
Can bathroom exhaust fans be mounted on a wall?
From what we have discussed so far, it’s obvious that the bathroom exhaust fans can be mounted on a wall. We also said that while mounting the fan, we should make sure it is installed vertically and not horizontally to the wall as failure to do so will have an aftereffect.
Do bathroom fans need to be vented?
Bathroom fan installation requires outside ventilation. If the fan isn’t accessible through an attic, you’ll need to vent through a sidewall of your house. These types of ducts and vents are typically installed when the house is built. If you don’t have a duct leading to a sidewall vent, call a professional for help.
How far should a bathroom fan be from the vent?
Plan Your Vent Ductwork Route Next, plan the bathroom exhaust fan location so that the duct has the shortest and most direct route to the roof or wall vent. It's best if the fan unit is within 6 feet of the exterior vent cap where all the moist air escapes to the outdoors, by means of the straightest route possible.
How do you plan a bathroom exhaust fan vent?
Plan Your Vent Ductwork Route. Next, plan the bathroom exhaust fan location so that the duct has the shortest and most direct route to the roof or wall vent. It's best if the fan unit is within 6 feet of the exterior vent cap where all the moist air escapes to the outdoors, by means of the straightest route possible.

Can you mount inline fan vertically?
Our inline duct fans can be mounted both horizontally and vertically! Moreover, you can angle our fans however you see fit - as long as they are mounted securely to a hard surface.
Does a bathroom exhaust fan need to be in center of room?
Typically a bathroom exhaust fan should be mounted as close to or inside (if rated for tub shower use) to the shower or tub as possible. This will maximize the effectiveness of the unit. Units located in a powder room, should be directly over the toilet.
Can you install bathroom fan on side wall?
Most bathroom fans are meant to be installed in ceilings, so if you want to put the fan itself into a wall, you'll need a sidewall bathroom exhaust fan. Like ceiling-mounted fans, these have connections that vary depending on the size of the ductwork they'll attach to.
Does a bathroom fan need to be on the ceiling?
A bathroom fan should ideally be placed in the ceiling approximately 1 foot from the shower and between the shower and the door. While installing a shower-rated bath fan directly above the shower is permitted, this installation creates drafts and heat loss in the shower.
What is code for venting a bathroom fan?
Section 1203.4. 2.1 of California's building code requires all bathrooms with a bathtub, shower, spa or similar fixtures to be ventilated by an exhaust fan. The fan must be Energy Star-compliant and vented to the outside.
Where is the best place to vent a bathroom fan?
The fan exhaust must vent directly to the exterior of the home. Do not put the vent termination in a roof overhang or soffit. Don't put it on a wall near or under a roof overhang. The moist air that's belched out by the fan can be sucked right up into the open soffit vents and be drawn into your attic.
Does a bathroom exhaust fan need to be vented outside?
Bathroom fan installation requires outside ventilation. If the fan isn't accessible through an attic, you'll need to vent through a sidewall of your house.
Which is better ceiling or wall exhaust fan?
Compared to ceiling fans, wall fans are slightly less efficient. Although they use about the same amount of electricity as a traditional ceiling fan, they often have less powerful motors and can't displace as much air as a ceiling fan.
What is the difference between a wall and ceiling exhaust fan?
Ceiling-mounted fans are installed in the ceiling and vent into the attic or out through the roof. Wall-mounted fans are mounted on the external wall of the house and generally are used when there is no practical way to vent through the roof; for example, a first-floor bathroom.
Is it OK to vent a bathroom exhaust fan into the attic?
No, you should not vent a bathroom fan directly into an attic. The problem with venting into the attic is that the moisture-rich air may form droplets on the wood sheathing, insulation, rafters, and ceiling joists, leading to mold growth.
Is it better to vent bathroom fan through roof or soffit?
Whether it's new construction or a remodel, a bathroom vent should always vent through the roof instead of an eave, overhang, or soffit. The point of a bathroom exhaust vent, or any vent really, is to remove hot, moist air from the house.
Is it OK to vent bathroom fan into soffit?
A bathroom fan can be vented through soffit so that the warm air from the bathroom comes out through it and goes outside. However, It is important to keep in mind it can not be vented into the soffit, as this will lead moisture back into the attic.
Is it OK to vent a bathroom exhaust fan into the attic?
No, you should not vent a bathroom fan directly into an attic. The problem with venting into the attic is that the moisture-rich air may form droplets on the wood sheathing, insulation, rafters, and ceiling joists, leading to mold growth.
Can you vent a bathroom fan through side of house?
In general: Yes.
How far can you run a bathroom fan vent?
Generally a 4 inch flex duct can carry a fan exhaust for up to 25 ft. Most codes require that.
Does a bathroom exhaust fan need to be vented outside?
Bathroom fan installation requires outside ventilation. If the fan isn't accessible through an attic, you'll need to vent through a sidewall of your house.
Can a Bathroom Exhaust Fan be Mounted on a Wall
From what we have discussed so far, it’s obvious that the bathroom exhaust fans can be mounted on a wall. We also said that while mounting the fan, we should make sure it is installed vertically and not horizontally to the wall as failure to do so will have an aftereffect.
