House detective Jeff Davis takes us to Morgantown W.Va., to inspect a 1905 Cape Cod-style home that's about to change hands form one set of students to another. Davis found problems with the bathroom exhaust fans. Many people assume this fan is there to keep steam off the mirrors after a hot shower, but its main function is to vent moisture that could damage paint and other building materials--and lead to the growth of unhealthy mildew.
To make sure your bathroom fan is working properly, hold a piece of tissue close to the fan grill. With the fan turned on, the suction should pull the tissue tight to the grill.
And outside, the exhaust air should fill a plastic garbage bag in just a few seconds.
If it turns out you need to buy a new bathroom fan, here are some tips to keep in mind.
- Compare fans by looking at their efficiency and power rating. These figures are usually found on the packaging.
- You'll need to know the size of your bathroom to make the right choice.
- Make sure the fan selected is rated for wet conditions, and that it's intended for use inside a bath or shower enclosure.
- Lastly, get the quietest fan in the size you need. A noisy one probably won't get used.
Guests Jeff Davis
Building inspector
c/o Davis Home Inspection
PO Box 2244
Morgantown, WV 26502-2244
Phone: 304-292-5871
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