| Ventilation Basics |
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Bathrooms require either natural or mechanical ventilation to remove stale air and replace it with fresh air. You wouldn’t want it any other way. Natural ventilation includes an open window or other device that allows air flow to and from the home without also letting critters in. Of course, if you live in a climate where expensive air (heated and/or cooled) is required you don’t want to lose it so a natural vent may not be the best option. If natural ventilation is an option, make sure the opening is at least 5 percent of the room’s floor area. That is, a 100 sq. ft. bathroom should have at least 5 sq. ft. of natural ventilation. Mechanical ventilation is a fan. The fan should be located close to the shower and toilet and as far away from the entry door as possible. The ventilated air should exit outside of the home—not into a living space or attic— at least 3 ft. away from any opening into the home (window, door, vent intake).
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