What
is a Sone, and how is it measured?
A Sone is a measurement of sound in terms of comfortable
hearing level for an average listener.The lower the sone value, the
more comfortable the listening environment. Sones are not decibels or
volume, but rather how sound is “sensed.” One sone is the
equivalent of a quiet refrigerator.
What
does CFM mean?
CFM is the acronym for Cubic Feet per Minute —
the measure of air volume moved by the fan blower. Choose a fan with
a CFM rating appropriate for your room size to ensure adequate ventilation.
What
is continuous ventilation?
Continuous ventilation provides today’s airtight
homes with a relatively constant and controlled lower level of ventilation.
NuTone’s extremely quiet and efficient QT Series is ideally suited
for these applications.
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Can
I mount NuTone fans above my tub and shower?
Most NuTone fans are rated for use over a shower or
bathtub with a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter).
Can
my ceiling fan be surrounded by insulation?
Yes. NuTone bath fans are designed to provide adequate
cooling for motors and lighting, as well as products with integral heaters.
Will
NuTone Fans work in wall-mount applications?
Some NuTone bath and utility fans may be wall mounted.
See the spec matrix for specific models. Improper installation may affect
fan life, safety and your warranty.
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Will
a ceiling fan or wall-mount utility fan serve as a range hood?
No. Range hoods are specifically designed to handle
grease and high temperature environments. Ventilation provided by NuTone
fans is only a supplement for odor and moisture removal in the kitchen.
What
does “static pressure” mean?
Static pressure is the measurement of airflow resistance
as it is pushed through ductwork which reduces the effectiveness of
the fan. Learn more on the Home Ventilation Institute web site: www.hvi.org
How
long should a bath fan run after a shower is used?
The Home Ventilation Institute recommends that a fan
should be left on for 20 minutes more to clear humidity adequately and
to ensure moisture and condensation in the fan body or ducting is minimized.
What
should I do if I can’t wait for moisture to clear, but I don’t
want a fan to run all day long.
NuTone has sensing fans that detect the humidity rise
caused by a shower and turn on automatically – when moisture has
cleared it turns off. Some wall controls also give you the option of
humidity sensing, or timer control. Just set it and forget it.
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Where
should the exhaust fan be located?
Exhaust fans should be located in or near the shower
or tub, and in an enclosed water closet. Keep exhaust points opposite
the supply air source to ensure that the fresh air is drawn through
the room. Bathroom doors should not be sealed too tightly at the bottom
in order to allow “makeup air” to enter the room when the
door is closed.
Where
is the exhaust outlet on the ventilation fan?
The exhaust outlet is the point where air is discharged
through the body of the fan housing into the ductwork. During installation,
orient your fan with the exhaust outlet pointing toward the exit vent
on your roof or wall to minimize turns in ductwork that impede airflow.
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Why
do the windows and mirrors fog even when the fan is running?
If windows and mirrors are very cold, condensation
can still form on these surfaces. And if your bathroom is sealed tightly,
replacement air may not be entering the room fast enough to displace
the moist air. Be sure to undercut your door sufficiently to draw fresh
air into the room. Fan placement can also be a factor.Your fan should
be located far from the replacement air source to ensure the moist air
is drawn out first. Finally, too many twists and turns in the ducting
will significantly reduce the ability of the blower to remove moist
air. Make sure your ductwork is as short and straight as it can be,
with gradual turns rather than tight corners where necessary.
Why
is water dripping from the grille of the fan?
Dripping water is either condensation (usually due
to cold ductwork or improper duct installation), or a problem with the
seal on a wall or roof vent. Insulated ductwork can help solve condensation
problems, and running the fan longer will ensure moisture is completely
removed from the duct. Ductwork should slope down toward a wall vent
to direct condensation out of the exterior vent opening rather than
back into the fan housing.
Can
I install a heater over the bathtub or in a shower?
No. Heaters are not UL Listed (Underwriter’s
Laboratory) for installation over a bathtub or in a shower.
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Can
I use an inline or multi-port fan in one large bathroom?
Yes, this works the best for large rooms because you
can install the ports over the areas where the ventilation is needed
the most (source control).The size of the multi-port would be determined
by the size of the room.
Does
a duct-free bath fan expel air?
No. A duct-free fan is not a ventilating device. It
does not remove air from the room.
Can
I use a smaller diameter duct than what the fan is designed for?
This is not recommended. It will cause the fan to run
harder, greatly reducing the CFM performance of the fan and create excess
noise.
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Can
larger diameter ducting be used with my bath fan?
Yes, larger diameters will result in improved performance.
What
type of duct is recommended, rigid or flexible?
It is recommended, where
possible, to use rigid duct. It has less resistance to air flow
and allows the fan to operate much more efficiently. If flexible duct
is used, be sure the duct is as straight as possible.
Can
I exhaust my fan into my attic instead of out the roof or wall?
Never exhaust air into spaces within walls, ceilings,
attics, crawl spaces or garages.The humidity may damage the structure
and insulation.
What
type of exhaust fan is best for a sauna or hot tub area?
High CFM-rated devices are normally recommended for
this type of application.
Can
I use a fan in a steam shower?
No. Since these are normally sealed chambers, a vacuum
will be created.
Can
I vent more than one bath fan out of a roof or wall cap?
No. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended
ventilation requirements.
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