If you are looking for a new home, you may be focusing on the number of bathrooms and their sizes and amenities. One important factor that you shouldn’t overlook is ventilation.
Why Humidity in the Bathroom can be a Problem
Each time a person takes a shower or turns on the sink faucet, moisture is released into the air. A bathroom can become very humid without adequate ventilation, which can be uncomfortable and possibly even dangerous.
Potentially harmful bacteria can grow in moist conditions. Mold can also grow in humid areas and can be harmful, especially to individuals who already have respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies. Widespread mold can make a house dangerous to live in.
Moisture in the bathroom can also damage surfaces and fixtures. If humidity builds up in a bathroom, water can collect on the walls and ceiling, seep into the drywall and paint, and eventually work its way into the wood behind the walls. That can lead to mold on and inside the walls and can produce unpleasant odors.
How Ventilation can Help
A vent fan can remove air from inside the bathroom and transfer it to the outdoors through a tube or metal duct to keep the level of humidity under control and to maintain good air quality. Removing moisture from the bathroom can make it a safer and more comfortable place for your family and guests. Ventilating the bathroom can prevent conditions that would allow bacteria and mold to grow and reduce condensation on the shower door and mirror. In addition, an exhaust fan can remove chemicals from bathroom cleaners that might otherwise linger in the air.
How Bathroom Ventilation Works
A vent fan can be wired in much the same way that a ceiling light is wired. In some cases, a vent fan and a light are part of one unit. A vent fan can be turned on with a wall switch and may have a timer that can keep it running for a period of time after a person has finished showering.
The fan should be an appropriate size for the bathroom and should direct air to the outdoors. In many areas, local building codes require bathroom ventilation fans and have specific guidelines related to size, but some houses have fans that meet minimum requirements yet don’t provide enough ventilation to remove moisture. In some areas, a ventilation fan is not required at all if a bathroom has a window that can be opened.
Think About Your Family’s Health and Comfort
When looking for a new home, it’s important to make sure the bathrooms would be suitable for your family’s needs. In addition to the number and size of bathrooms, the amount of storage space and the size of the shower or tub, consider ventilation so your family can feel comfortable and stay healthy.
