I have a small full bathroom (50 sq ft) and I've noticed that even with the fan running during and after my showers, it doesn't seem to eliminate all the steam. I've cleaned the fan grille, but there hasn't been any noticeable improvement. Is my fan just old or weak, or is this a common issue with bathroom fans? Am I expecting too much from it?
5 Answers
Just so you know, it's pretty normal not to get every bit of steam out while showering. The fan doesn't create a perfect vacuum, but it should help reduce the humidity significantly in a reasonable time. If you're still dealing with a lot of moisture an hour later, you might want to consider upgrading to a more powerful fan. A Panasonic WhisperFit model usually gets great reviews!
You might want to test the suction of the fan by holding a piece of paper against the grille. If it sticks, that's a good sign! Ideally, a good fan should help clear out the humidity within an hour after your shower. Keep in mind that the fan should ideally provide at least 8 air changes per hour to be effective.
Yes, a good fan can drastically help. Mine works so well that even after a long, steaming shower, within about 30 minutes, the room is clear of steam. If your fan's not keeping up, you might need a new one or even two units, depending on your bathroom's size and ventilation style.
It's a good practice to let the fan run for about an hour after you shower, not just during. This will help pull out the moisture more effectively. I like to check if I can see the steam venting outside on a cold day to confirm it's working. If it doesn't clear up by then, there might be an issue with the fan or its venting setup.
Your fan's effectiveness depends a lot on the airflow. Make sure there's sufficient makeup air entering the space as the fan exhausts air. If the source of incoming air is too close to the fan, it won't work as well. Try cracking a window or ensuring your door isn’t completely sealed while the fan's on. That can make a significant difference!
Totally agree! If you're not seeing results, you may need to look into better options. It really helps to have a fan that's rated for your bathroom size.