Any time that you take a bath or shower, your bathroom is almost guaranteed to get steamy.  This is because of the water evaporating and then cooling to form water again.  If you do not find a way to get the steam somewhere other than the bathroom, then you may end up with issues from mildew and mold in your bathroom.  An exhaust fan is one of the best ways to get the steam out of the bathroom.  The fan will draw out the moisture through the bathroom vent that is installed, and you will have less moisture in the room.  If you do not ensure that the air is vented outside, then you will just end up moving the mildew and mold to a different part of your house.

Things Needed:

• stud finder
• exhaust fan
• wire strippers
• wire nuts
• both flat head and phillips screwdrivers
• duct kit
• electrical tester
• jab saw
• safety glasses

First – Picking a Fan

The number of fans available is astounding.  However, you are going to want one that is a minimum of 80 CFM.  That is cubic feet per minute.  Higher rates are preferred, but also cost more money.  Be sure to check the rating for noise on the packaging as well.  The most preferred is over 100 CFM and a low rating for noise.  However, these are the ones that are more expensive.

Second – Wiring

When you get your duct kit, there will be a wiring guide included.  The easiest way is to wire it into the light so that they will both come on simultaneously.  Prior to working with the wiring, you are going to want to be sure that there is no electricity running to it.  Locate the breaker and switch it to off, then check to make sure that it was the right breaker by turning on your bathroom light.  Use the wire strippers to strip the wires that you are going to need, and make the connections safe with the wire nuts.  Turn the breaker back on and make sure that the fan comes on and the wiring is correct.

Fourth – Mounting

You will want to try to mount the fan box to the joists of the bathrooms ceiling.  This will be done with a screwdriver and the provided screws in the kit.  If you cannot do that, then you will need to use the hangers that come in the kit.  Prior to getting everything completely attached, you will need to attach the vent hose to the box.  Then you will run it through the attic to either the roof or the outside wall that you have chosen.  Then, you will attach everything in place and put the trim in place for the fan.

Fifth – Vent Installation

With the template that is available in the kit and the jab saw, you will cut the hole for the vent in the exterior wall or the ceiling.  The outside portion of the vent should be screwed to the exterior wall.  Part of it will stick through.  Now, you will attach the vent hose and tighten it enough for it to properly stay in its place.  The vent should be covered so that the moisture can get out, but not in.  This also keeps debris from getting in.