8 Tips for Installing a Shower Extractor Fan

If you feel like you can’t breathe after you take nice, hot shower or a bath in your bathroom, it’s time to learn all about 8 tips for installing a shower extractor fan. No matter where you live, moisture from bathing can become trapped within the bathroom. If it does not dry properly, too much moisture can create always unpleasant mildew, which can really set into tiles and make cleaning difficult.

Mold spores can also form and being exposed to them can make for unhealthy living. So, if you’ve been experiencing problems with excess steam or moisture, read below and you’ll be able to install your own shower fan in no time.

Step 1—Choose the Type of Your Fan

Most people choose to work with a centrifugal extractor fan that you can attach to the ceiling. You can also choose between self-regulating or automatic fans. Review the voltage of the fan you select, though, to make sure it’s not too high or too low.

Step 2—Choose the Size of Your Fan

You will need to think about the rate of airflow when choosing the fan size. When installing an extractor fan in a bathroom, you will generally need a fan that can handle 6 to 8 changes in air flow on the hour.

Step 3—Be Aware of Existing Water Pipes and Cables

You need to be sure that no water pipes lie underneath the wall if you are installing in a wall instead of in a window, especially if you are renting your home. You would not want to cause damage that might be costly to repair. Sometimes, cables might be behind a bathroom wall as well. You can use a pipe and cable detector to scan the wall before you begin.

Step 4—Wire the Fan

Now that you are ready to begin, wire your fan correctly. You might be able to connect to your wall light switch, would be easiest. Basically, just find the most logical and accessible spot.

Step 6—Create an Opening in the Ceiling

You can use the space where the overhead light is installed, but if one is not there, make your own opening. To do this, measure the fan and ensure that you have a little wiggle room. You can use your duct kit to help you with this as well. It’s better to start small and make the hole bigger if you need to, because it will be hard to deal with a hole that is too large.

Step 7—Mount Your Fan Box

Use the steel bar hanger to place the box that your fan will sit on by connecting it to exposed joists. After you have secured the mounting bracket, attach the rubber hosing to it.

Step 8—Attach the Vent to the Nearest Soffit

Find the best soffit available. Your extractor duct kit’s instructions will tell you how to connect the hose to the vent that is on the exterior of the soffit. The vent itself is part of the soffit.