Basements can easily flood and it leads to a lot of financial damage. If you are sick of dealing with floods in the basement, there is one simple thing you can do that may help to prevent it. You will want to install an exhaust fan in your basement bathroom in order to help reduce high levels of humidity in the basement.
An exhaust fan will help to remove the moisture from the home and it can improve the ventilation in the basement. A lot of basements actually flood because of the extra humidity that comes from the drain pipes in the home but even something as simple as a shower can lead to basement flooding. By installing an exhaust fan you will help keep the humidity levels under control you will be less likely to deal with flooding.
Improve Basement Ventilation in Utah
During the spring and summer, you need to improve ventilation by keeping some of the basement windows open. This helps airflow to occur and to reduce the amount of humidity in the air which causes flooding. Always close the windows if a rainstorm is expected or if high levels of humidity are expected. It might also be a good idea to install a dehumidifier as it will reduce the extra amounts of water in the air.
An exhaust fan is not only a simple way to reduce the humidity in the air it can also help to improve the freshness of your bathroom. The best exhaust fans are those that have HV1 ratings. An exhaust fan that doesn’t have this is likely to be quite loud and might also use up a lot of energy.
Why You Need Bathroom Exhaust Fans in Farmington
What is the main purpose of the exhaust fan in a bathroom? At Genuine Comfort, we feel investing in a bathroom exhaust fan is one of the best decisions you will make as it provides the following functions:
- Reduces odors in bathrooms, allowing fresh air to enter
- Exhausts humid air, reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth
- Timer systems can assist in whole-house ventilation, which is ideal for basements that already deal with a higher water concentration level.
Will My Home Be At-Risk For Mold Problems in UT
You do not need to operate the exhaust fan all the time, in fact, some people never turn them on and they do not deal with mold at all. A small bathroom is normally at more risk for mold than a larger bathroom as there is a higher level of condensation. Bathrooms with showers are more at-risk for mold because they are continually exposed to higher levels of heat and humidity.
Airtight walls and ceilings have a higher risk of dealing with mold. Basements are at a higher risk of mold because the colder air and the basements are not normally insulated properly. Cold drywall stays damp longer, which leads to mold growth. We will assist with air quality concerns to pinpoint issues that could cause health risks.
Utah Building Code Requirements
If a bathroom does not have a window, an exhaust fan must be installed according to Utah’s building codes. The minimum ventilation rate is 50cfm for intermittent operation. The duct used in the home can impact the quality of the fan. If the ductwork is too small a diameter, it will lead to ventilation issues.
Replacing a Loud Exhaust Fan
If you have a loud exhaust fan, we can replace it with a version that is not as noisy. A good exhaust fan will not make loud noise, and will be energy-efficient. Operating a bathroom fan does require an electric hookup, and we can install it as part of the light switch system. The bathroom fan will pull air from the cracks and exterior of the home.
How Often Should I Run a Bathroom Fan?
A standard bathroom fan will need to run for about 5-10 minutes after a shower. We can install a humidity-sensing switch to turn on the bathroom fan if the humidity levels are high. This is a great addition to a basement where the humidity levels can get out of control in a hurry. If your bathroom seems damp, plan on running the fan after each time a person showers.
For more information about installing a bathroom exhaust fan, call Genuine Comfort today. We can provide additional service to improve your home’s air quality.
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