew, but I'm worried about what this could mean long-term. Am I worrying too much? Are there situations where bathroom exhaust fans can operate without ducts, or should I really get someone to install a vent? I'm pretty clueless about home repairs, so any advice would be awesome!
1 Answer
It's generally a good idea to have your bathroom exhaust fan vented outside, especially if you’re not in an area with super dry air. If it’s just a half bath with no shower, you might be okay, but for regular bathrooms, it’s best to get it vented. You can vent through the roof, wall, or soffit, but make sure it’s not near another soffit vent to avoid issues with humid air going back into your attic. It might seem simple if you have the right tools, but hiring someone is usually the best bet if you're unsure!
Thanks for the input! Sounds like I should probably get a pro to handle it. Better safe than sorry!