A bathroom heater fan can be a useful way to solve the problem of cold bathrooms in colder climates. A bathroom heater fan works by drawing air into the unit and then exhausting it out through a chimney effect (heat rises). Hot air rises, so it leaves the room while cooler air is drawn in through the bottom of the unit. The fan will normally have an adjustment to let you choose how much exhaust you want to allow out of the chimney.
A number of factors determine which bathroom heater fan you should install. Bathroom ceiling height can be a factor because the taller the bathroom, the more space you need for proper circulation. Bathrooms can be small, so there are some smaller fans available which may work well if your bathroom is not too large.
Types of Bathroom Heaters
There are a couple of different unit types you can choose from when shopping for a bathroom heater fan.
One type of bathroom heater is simply an electric fan with some heat lamps installed above the unit inside the vent opening (within the ceiling). This will make the room feel warmer as long as you keep the doors closed and as long as no one turns on the lights and allows all that heat to escape.
Another type is a ventless bathroom heater, which is the most efficient choice for heating small areas with low ceilings such as bathrooms. The ventless fan doesn’t require a separate chimney stack because it simply vents back into the room instead. This makes these types of units ideal for short-term occupancy situations such as bathrooms.
How to Install a Bathroom Heater
Step 1: Turn Off Power and Remove Old Unit
You should always turn off the power to any wiring that you will be working on before starting the installation of electrical fixtures or outlets. This will reduce your risk of getting shocked by an unexpected jolt of electricity.
Unscrew the old unit from the ceiling. This may be difficult if it has been up there for a long time.
Step 2: Cut Out Hole in Ceiling
Use your saw to cut out a hole through the drywall that is just large enough to accommodate your new bathroom heater fan. Try to keep any screws and/or nails that are sticking out from the old unit out of your path as you work.
Step 3: Install Vent Stack
Your bathroom heater fan should be equipped with a vent stack which will attach to an outside wall. This is usually located at the top rear of the heater fan housing. Choose where you want to locate it on the wall, then drill a hole in the place you have chosen.
Step 4: Install Bathroom Heater Fan
Attach the unit to the vent stack using screws which will come with your fan. If it doesn’t have any, choose ones that are similar in size and shape to those already holding up the old unit so they fit tightly in their holes.
Step 5: Connect Wiring
Screw the wiring connectors to your unit and connect them to a power source using wire nuts. Your new bathroom heater fan will operate on either 110v or 220v according to what you choose. Wire thermostats into the electrical system as well if the model you bought does not include one already installed.
Step 6: Turn Power On and Test
Turn on the power to your bathroom heater fan and take a look at the adjustment options. Then turn it off again and get ready to paint over the unit so it matches your walls. If your bathroom heater isn’t warm enough, you may need to readjust the fan speed or switch to a more powerful unit. If it’s too hot, you can turn down the heat or switch to a more efficient model.
Your bathroom heater is up and running! Remember not to touch any of the metal ducting parts when you are in the bathroom because this could lead to shock. Also make sure your new fan doesn’t come into contact with water because this could damage it. To avoid electrical shock, always turn off the power to the system before cleaning or maintaining your bathroom heater fan.
Infrared bathroom heaters
Infrared heaters are available in a variety of wattage levels, ranging from 1300/1700 watts with three power levels of 600 watts to 5000 watts each. These heat pumps operate at a quick pace and have red components glowing. The greatest danger with clothespins is that they might be forgotten about. They’re kept on the wall at a high level. The disadvantage is that there’s no sound, and it’s simple to overlook them and leave them on. They are also dirty and difficult to clean. When the heater is turned on without usage, dust builds up on top and the metal burns, emitting an unpleasant odor. An electric infrared bathroom heater is usually noiseless and difficult to clean with a manually powered switch cord.
Bathroom Towel Radiators
Fixed wall-mounted electric towel radiators are flat or curved. Curved radiators are more invasive but more useful. Towel radiators may also be purchased with a design that can be connected to your central heating system. It’s more typical for your Central Heating to fail in the summer than it is for it to go off during the summer. Fitting a heating element between 110 and 190 degrees Celsius between two 110-degree cold plates will make this sort of radiator into electricity. The use of blanking plugs in the openings can turn it into this type of radiator.
Manual or Thermostat
Bathrooms with a thermostat have the option of varying temperatures throughout the day. It can also be set to turn on automatically at night to avoid pipes from icing up. Bathrooms that are seldom used, on the other hand, may be quickly heated with a Manual System. There’s also a 24-hour timed mode to set the temperature you want for a prolonged period. The manual system may be quickly connected to auto warming to keep the bathroom warm.
Conclusion
Now that you’re aware of the different types available, you can choose one that fits your bathroom and your budget. You can also be sure your new bathroom heater fan will warm up your chilly bathroom in no time!