What Does an Exhaust Fan Do?

Exhaust fans are found in every newly constructed home. They help maintain ideal temperature and air quality and are an important part of the ventilation of the home.

What is the purpose of an exhaust fan?

The purpose of an exhaust fan is to pull the excess moisture and other air particles out of a room. They are commonly installed in bathrooms and kitchens, where moisture and odors are most prevalent.

How does an exhaust fan work?

Like a traditional fan, an exhaust fan pulls moisture and air particles up and out of the home, venting to the outdoors. It is run by a motor and has blades that turn to move the air out of the room.

Why are exhaust fans beneficial?

Exhaust fans are beneficial for a number of reasons. These include:

  • Removing moisture from the air. This prevents damage to the home from condensation, which can result in mold growth or structural damage.
  • Cooling down areas prone to higher temperatures, such as around a stove or shower. The hot air is vented to the outdoors, allowing cooler air from the home to circulate.
  • Eliminating contaminants, odors, and humidity from the air. Exhaust fans ventilate areas that might otherwise not have proper ventilation.

What kinds of exhaust fans are there?

There are several different types of exhaust fans, each with their own purpose.

Exterior Exhaust Fans

Exterior exhaust fans pull the air out of a room and push it outdoors. These are typically quiet since the noise from the fan is outside of the home.

Wall Mounted Exhaust Fans

Wall-mounted exhaust fans are installed directly into an exterior wall of the house. The air travels straight through the fan to the outdoors.

Kitchen Exhaust Fans

Kitchen exhaust fans not only help remove smells, but also suck the heat right out of your house. Additionally, they help remove moisture from the air from boiling water. They are commonly installed directly above the stove for the best performance results.

Bathroom Exhaust Fans

Bathroom exhaust fans primarily remove moisture from the air that results from bathing or showering. Typically, bathroom exhaust fans are smaller and more affordable than other types of exhaust fans. Bathroom exhaust fans are important because they help eliminate moisture, which can cause condensation, rotting drywall, and develop mold and mildew.

Ceiling Mounted Exhaust Fans

Ceiling mounted exhaust fans help produce better airflow. The pull the air into the ceiling, venting directly into the attic or crawl space above the ceiling.

Inline Exhaust Fans

Inline exhaust fans are installed into the side of existing ductwork, using the existing ductwork as a way to expel the air from the room. This is a great option for interior rooms that have no other way to expel air.

Exhaust Fans with Lights

Combination exhaust fans that also have lighting are a great way to lighten up a dark area of the home. It increases the functionality of the fan and helps disguise it as a lighting source instead of as an exhaust fan.