What are Some Factors to Consider when purchasing a Bathroom Exhaust Fan?

1) Size of your bathroom

One of the most important decisions that you will need to make when it comes to choosing the right bathroom exhaust fan concerns the size of your bathroom. Since bathroom exhaust fans are sized and rated by their ability to move air in a certain amount of cubic feet per minute (CFM), make sure it's one that will be adequate for the size of your bathroom.  A fan that's too small won't remove moisture and odors efficiently and will need to run longer, increasing wear on the motor. 

 A 50-square foot or smaller bathroom needs a 50 CFM fan. For bathrooms between 50 and 100 square feet, estimate approximately 1 CFM per square foot.  If your bathroom is larger than 100 square feet, tally the CFM requirements for the individual fixtures to estimate your needs. Plan for 50 CFM for each toilet, tub or shower and 100 CFM for a jetted tub.

The Broan 678 (pictured on the left) is a 50 CFM, 2.5 Sones, Vent/Light Combination.

2) Installation

Once you have chosen where you want the bathroom fan to be located, you will need to choose a model with the appropriate size duct adapter for your home’s ductwork.  As venting into the attic will cause moisture problems, it is important to always install bathroom fans so that they vent air outside of the home through the ductwork and the nearest soffit.

3) Exhaust Fan Features

Many bathroom fans on the market today come with different features that might be ideal for your specific needs. Some of the features that newer models may offer include integrated lights, built-in heaters, and motion sensors.

4) Level of Noise

In considering bathroom exhaust fans, you will want to pay close attention to the sone rating (the measurement of sound).  One sone is about equal to the sound of a refrigerator.

The Broan 655 (pictured on the right) is a 70 CFM, 4.0 Sones, 1300W Heater/Vent/Light combination.

5)  Upgrading your Grille without replacing the Exhaust Fan

Is your current exhaust fan still working, but you need to upgrade the grille?  The Broan FG500NS is a unique lighted ventilation fan grille which allows you to upgrade your non-lighted ventilation fan or tired incandescent fan/light into a sleek fan/light with bright, efficient LED lighting quickly and easily. This lighted grille is designed with fewer ventilation slots to stay clean longer and is a crisp, bright white to coordinate with today’s popular ceiling paint colors.  Installation in only 5 minutes!

 How does water get into my basement?  Any solutions?

A lot of rain has fallen already in 2019.

When a river comes out of its banks after heavy rain, it can quickly climb beyond flood level and end up on your property. If it reaches your home’s foundation, the pressure can allow the water to seep through the walls and into your home. 

Even if rivers and streams haven't flooded, heavy rainfall that continues over the course of several days can be detrimental to your home. Over time, the ground becomes saturated and it cannot hold any more water, so that water begins to move. Often, it ends up moving around your foundation and into your basement.

Also, your gutter system plays a role in keeping your basement free from water. If your gutters are overflowing, if your downspouts are clogged, or even if your downspouts do not drain the water from your roof appropriately, flooding may occur.

When you install a sump pump, the lowest point in your home becomes the sump pit. We recommend an automatic sump pump, which means the pump motor will trigger via a float mechanism. Once the float arm reaches a certain level, the motor turns on, the pump removes excess water.  Once the float goes back to its normal position, the motor turns off.

Other items that can be useful in heavy rains are utility hand pumps, mops, mop buckets.  Also, if you own a business, it can be wise to purchase wet floor signs to alert customers of potential hazards.

If you notice during the heavy rain that the water is not moving like it should around your property,  metal or dual-wall corrugated culverts can be installed to help with this problem in the future.

Question:  Does BR Supply stock electric tankless water heaters?

In addition to gas and electric tank water heaters and gas tankless water heaters, we also stock electric tankless water heaters.  There are several advantages of tankless water heaters.  Heat water instantly where you use it, so you don’t have to waste water waiting for the water to heat up.  Tankless water heaters last longer than any other water heater, lasting over 20 years while other heaters only last 10-15. Water Heater storage tanks can rust but since Eemax water heaters are tankless you have no rust issues over time. Heats water instantly when you want it, instead of having to keep water hot 24/7.  This means no standby heat loss. Tankless water heaters generate instant hot water without a storage tank, but the water flow rate can be lower so get the tankless water heater that can handle your needs.

With the Eemax HomeAdvantage II line (we currently stock 3 sizes), you can bring home all of the performance and quality that have made Eemax tankless water heaters the proven choice for plumbing professionals around the world.  Eemax tankless water heaters are up to 90% smaller than a water heater tank, letting you put them anywhere you need hot water. You’ll get endless hot water on demand, any time you want it!  HomeAdvantage II’s advanced heating technology gives you hot water faster and more reliably without wasting energy. With its patented self-modulating technology, it only uses the necessary amount of energy to heat the water needed, nothing more. All of these factors come together to create big impact that’s good for you and good for the environment.

The LavAdvantage line of tankless water heaters by Eemax are the latest innovation in thermostatic water heating technology. Designed to easily replace old flow-controlled heaters in the field, these electric point-of-use units offer you multi-directional mounting, enhanced temperature control, and incredibly efficient heating.

With the Eemax AutoBooster, homeowners have the opportunity to transform their water heating infrastructure for the better. AutoBooster provides more hot water by getting 45 percent more capacity from a conventional storage tank water heater.  The Eemax AutoBooster installs directly onto the hot water outlet of a tank water heater. AutoBooster senses the temperature of the tank’s outlet and starts heating when the tank’s outlet temperature drops below the AutoBooster’s set activation point.  AutoBooster is not a replacement for your existing water heater – rather, it works with your tank to heat water when your tank alone cannot keep up with demand.  When an AutoBooster is installed on an existing electric water heater tank, there’s no additional electrical infrastructure. Additional wiring may be required for a gas tank installation.

What are some tips for prepping my home for winter?  Thanks!

• * Check outlets for loose plugs, which can overheat and cause a fire.

• * If you are frequently resetting circuit breakers, have the circuit inspected by a professional.

• * Make sure electrical cords are in good condition. Never use tape to fix a damaged electrical cord; instead, you need to replace it.

• * Don’t overuse extension cords as they were never meant to be a permanent solution. If you have one or more in continuous use, now’s the perfect time to have more outlets installed.

* Check carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms and put in fresh batteries. These are very important detectors to have in a home. A smoke alarm can save lives in a house fire. A carbon monoxide detector can also save lives if a home has oil or gas-burning appliances, like a furnace or water heater.

* Have your wood-burning fireplace inspected, cleaned and repaired to prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

* Check your outside pipes - Before the weather gets too crazy outside, take a little time to check your outside pipes for any leaks or drips. Disconnect and drain those exterior hoses and store them in a safe area away from freezing temperatures. If hoses are left on, you run the risk of them freezing and expanding, which in turn can lead to damaged interior pipes. You should also add a frost protector to any outdoor fixtures following that.

• * Garbage Disposals - With all those big holiday meals, our garbage disposals get a lot of extra use throughout the season. No one wants to end up with a clogged sink due to a poorly functioning garbage disposal. Do yourself a favor this season and get a professional to inspect your system sooner than later. This will also allow you to perform upgrades if necessary before the family arrives!