Replies

1. 
   Barry_Miller | Nov 13, 2000 04:44am | #1

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   This must be in the archives somewhere. Simply stated, plastic accordian is crap. Too much sag and air resistence. Smooth metal or PVC is better. Broan makes a lot of crummy fans -- loud for sure. But they also claim to have some quiet ones. This site has, in the past, recommended Fantech remote fans and Panasonic

1. 
   Frank_DuVal | Nov 13, 2000 06:06am | #2

   *I bought the quiet Broan fans for my house. They are a lot quieter than the normal Broan fans. The S80U fan only is quieter than the combo light/fan/nightlight units.Frank DuVal

1. 
   Raymond_Liccini | Nov 13, 2000 10:09pm | #3

   *Joe, I agree with Barry about the ducting. Go to US Plastics andlook at several flexible, smooth and reasonably priced ducts The plastic is preferable for highly damp air since the condensate will attack metals. I think Fantech has the edge in low sones motors. Look at the in-line turbo for instance. Cordially, RPL

1. 
   Chip_Tam | Nov 14, 2000 02:08pm | #4

   *Joe,About 7 years ago, when we put on an addition to our house, my neighbor-architect convinced us to go with more expensive bathroom exhaust fans which are more often used in commercial rather than residential applications. He said that the $25 fans available at the local hardware store may start off quiet but usually become pretty loud after a few years. We purchased Broan fans from Grainger Electric. These fans are about the size (if not the HP) of table saw motors. At the time, they cost around $125 each. These fans have remained very quiet and we've been very satisfied with them. I'm sorry that I can't give you model numbers but a check of the Grainger catalog should show them. I believe that Dayton and Westinghouse make similar units.

1. 
   George_Lentulo | Nov 14, 2000 08:56pm | #5

   *Joe,To respond to the other half of your question ...I have often run the exhaust fan duct to a vented frieze block and stapled it to a rafter or plate w/ the opening up against the vent screen (flapper was back at the unit itself). Have passed inspections this way without comment.Last month, an inspector told me this would no longer be allowed, as it was (in his opinion?) no different than venting it directly into the attic space (a clear no-no). While I disagree w/ his interpretation, I'll live w/ it - point being, I guess ... While it's done that way, you might want to ask a few people locally.Geo.

2. 
   Gene_Leger_ | Nov 14, 2000 09:24pm | #6

   *Joe. Good advice on fan selection. Venting through a soffit or the wall just below the soffit seems like a good idea. However, if the sooffit is not ventilated mold and mildew could develope on the soffit and on the wall. But a vented soffit has its problems. In addition to the mold and mildew the discharge air from the exhaust fan will be sucked up into the soffit because of the movement of the ventilation air. Thus the exhaust fan air ends up in the attic. In a retrofit situation venting through a gable wall is your best bet. Extend the fan opening above the floor insulation with a piece of pvc pipe. Now connect an elbow and pitch the duct work down toward the gable wall. Heavily insulate the plastic ductwork to minimise the formation of condensation. Pitching the ductwork downward allows any condensation to drain down and out to the exterior. If possible install the wall jack on the south gable wall. Also keep it shielded from winter north winds. In new construction instll the fan in the wet--plumbing--wall and direct the ductwork down between the floor joist and out through the joist header. GeneL.

3. 
   Pete_Shlagor | Nov 15, 2000 05:21am | #7

   *Joe, I just put Panasonics in my remodel. Afterwards, I had to go back and put indicator lamp switches in because I couldn't hear them running. Bought them at the electric wholesale house.

4. 
   Joe_Harning | Nov 15, 2000 05:23am | #8

   *Gene, I wonder how long a run, I can run toward a gable end. I actually have a single story ranch w/hip roof. I could run the pipe towards the hip side. This would give me a slight vertical wall to put vent, as opposed to a horizontal one that points down in soffit.

2. 
   Joe_Harning | Nov 15, 2000 05:23am | #9

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   Plan on running venting along ceiling joists out to soffit. Questions, white accordian any better or worse than the tin piping? Looking at a Broan anybody recommend one better? Will venting out to soffit be a problem?