[shelzmike]

Remodeling the bathroom in our 1943 home. It's small, 50 sq. ft. And we decided we really needed a vent fan in there. Have wanted one for awhile. Already ran the electrical for it but having a little bit of a hard time sourcing one that isn't huge, ceiling mount, or expensive.

We have ceiling heat which still works very well and so I cannot put anything retrofitted through the ceiling so my only option is direct through wall (bathroom has a wall that is exterior). 2x4 walls. Anyone have any suggestions they may have used or know about?

 

[SeniorSitizen]

Mobile homes and travel trailers have had those through the wall for a few decades. Being they are still popular that may give a few more options.

 

[Chris616]

Many (most?) bathrooms exhaust fans allow for ceiling or wall installation. When the Home Depot website area on bath fans is filtered by “Wall” install location there are 114 choices, the least expensive of which costs $14.97. Am I missing the intent of your questions?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/NuTone-50-CFM-Wall-Ceiling-Mount-Bathroom-Exhaust-Fan-696N/100081599

Chris

 

[shelzmike]

Many (most?) bathrooms exhaust fans allow for ceiling or wall installation. When the Home Depot website area on bath fans is filtered by “Wall” install location there are 114 choices, the least expensive of which costs $14.97. Am I missing the intent of your questions?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/NuTone-50-CFM-Wall-Ceiling-Mount-Bathroom-Exhaust-Fan-696N/100081599

Chris

Not misunderstanding, but perhaps part of the problem lies then in me not understanding how this type would be installed. As you can see, the output is on the side, not on the back that a "through wall" fan would have.

If I recall correctly, you can indeed install these onto a wall, but the exhaust still has to go up into the attic then out. So, I see a difference between "through" wall and "in" wall in this instance. It's a 2x4 wall, so how would I get this from the side exhaust port down and through the external wall when all I am working with is a 2x4 wall and a single 16 OC stud space?

 

[rjniles]

Google. Thought the wall vent fan. Home Depot has at least one Broan that will work.

Sent from my RCT6A03W13E using Tapatalk

 

[Chris616]

Mount the fan so that the outlet is pointing up or down, then install a 90 degree duct fitting. Consider which orientation will make the outlet damper on the fan fall closed when the fan isn’t running. This location isn’t ideal in cold locations because it doesn’t allow for insulation in the wall, but that won’t be an issue for your climate.

Chris

 

[carpdad]

There aren't many brands. It's usually broan or nutone. They may be under one company. Used to see panasonic but don't know if panasonic is still around or is a dead brand. Not many choices especiallly when it's a small and relatively cheap appliance. Fantech also deals with venting but not sure for your use.


Also the back draft is always kind of bad on even the best. I have panasonic and it's about the same as cheap broan. It may become regretting kind of decision esp if you have cold winters. Research carefully about the kinds of outside caps and the dampers so you won't end up with a cold room.

 

[rjniles]

Here are some:

https://www.build.com/broan-512m/s239790?uid=417805&source=gg-gba-pla_417805!c1713728816!a66579404105!dc!ng&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpfHzBRCiARIsAHHzyZrOSqeyLo5jBVK_wlK0_6NQJeXZt650BxmtYDt0DxA5A7GV1b4wYNcaAriDEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://www.build.com/broan-512/s238782?uid=417804&source=gg-gba-pla_417804!c1713728816!a66579404105!dc!ng&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpfHzBRCiARIsAHHzyZpqkUwxacwJgbWTNf4qvUkui1Zh4SegejhS9AGUpiDYzne5ikIf9tgaAnvJEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Broan-270-CFM-Through-the-Wall-Exhaust-Fan-508/100662376

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Broan-180-CFM-Through-the-Wall-Exhaust-Fan-with-On-Off-Switch-509S/100094011

 

[shelzmike]

There aren't many brands. It's usually broan or nutone. They may be under one company. Used to see panasonic but don't know if panasonic is still around or is a dead brand. Not many choices especiallly when it's a small and relatively cheap appliance. Fantech also deals with venting but not sure for your use.


Also the back draft is always kind of bad on even the best. I have panasonic and it's about the same as cheap broan. It may become regretting kind of decision esp if you have cold winters. Research carefully about the kinds of outside caps and the dampers so you won't end up with a cold room.

You know what? I'm glad you mentioned this. I was just talking with my wife yesterday about going in the direction of not installing one after all. Based on the only location we can put it , it would have to go in a tiled wall for the tub surround. There are so many reasons to not put it in vs. Putting it in at this point. My walls are still open so I can easily remove the electrical I ran for it. I think your reminder about back drafting is the last justification I need to forgo the installation. Sometimes we find the best solution when asking something else!

 

[carpdad]

My old house bath is also without a vent, but I planned for one. When the roof was redone, I had one installed.



https://www.luxurymetals.com/coppervents.html#anchor_560


Although I never considered using relatively expensive caps, above company is one I remember seeing over the years. Well made cap may have spring closed dampers, although you should ask the company the minimum cfm fan to push open against the spring.
It is a building rule, I think, to have a vent for baths, and potential buyer (if selling the house is within your plan) can use that point for discounts.


If you're against and feel fine with it, it is not something you must do. But if possible, good to have a bath vent. But I'm not sure about the place. Tub or shower has water and big potential to spray water everywhere. You may have to look for "wet" area appliance.

 

[shelzmike]

But I'm not sure about the place. Tub or shower has water and big potential to spray water everywhere. You may have to look for "wet" area appliance.

I wasn't clear. The tiling extends beyond just the surround, so it would be installed in tile, but outside of the actual shower.

Hmm. I'll have to check on venting requirements. I hadn't even thought that it would possibly actually be required.

 

[Calson]

The problem with a wall vent is having it pull enough air from below the ceiling to be effective and getting power to it and to a switch.
I would put in a ceiling vent and run the ducting to an outer wall is need be to avoid having to make a new hole in your roof. If you have a ceiling light fixture it could be removed and a fan/light unit put in its place.

There is a lot to be said for opening a window to let the moist air out of the room.

When someone is taking a long bath I run the house furnace fan to circulate the damp air throughout the house and not let it concentrate in the bathroom.

 

[huesmann]

If it's too much of a PITA to install a vent fan, an option for reducing the moisture in the bathroom is a small dehumidifier on a timer. I used to use one after my BA started getting a little mildewy (had a fan but it was old and lame). It actually worked great to dry up the room. I installed a timer switch on the outlet that the dehumidifier was on, and set it to run for an hour.

(Later on, I finally got the gumption to replace the old and lame fan with a new one, and the dehumidifier stopped picking up much water at all.)

 

[3onthetree]

Hmm. I'll have to check on venting requirements. I hadn't even thought that it would possibly actually be required.

50cfm minimum for the toilet if you don't have a window.

 

[shelzmike]

Hmm. I'll have to check on venting requirements. I hadn't even thought that it would possibly actually be required.

50cfm minimum for the toilet if you don't have a window.

We do have a window. I have to back out. After looking at it again, I really have no place to put it that works.