Bathroom vent fans???

[VALENT]

Does code require vent fans in bathrooms or does a venting window count? Also, are the heat fans included in some of these bathroom vents worth the addition?

[Rich]

Bathrooms, water closet compartments, laundry rooms and similar rooms shall be provided with natural ventilation by means of openable exterior openings with an area not less than 1/20 of the floor area of such rooms with a minimum of 1-1/2 square feet.
In lieu of required exterior openings for natural ventilation in bathrooms containing a bathtub, shower or combination thereof; ..... a mechanical ventilation system connected directly to the outside capable of providing fire air changes per hour shall be provided.

In a nutshell - yes a window does count as long as it's 1/20 of the floor area.

[Dragon]

I have a heat fan. I love that thing on cold mornings. Keeps the mirror defogged too.

[VALENT]

thanks Rich.
Dragon, is yours that combo with the fan and light or a separate heat fan?

[Dragon]

Separate.

They seem to work a bit better that way.

[Rudy]

Here is a question for you. What is the best way for me to install a vent on my first floor 3/4 bath? Although the bathroom is on an exterior wall I'd prefer to go with somtehing in the ceiling for aethetics if nothing else, but is that really feasible? Are there viable wall units that are not an eyesore?

Thanks for the help.

[Dragon]

do a hard 90 right above the ceiling and go out through the wall. I'd angle the pipe down slightly so that any condensation travels to the exterior and not back to the fan.

The closer to the outside the better.

I'd also use something that won't rust.

[Rudy]

Dragon,

Thanks for the advice. Any model or brand recommendations?

[Dragon]

No, not really.

[rabadger]

Always remember that the cfm rating on most bath exhaust fans is at 0" static pressure. You have to allow for the duct and roof cap. If you do not, it will not deliver the cfm rated.