These are not traditional ceiling fans with exposed blades and lights, rather they mount inside the ceiling and duct to the attic or outside to vent bathroom moisture and odors. Many include a light fixture, a night light, a heat lamp, and/or a heater. To install one you have to cut a hole in your ceiling if it is not already prepared. If you install a model with more than just a fan, or fan and light (if you don’t mind the fan and light switching together) you will also have to install additional wiring. Installing a bathroom fan is a project best left to an electrician unless you are very handy.

Here are some common brands of bathroom ceiling fans:

Air King
Broan
Hunter
Nautilus
Nutone
Panasonic Ceiling Fans

Do bathroom fans need to vent outside?

If you have a bathroom exhaust fan, then yes – it needs to vent outside. If you are using an exhaust fan, the main purpose of this fan is to take the air from the bathroom (often stinky or smelly air that needs to be expunged outside) and move it through an air duct to the outside.

Venting bathroom air to the outside is crucial for removing excess moisture, steam, and odors, which helps prevent issues like mold growth, peeling paint, and unpleasant smells. It also helps maintain good indoor air quality in the rest of the house. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the vent and ensuring the ductwork is clear of obstructions, is essential to ensure the bathroom fan operates efficiently.

Here’s how the process typically works:

  1. Fan Operation: When you turn on the bathroom fan, it starts to draw air from the bathroom.
  2. Airflow Direction: The fan is designed to move air in one direction, from the inside of the bathroom to the outside.
  3. Duct System: The fan is connected to a duct, which is a pipe or tubing made of metal or flexible material. The duct is usually hidden within the walls, ceiling, or attic space.
  4. Duct Route: The duct runs from the bathroom, through the walls or ceiling, and eventually reaches an external wall or the roof of the building.
  5. Exterior Vent: At the endpoint of the duct, there is an exterior vent. This vent is typically a grille or cover with openings that allow air to exit but prevent pests and debris from entering.
  6. Air Discharge: As the fan draws air from the bathroom, it pushes it through the duct and out of the exterior vent, effectively venting the humid or odorous air to the outside.
  7. Fresh Air Inflow: Simultaneously, the air being expelled from the bathroom creates negative pressure, which draws fresh air into the bathroom from other areas of the house, such as through gaps around doors or windows.

How to Vent a Bath Fan through the Roof

Please watch the below video that explains how to vent a bath fan through the roof. This is an important part of installing a new bath fan. Make sure to check that the bath fan is venting properly. Having a professional out to your home to verify this is ultimately a very good idea.