Bath Fans

This simple and inexpensive Intermatic timer switch is probably the best way to go for a bath fan switch. Replace you the ones you have now, then run your bath fan for 15-20 minutes after you get out. Or just crank this to 30 minutes when you start the shower and forget about it. Check the color.

Broan XB80 bath fan. This fan impresses me. It can be installed from above or below and the fan itself is removable/replaceable for when it fails someday. It’s wicked quiet at 0.3 Sones, the only way you’ll know it’s on is by looking at the switch. Get your bath fans on Amazon, they are cheaper than big boxes. There is a lighted model of this one too.

Panasonic is known for very nice bath fans. This one is very quiet, well under our 1 Sone recommendation, and at 80 cfm is appropriate for all but large bathrooms. 

Slick 80 cfm bath fan that looks like a recessed light. It’s a bit noisier at 1 Sone, many other standard models are under 0.5.  That said, if you hate how a bath fan looks, this is a stealthy one. This is the LED model, the other one uses a CFL (flourescent) that many don’t like. 

Low profile 100 cfm bath fan, 1.5 sones is only kinda quiet. If you have to put a fan in a wall or don’t have a lot of space in your attic, look at this one.

Broan 634M. Roof vent for 6″ bath fan ducts. We recommend 6″ hard duct work for venting bath fans outdoors. You can get 4″ versions of these at big boxes, but not 6″. Don’t install them west facing if possible, they may rattle from wind.

Broan wall vent for 6″ bath fan ducts with spring loaded damper. We haven’t tried one of these yet, all 6″ products have mixed reviews. Generally not sold at big boxes. Avoid west facing installs or the damper will likely rattle, which is noisy indoors.

Backdraft damper for 6″ ducts. If cold air hits you falling out of your bathroom fan, this may be the fix. They only let air go out, not back into the house. Use with hard duct. We recommend 6″ duct for bath fans. Click through for other sizes.

A fancy bath fan switch, you can set this to run even after you turn the fan off. You can also set it to run a certain number of minutes per hour to meet fresh air requirements of ASHRAE 62.2. (That is depressurization, the worst strategy.) Look for your color/switch type.

The double flapper on this 4″ bath fan wall vent helps keep both critters and air out. Traditional designs tend to flap in the wind and the flaps get stuck open over time, this should last longer. I installed them on the Habitat rehab project. Use 6″ duct instead, if possible, this is a back up.

Foil tape for duct work. Best used for bath fan ducts. DO NOT use duct tape, it fails, this lasts much longer. Duct mastic is a far better solution. Available at big boxes for $8-12/roll. Look for 3M or Venture Tape, I’ve had bad luck with off brands.

Residential Ventilation Handbook by Paul Raymer. If you want 201 and up for bath fans and fresh air ventilation, this is the book to buy.