It is important to have bathroom ventilation options for a number of different reasons. Not only is it important for your comfort, but it is also very important in terms of keeping your bathroom healthy. There are many different ways for you to increase ventilation in your bathroom. There are affordable and more expensive methods, but no matter what, there will be an option for your specific design. Bathroom ventilation is key for the longevity of your bathroom as well. As long as you are keeping your bathroom dry and healthy through the use of ventilation methods, your bathroom will have a much better chance of lasting longer and being a more comfortable environment overall.
Bathroom Surface Protection
One of the main reasons why ventilation is so important to a bathroom design is that proper ventilation will help protect the surfaces in your bathroom. If your bathroom surfaces collect too much moisture, it could end up hurting them sooner rather than later. In order to fix this problem, ventilation will be key. If you have a constant source of ventilation, you won't really have to worry about too much because the air flow will prevent the moisture from collecting. If you don't have proper ventilation, you will have to wipe down your surface regularly. It is a good idea to do this anyway, because although you may have ventilation, wiping down your fixtures with a dry towel will further prevent any unwanted buildup of condensation.
Windows
There are several great places for you to incorporate ventilation if it isn’t incorporated in your bathroom already. One of the easiest ways to incorporate bathroom ventilation options is through the use of windows, if your bathroom can allow it. If your bathroom is in a closed area of your house, this may not be possible for you. If your bathroom does have access to windows and it is one of the outer rooms of your home, this is something that you should definitely consider.
As far as ventilation is concerned, this is one of the most effective ways to do it. Windows allow you to accurately gauge the amount of air flow that is coming into your bathroom because many windows will give you the option of opening it to the exact position that you think is comfortable. Something else to consider is a bathroom skylight with ventilation. A bathroom skylight with ventilation allows for a unique source of light along with quality bathroom ventilation.
More On Windows
There are many types of windows that you can incorporate that will fit your design that will work. For example, a typical first floor bathroom can essentially incorporate any type of window that is the right size. Popular windows are casement and awning windows, with storm windows being a popular way to go depending on where you live or what you prefer. If you happen to want to include a window in a basement bathroom, try using a hopper window.
This type of window is incredibly useful in basement bathrooms. It will not only give you ventilation, but it will give you a great source of natural light. Natural light is definitely something to consider when incorporating windows because this particular kind of light is an incredibly useful element in your bathroom design. It helps with both visibility and comfort, so it is definitely something to consider for your bathroom no matter where it is in your home.
Dehumidifiers and Extractor Fans
If you are struggling to incorporate ventilation because you don't have any access to windows, a dehumidifier or extractor bathroom fan is one of the best substitutes. Between the two of these options, dehumidifiers will be the the best idea for an immediate solution. This is true if you do not already have an extractor bathroom fan. Dehumidifiers can be found in bathroom retailers or online stores so that you can incorporate one in your bathroom as soon as possible for reliable bathroom ventilation.
They are great at solving the problem quickly and they are easy to operate. The one idea that you need to take into consideration is that many dehumidifiers will need to be emptied because of the amount of condensation that is being pulled out of the air. Yours may have to be emptied daily depending on the size that you have. Some dehumidifiers will allow you to hook a hose up to it so that it drains automatically as long as you have the right setup.
More Information
If you planned your bathroom design with an extractor bathroom fan, this will be a better long term solution. Extractor fans are generally mounted on your ceiling above your shower, but can be mounted in other areas as well for proper bathroom ventilation. They usually work in two ways. The first way is a manual activation. This is usually through the use of a light switch or something similar. The second way is through an automatic activation. Once the extractor bathroom fan detects enough moisture in the air, it will automatically activate and start doing its job. These two are definitely your best ideas if you can't include some type of window in your bathroom for better bathroom ventilation.
Open Up The Area
If you open up the area with bathroom ventilation, it will be a bit harder for condensation to collect in your bathroom. This can be done in a number of different ways. One of the best ways to do this is to keep your door open after you are done taking a shower. This will allow the moisture in the air to disperse more efficiently so that you don't have to worry about the amount of bathroom ventilation as much. Another aspect of your door that you need to take into consideration is the space between your door and your floor.
