Mist, steam, and moisture are all part of any normal functioning bathroom. If you don’t want your wooden cabinets to warp or to have an infestation of mold and mildew, then you need some sort of exhaust fan or ventilation in your bathroom. For most, the easiest and most attractive way to do this is by installing a bathroom light with an exhaust fan.
So, how do you pick the right one? The best bathroom light with an extractor fan will meet several requirements as well as your preferences. Here’s your guide for choosing the right bathroom light and an exhaust fan for your bathroom:
How Much Fan Power Do You Need?
One of the most important considerations is the power of the fan. The bigger your bathroom, the more powerful fan you will need. As a general rule, calculate about 1 CFM (cubic feet per minute) per square foot. If you have a large bathroom over 100 square feet, you’ll need even more power. In addition to following the standard, add 50 CFM for each toilet, shower, or bath. You’ll need another 100 CFM if you have a whirlpool.
Light Preferences
From boxy and utilitarian to attractive, round fixtures that disguise the fan altogether, there are many style choices for bathroom fans with lights. Take a look at some of the many options out there and choose an option that fits in with your bathroom design and style best. Remember, the goal of this type of light is to provide general lighting. You may need to add additional wall sconces on either side of the mirror and other accent lights for the best bathroom lighting results.
Noise
Better technology has made available bathroom fans that are extremely quiet. Look for the loudness rating on your fan before you purchase it. The lower the sone rating, the quieter the fan. To give you a reference, sone level 1 is about as loud as a refrigerator. Some fans may be rated as low as 0.3 sone! These fans barely whisper as they whisk away humid air or unpleasant odors.
Additional Features
There are all kinds of great functions available in bathroom lights with fans. Here are just a few you might want to consider:
- Heater: Do you hate shivering in a cool bathroom when you step out of the shower? Some lights have a heating feature that can provide localized warmth to make your bathroom experience much more pleasant.
- Motion sensor: No more stumbling around in the dark groping for the light switch. With this feature, the lights will come on the moment you step into the bathroom.
- Moisture sensor: This feature means the fan turns on automatically whenever humidity is detected in the air. That way you don’t have to remember to turn on the switch when you hop into the shower.
In addition, you should consider checking the energy efficiency of the unit. Fans with lights that have achieved Energy Star certifications can provide great savings in the long run.
Once you’ve chosen the best bathroom light with an exhaust fan for your space, get professional help with the installation. This way, you’ll ensure the exhaust is properly extracted to the exterior of the building and that everything will work as expected.
With your new stylish bathroom light and fan installed, you’ll enjoy the light you need plus the proper ventilation that will protect your bathroom.