Bath Fan Controller

[nate379]

I have a surface mount dehumidistat in my main bathroom and bought one to put in the master as well.

http://www.airshack.com/store/index.cfm?fuseaction=getItem&item=BRO-DH100W

It sticks out from the wall about 1.5" or so. I got to thinking that it'd be nice to have a flush mount for a cleaner look.

The problem is the flush mount ones I have found are 24v (low voltage). Anyone know of a 120v flush mount unit?

 

[Falcon67]

Both baths here use a flush mount countdown timer I got at Lowes. Looks like this
http://www.westsidewholesale.com/5-10-15-30-min-electronic-auto-shutoff-timer-white.html?cat=131

 

[Racecarl]

Nate379, is this device intended to draw moist air from the shower area until the air is no longer 'steamy'?

I cannot get my wife and kids to run the exhaust fan while they are in the shower, and now my ceiling grids are beginning to surface rust in the bathroom, not to mention shower-smelling air getting into the air ducts at times. I have an old mechanical timer that works fine but I can't get them to use it. I considered wiring the fan to the light but that seems a little excessive. The fan needs to run only when the shower is on or a stink has been made.

 

[Sokoloff]

I installed a Broan QTXE110S humidity sensing fan as my better half had similar issues of not running the fan enough. I love it; she's OK with it; I'm sure it's better for the house.

Here's how it works: Normal mode, you leave the power (switch) "on" and it just works automatically. Kicks on about 1-2 minutes into a shower and runs for as long after as needed to clear the humidity. No complaints at all.

If you need to clear a stink, flip the switch off and then back on, and it runs for a pre-programmed amount of time (5 minutes?) and then is back in automatic mode ready for the next shower.

I haven't gotten around to doing it, but I'm thinking about rotating the fan switch 180*, so that "all switches down" is the normal setting. Instead, I've placed a tiny "Auto" label above the fan switch as a reminder to leave the fan powered.

Highly recommended.

 

[Identaltech]

I hooked up a motion switch and set it for 20 minutes.
when ever you walk into the shower area the fan turns on for 20 minutes.
yes there are times you dont need the fan running but the kids dont need to remember to turn it on.

 

[nate379]

The thing is the bath fan is setup to run like an HRV system where if the house humidity gets too high, the fan turns on.

I am just setting up the master bath the same way which will pull air from the front and back of the house.

Humidity sensing fan is a great idea, but won't work in my application since the humidity is too low for that to think it needs to turn on (25-30% in the winter)

 

[nate379]

On those countdown timers, how to they set? Something that switches would be awesome. Something complicated wouldn't work out so well.

I have been thinking of adding a timer along with the humidistat so when someone destroys the bathroom the fan can stay on for a while to clear it out.
I know a few times I have left the fan on and forgot it on most of the day. The fans are very quiet so unless you go back in the bathroom, you can't here it.

Also I'd need to do a 3 gang switch plate with one paddle type and 2 reg type to fit that. I know they exist, but I can't find it and have no idea what it's called... any help?

 

[nate379]

How do the timers set?

 

[nate379]

TTT, How do the timers set? Would like to have an idea before I spend the $$ and order 2 of them.

 

[i4ni]

TTT, How do the timers set? Would like to have an idea before I spend the $$ and order 2 of them.

I have the same timer in one of my bath rooms.Push once-5min. push twice-10 min. push 3 times-15 min push 4 times-30 min.Push and hold overides timer and fan will run indefinitely until pushed again to shut off. Works well ,but requires human interaction.I like the motion sensor/timer idea, less human interaction required.

 

[clindholm]

Both baths here use a flush mount countdown timer I got at Lowes. Looks like this
http://www.westsidewholesale.com/5-10-15-30-min-electronic-auto-shutoff-timer-white.html?cat=131

I bought one of these from Westside, had a good experience. I ordered over the phone and they got me situated. Good working timer, would recommend.

 

[Jackfre]

Check this out. Braeburn makes excellent equipment and the humidistats are excellent as well.

http://www.braeburnonline.com/products/humidifier-accessory/229150