Before purchasing a new or replacement bathroom exhaust fan, consider the following:

* Replacing an existing exhaust fan is a lot less complicated than a new installation because a new installation means routing the exhaust duct through the ceiling or a wall.

* Install the fan as near or directly over the shower as possible to capture moisture immediately.

* Make sure your exhaust fan terminates outside. Do not allow it to terminate in the crawlspace or attic.

* Make sure the venting that leads to the outside points downward to prevent rain or debris from entering the house.

* If possible, vent the fan through the nearest soffit. This allows the installation to be undetectable under the overhang of the roof.

* If you plan to connect a bathroom exhaust fan yourself, make sure you understand your home's electrical wiring and how to turn off the power at the circuit box.

* Always follow the manufacturer instructions that accompany the purchase of your exhaust fan.

* Check with your local planning department to see if a permit is required for installation.

* Look for fans that meet the energy-efficient requirements of Energy Star.

* Make sure your fan is UL listed for wet locations. A UL-recognized housing has a tough protective shell that is certified for performance in wet regions.

* If you have a steam shower, use a separate fan on a timer so that it can be shut off during shower use and then run afterward to dry the shower stall.

* Don't run your exhaust fan any longer than necessary. While an exhaust fan is operating, it is exhausting air and moisture to the outside; however, at the same time, whatever the fan blows out can leak back into the house somewhere else.

* You do, however, need to run the fan for a time period that will properly remove any moisture and provide a complete exchange of room air. Running an exhaust fan for only a few minutes after a long, hot shower or a relaxing bubble bath is not sufficient. It takes approximately 20 minutes to remove all moisture for most standard-sized bathrooms.

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