Regular home maintenance is the key to saving money and avoiding major repairs.  Although some tasks around the home may seem too small to matter, if left, they might be the cause of far greater issues later on.  Let’s consider the bathroom, more specifically the bathroom extraction fan.  This is a small item in the home, but many times, its not working the way it should.

 

Extraction fans are an important part of the bathroom.  This is because the bathroom is one of the most humid places in the home and needs something to extract moisture.  A properly installed fan should attach to duct work that leads all the way to the exterior of the home.  In some homes, though, the duct work does not reach outside but instead vents into the attic space.  Is this a problem?  Although you might not see immediate issues in your bathroom, it can affect the attic space, causing damage to attic materials and even mold problems.

 

What if your bathroom fan stops working properly?  One reason for this could be that it is clogged up with dirt and dust.  This can be fixed by giving the fan a good cleaning.  Try to do it monthly if you can.  If the fan stops working properly you will likely see excessive moisture on the ceiling and tile, metal fixtures will start to corrode, and paint could start to peel or bubble.  If cleaning the fan does not fix the problem, it might need looking at by a professional.

 

If you are worried that your bathroom fan is not venting to the exterior of your home, why not schedule an inspection?  A home inspector will be able to tell you exactly where the duct work is going and if your attic has been affected in any way.

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