Wall Mounted Bathroom Exhaust Fans
These are the type of bathroom exhaust fans that can be installed on the wall. It is the type of exhaust fan used by people who live on the first floor or downstairs where it is hard to access the roof. Venting this type of exhaust fan is very easy. Since it is a wall-mounted bathroom, it is easier to vent through the wall.
Venting Options for Wall Mounted Bathroom Exhaust Fans
There are two kinds of through the wall venting option: the normal through the wall vent and the low profile fan through the wall vent option.
Low Profile Fan (Through-the-wall Vent Option)
Low profile fans are another type of bathroom exhaust fans installed in the wall and vent using the through-the-wall venting option. This type of fan is unique in its way and functions well like other bathroom fans. It is also installed vertically to the wall.
Conclusion
If you are asking, can a bathroom exhaust fan be installed on a wall? Because you want to buy and install it in your bathroom, then endeavor to read and digest everything written in this article before making the first move.
Determine the Fan Size
It's easiest to install a bathroom vent fan if you’re replacing an existing fan. You can use the existing switch, wires and ductwork. Also, it helps to get a fan that’s the same size as your existing fan so you won’t have to adjust the size of the ceiling hole. Use the information below to select a fan.
Determine the Exhaust Route
Bathroom fan installation requires outside ventilation. If the fan isn’t accessible through an attic, you’ll need to vent through a sidewall of your house. These types of ducts and vents are typically installed when the house is built. If you don’t have a duct leading to a sidewall vent, call a professional for help.
Determine Your Electrical Options
It’s easiest to use an existing switch for your new fan. Some fans include a light that can be operated separately with an additional switch or double switch. However, if your old fan doesn't have a light, you’ll need to install new wiring to operate a double switch.
Remove the Old Exhaust Fan
Remove your existing fan. How you install the new one will depend on your attic access.
Option 1: Mount an Exhaust Fan With Attic Access
Always follow the specific instructions that were included with your fan. The following are typical steps for an exhaust fan installation when you have access to the attic.
Option 2: Mount an Exhaust Fan Without Attic Access
Always follow the specific instructions that were included with your fan. The following are typical steps for an exhaust fan installation when you don't have access to the fan from the attic.
How to Install an Attic Duct With a Roof Vent
These steps outline how to install a flexible duct with an attic roof vent. If you’re not comfortable working on a ladder, call a professional for help. An insulated duct will help prevent condensation when the warm air from the bathroom meets the cold duct in the attic.
Why vent a bathroom fan?
Vertically venting bathroom fans is usually the preferred way of doing it. Hot air rises, and a straight path cuts down on the chances of condensation forming in the ductwork. That said, a vertical vent also means cutting a hole in the roof fabric. And it's critically important that the vent be properly flashed and sealed to eliminate the chances of wind and rain pushing water under the shingles. There is also the issue of the duct offering an ingress point for rodents, birds, and other critters.
Can fans be side discharged?
It is true that the majority of these fans are going to be side discharge, but that shouldn't keep you from routing the duct vertically, I see it all the time.
Can vertical venting be used for natural ventilation?
Click to expand... Vertical venting may be preferred for NATURAL ventilation, but with a fan, it's actually preferred to go sideways.
Can you use a side discharge fan for a small room?
Assuming you need just a typical light/fan (that is, the room you're ventilating is small), you can use a side discharge fan and simply turn the duct upward with a 90° fitting. Look at this PDF, page 2, bottom left corner detail.
Does a laundry room fan vent vertically?
Actually laundry room to be more precise. We had a very old exhaust fan with two lights that helped to vent our laundry room that died recently. I bought a fan at the local hardware, brought it home, and discovered that the old fan vented vertically, while the new fan vented off the side.
What Happens if your Bathroom does not have an Exhaust Fan?
Additionally, when washroom moisture is trapped and cannot escape, it causes stale odors to collect. Damp air is likely to harm your fabrics, including towels and curtains, wallboards, bathroom paint, windows and doors, and fixtures and cabinets.
Do bathroom fans have lights?
Bathroom fans also come with additional features that can add to the appearance of your bathroom. A bathroom fan with light will add more brightness to your bathroom, and you can avoid having to add a separate fixture.
Can you use flexible duct for bathroom vents?
It is always advisable to avoid the cheaper flexible duct of flex duct for your bathroom fan vent. In addition to impeding the airflow, it can tear or crush easily. Using PVC plastic or rigid metal to fabricate your bathroom fan duct, you can ensure that your fan will perform well in the long term.
Where should a bathroom fan go?
If the bathroom has both a tub and shower, or a shower and a whirlpool tub, the fan should go somewhere between the two fixtures. If the bathing area is in its own room, that room needs its own fan, and you might want to add another fan for the main bathroom area, or wherever the toilet is located.
How far away should a bathroom exhaust fan be from the roof?
It's best if the fan unit is within 6 feet of the exterior vent cap where all the moist air escapes to the outdoors, by means of the straightest route possible. Longer duct runs make the fan less effective and increase the likelihood of condensation inside the duct.
Can you vent a duct through a gable wall?
You can terminate the duct through the roof or a gable wall or even down through a soffit (if you use a special vent cap). But avoid venting through a side wall below a soffit (the eave overhang of the roof), as this can trap rising, moist air under the eave overhang.
