Bathroom exhaust

[Jesse 63]

I'm adding a new bathroom at my house trying to find out if I need to install an exaust fan. I have a window one of tha wall is outside perimeter of my house. Where can I find if nec shows if exaust fan is needed?

 

[roger]

It would be in building codes, the NEC would only apply to wiring.

Roger

 

[Jesse 63]

Thank you Roger.

 

[hillbilly1]

Generally most building codes in the past have allowed an operable window to substitute for an exhaust fan, but with new energy codes, that may not be allowed anymore.

 

[rc/retired]

Bath fan or operable window is required

 

[480sparky]

Fans are required now regardless of the presence of an operable window or not.

 

[Jesse 63]

Thanks. I will go to county building department and ask what is the ordinance.

 

[Hv&Lv]

Chapter 15 residential code

 

[102 Inspector]

Actually, in the 2018 IRC it is located in R303.3 and allows for window or mechanical ventilation. Always check local and state amendments for energy code changes

 

[garbo]

I'm adding a new bathroom at my house trying to find out if I need to install an exaust fan. I have a window one of tha wall is outside perimeter of my house. Where can I find if nec shows if exaust fan is needed?

Heard that a fan is now required even if you have a window. Best pratice would be to purchase a ceiling fan that has a built in humidity sensor to turn it. on along with a timer wall switch. Read that fan should run from start of a shower or bath to 20 minutes afterwards to prevent mold growth especially in thight insulated houses. I' m looking in to have a motorised shuter open up to bring in fresh sir whenever a bathroom fan or gas furnance or gas dryer is running.

 

[Hv&Lv]

Actually, in the 2018 IRC it is located in R303.3 and allows for window or mechanical ventilation. Always check local and state amendments for energy code changes

Actually, it’s both of them..

 

[rc/retired]

Actually, it’s both of them..

View attachment 2556409

What does it say before the exception?

Ron

 

[tom baker]

Heard that a fan is now required even if you have a window. Best pratice would be to purchase a ceiling fan that has a built in humidity sensor to turn it. on along with a timer wall switch. Read that fan should run from start of a shower or bath to 20 minutes afterwards to prevent mold growth especially in thight insulated houses. I' m looking in to have a motorised shuter open up to bring in fresh sir whenever a bathroom fan or gas furnance or gas dryer is running.

The motorized shutter is a great idea, prevents depressurizing the house. Better yet would be an air/air heat exchanger. My current house is much to leaking for that to work.

 

[Knuckle Dragger]

I'm adding a new bathroom at my house trying to find out if I need to install an exaust fan. I have a window one of tha wall is outside perimeter of my house. Where can I find if nec shows if exaust fan is needed?

How much money we talking about?
Required or not I would install one if it were my house.
I roll my eyes when GC's mention "what about the window rule?" When they want to opt out.
I tell them do what ever the bleep you want it's a building code not electrical.

 

[qcroanoke]

Required or not I would install one if it were my house.

I agree, I also would install a fan forced wall heater controlled by a timer. Best money i ever spent! Wife turns that on instead of turning up the furnace setting.

 

[Knuckle Dragger]

I agree, I also would install a fan forced wall heater controlled by a timer. Best money i ever spent! Wife turns that on instead of turning up the furnace setting.

I recommend the preset timers (typically the Leviton brand) to my customers whenever I install a bathroom exhaust fan.

 

[LarryFine]

I put 60-min mechanical spring-wound timers on mine.

 

[norcal]

I recommend the preset timers (typically the Leviton brand) to my customers whenever I install a bathroom exhaust fan.

I put 60-min mechanical spring-wound timers on mine.

I like the humidistats, put one in my bathroom when it was gutted a few months ago, has a adjustable preset manual cycle which was set at 15 mins. & the auto cycle if it determines there is too much humidity, been pleased so far. Been better then a month since needed heat, & with a open window the fan is not needed as much.

 

[gadfly56]

The whole family likes to take long showers, and even with the window open water condenses on every surface. Plus, not a terrific option in the middle of January, at least not in NJ. If we ever redo the bathroom, a fan will definitely be on the list.

 

[480sparky]

We need to start building bathrooms like they do in Japan... where every surface is waterproof and the whole room could be hosed down with a pressure washer.