Guess I need some advice since I discovered yesterday that no one in this town is installing multi-port ventilation systems. Talked to the two big ele supply houses and neither of them knew what I was talking about….tho one of them is listed by Fantech as their supplier and the second one (who carries Broan) did not have the part numbers in his database, but found them in the catalogue.
“What are people using in the million dollar jobs? Well, you know, just regular” they said. While humidity is not an issue, roof penetrations and noise are….at least to me.
So I’m hangin’ out there all by myself on this one. If I call the mfgs I won’t know if they’re blowin’ smoke so I’m turning to you all.
Know that most of you like Fantech. Is there any reason to purchase the Broan at 110cfm over the Fantech at 250cmf? Price is almost the same.
What do you do about the it’s-so-quiet-I-forgot-it’s-on problem?
What’s the most satisfactory way to wire the switches?
Should I fool with a humidstat that operates it automatically? Seems to me that only cures half of the problem if you get my drift.
Fantech told me to use flexible, insulated duct….is that what you use?
Electrician will do whatever I say…..but I have to specify what I want.
ShelleyinNM
Replies
I can't answer your questions your other questions.
"What's the most satisfactory way to wire the switches?
Should I fool with a humidstat that operates it automatically? Seems to me that only cures half of the problem if you get my drift."
You have a couple of options.
Use the humidstat and also use a double pole switch with one pole acrsso the humidstat. That way the fan will run anytime that the light is on or any time that the humditiy level is too high.
Or use a timer switch. You can get ones that operate the lights and you set the fan to turn off automatically 5, 10, 15, 30 mintues later.
A timer...duh. Never thought of that...tho I had thought of a lighted switch.
Nobody has said "buy the Fantech" and I could swear that I've read several discussions touting them. Am I wrong? Seem to remember that Piffin was a big fan (intended).
ShelleyinNM
Fantech makes a great product. I can't compare them to Panasonic because I've never used a Panasonic. But I use Fantech in all of my jobs; no complaints.
Ok I'll say it Buy the
Ok I'll say it Buy the Fantech or similar (American Aldes).
On it's own timer.
The flex duct is between the inlet and the fan itself to keep the motor vibration isolated. Rigid from the fan to outside.
Oh yeah, the 250 cfm is huge. How large is your bathroom?
A 100 cfm is large enough (or even too large)for a normal size bathroom
You're expecting a reply from
You're expecting a reply from a post made seven years ago??
Missed that part.
I assume you're talking about bathroom exhaust fans.
I believe code requires either a window for ventilation in the bathroom, or a vent fan. Last house I renovated the bathroom on, the client wanted the window removed. The electrician came in and wired the fan so it came on with the light, so every time the light was turned on, so was the fan. I'm not sure this was required, code-wise.
When I install vent fans, I give the option to have the fan on a timer. That's how I wired mine. With twin 16 year-olds, the bathroom gets a lot of use, and teenagers are prone to forget. Having the fan on a timer has several other benefits as well. It allows the fan to run to 'clear the air' without having to remember to turn it off (after those heavy use times.) It also tells my kids when they need to rinse and get out of the shower. Fan stops, they better get out, or dad may shut off the hot water. (Only took once.) I use a 15 minute timer.
>>>Fan stops, they better get out, or dad may shut off the hot water. (Only took once.)
LOL. I can hear it now......DDDDDAAAAAADDDDDDD!!!!!!!
Panasonics.
You'll get them at a good electric supply house.
They are so quiet that you'll have to use a switch with an indicator lite showing when its on.
I've picked them up at a CED distributor. But in other CED's they didn't carry them.
I saw an ad for a cool switch.FHB April 2003 No.154 page123. Turn on light & fan on. Turn off light off fan goes off in 5-60 minutes. Brand EFI.No web page.
Panasonic makes a good fan (my electrician always recommends it). I don't know if it comes multiport. They recommend 4"pvc duct. I don't like the idea of flex duct because of the ridges to catch condensation
You should insulate the duct in unheated spaces like the attic to reduce condensation in the duct.
Looked up the switch. It does look cool. But my light will be separate from the fan and this seems to be made for an integrated unit. Will call them on Monday and see what they have.
Thanks for the tip.
That is the kind of switch that I was talking about.
While the clock works twist the know timer is simple and cheap it still depends on someone to use it.
But why does the switch for the fan have to be separate from the light?
Don't know, I guess. I've just always done it that way. All three rooms have natural light. Don't always need the fan. Will think on that.
ShelleyinNM
I took out the old 80cfm bath fan and intalled a 250cfm when I renovated the bathroom. Put in a whirlpool jetted tub and a shower but was unable to fog up the mirror for more than a few seconds with the fan on. That was ten years ago and now that age is starting to creep up on me, maybe it would be better if the mirror fogged up.
Turtleneck
Its not a smile- its a cramp
Just pull your head in?
Joe H
That's got me laughing. On a
That's got me laughing. On a serious note, keep using the fan. You just need to add one of our environmentally sustainable mirror steamers. It's made from recycled materials, won't give Californians cancer, and absorbs CO2 everytime you use it. It's a green product from a green company that hires little green men. They are actually the color green, not the former inexperienced definition of green.
EFI.ORG has Panasonic fans and good timers: electronic push-button type. The insulated flexible duct should be easy to install and minimize condensation. Could you vent through a soffit to avoid roof penetrations? No opinion on Fantech..sorry!
Al Mollitor,Sharon MA
I would keep the fan on a separate switch or timer from the light. Showers can get very drafty with a fan circulating the air. My wife likes it steamy in there until she drys off, otherwise it's too cold for her.