Anyone planning to buy an exhaust fan and perform a do-it-yourself installation of a ventilation unit must first read up on exhaust ventilation fans FAQ to ensure proper sizing, fitting and installation is done.
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General Exhaust Ventilation Fans FAQ
- What is a CFM rating? CFM refers to Cubic Feet per Minute. It is a unit of measurement that describes how much air is removed in 60 seconds. Generally, the higher CFM rating an exhaust fan has, the better it can clean indoor air.
- How do I know what size exhaust fan to buy? There are several ways to determine the size of exhaust fan you need, but the simplest way is to multiply the width, length and height of a room to arrive at the square footage. Multiply it by 110% to get the CFM rating. Be aware that additional fixtures (such as bath tubs, kitchen range and others that affect how exhaust fans work) have corresponding CFM ratings that you need to add up.
- What is continuous ventilation? Continuous ventilation is a feature in some exhaust fans that works at a much lower energy rate 24/7, which reduces noise, unnecessary heat loss and carbon/fuel consumption. These ventilation systems are also quieter compared to other units.
- My exhaust fan is noisy. Where is it coming from? This is another exhaust ventilation fans FAQ that affects home owners. Noisy exhaust fans can be caused by either a loose motor or fan blades getting in contact with the housing.
- How do I clean my exhaust fan? Turn off the unit, remove the fan’s grill, clean it with dishwashing liquid or detergent and pat dry gently with cloth. Don’t immerse the motor or any electrical parts of the fan in water. Use a small vacuum to remove dirt and other debris accumulated inside the fan.
Kitchen Exhaust Ventilation Fans FAQ
- Can I use a smaller duct for the fan? If the instructions call for a smaller duct, follow the exact size of piping needed. Also, you have to use the exact length of pipe instructed.
- What is Makeup air? Since ventilation systems remove air indoors, the amount of air ventilated has to be replaced. This replacement is called make-up air, which is needed for the fan to work effectively.
- Find an opening for the exhaust fan to let makeup air in, but avoid areas connected to hazardous fixtures like dryers or chimneys. If you prefer not to do any kind of carpeting, open the nearest window to the fan.
Bathroom Exhaust Ventilation Fans FAQ
- Will it work if I have a sauna or heated tub? The exhaust fan will work if it has a high CFM rating. Otherwise, it may not be able to ventilate effectively.
- I have a large bathroom. What type of exhaust fan do I need? If you have a large bathroom, look for multi-port exhaust fans. Make sure to install ports in areas where moisture levels are high, such as over the shower.
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