You will typically need to have about a 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch gap between the floor and the door in order to get a proper amount of airflow while still retaining the right amount of privacy. You can also do the same for your windows. Keeping your windows open after you are done using your bathroom or taking a shower can be a very effective idea to reduce condensation.
Bigger Bathrooms
If your bathroom is big, it will be easier to keep condensation at a minimum because there is more space for all of the water to be dispersed. Smaller bathrooms will have a bit more trouble with this. With that being said, a smaller bathroom will benefit a bit more from ventilation. No matter what size your bathroom is, you should always have some kind of ventilation in your design.
Bathroom Fans
Aside from extractor bathroom fans, there are several other types of bathroom fans you can use as well for reliable bathroom ventilation. Bathroom fans can be implemented in a bathroom in a number of different ways. For starters, you might want to get a ceiling fan. Ceiling bathroom fans are perfect for saving space while giving you a pretty reliable source of ventilation. Ceiling bathroom fans can also incorporate lighting which is fairly common. This is something to consider as well. They can usually be turned on by a switch or a chain you can pull to adjust the light's brightness or the speed of the bathroom fan.
If you would rather not go this route, you can incorporate a floor standing bathroom fan. If you have enough room for a floor standing bathroom fan, it could be a good short term solution for keeping some air flow in your bathroom. Bathroom ceiling ventilation is one of the most important things to consider when it comes to bathroom ventilation options. Proper bathroom ceiling ventilation will keep your bathroom clean and dry.
More About Bathroom Fans
This isn't a preferred method for ceiling bathroom ventilation options. However, it will do the job in the short term. These fans are versatile in the sense that they can be moved to other areas and they can be adjusted to different speeds and settings. Another way you can use a fan is on your vanity. A small bathroom vanity fan is not a good solution for fixing ventilation, but it can be a small way to increase comfort. Silent bathroom ventilation fans are good ideas if you want a calming and quiet method of ventilation. These silent bathroom ventilation fans can come in many different forms and ventilation methods. Keep your options open. Overall, bathroom fans are not the perfect solution for solving the issue of condensation. However, they can help your bathroom in terms of short term substitutes for main ceiling bathroom ventilation fixtures.
Air Conditioning
Similar to fans, air conditioning is another way to incorporate ventilation in your bathroom. If you want to maximize comfort in your bathroom, an air conditioner will be an important piece. The ability to adjust the temperature of your bathroom while simultaneously incorporating a flow of air in your bathroom is an incredibly useful tool to have at your disposal. Depending on your bathroom design, this can be one of the most effective ways to do these two things.
Passive Vents and Insulation
These types of vents are typically installed on the wall or near the base of your wall near the floor. Although these vents have no mechanical or electrical functionality, they can still be used effectively in terms of increasing ventilation in your bathroom. They will be connected to your main duct system, so when you turn on your central heating or cooling system, this is where you will feel it from. These vents are not the best ways to deal with condensation, but they will help you a little bit with bathroom ventilation options.
Insulation is also another important aspect to dealing with condensation. Insulated floors and walls as well as sealing your bathroom and home well can help to boost the effectiveness of your ventilation. In addition to that good insulation is always necessary for keeping your bathroom warm and dry. This is especially important for comfort and relaxation. Ineffective insulation will be very noticeable and you should look to improve upon it where you can.
Benefits
Ventilation is crucial for comfort. However, it is also for the preservation of your bathroom fixtures and accessories. If too much condensation builds up, damages can occur. For example, if you allow water to build up on your surfaces, rusting or chipping can more easily occur. Bathroom ventilation is also great for keeping your bathroom from collecting odor. The flow of air will always keep your bathroom smelling fresh. Ventilation is necessary for your bathroom if you plan on sustaining the overall quality of your home. Look to improve upon your bathroom design using some of these effective methods to boost the quality and comfort of your bathroom and home as a whole.