Normal bathroom activities such as showering, bathing, etc. can significantly raise your indoor humidity levels. In fact, studies have shown that the typical family of four converts three gallons of water into water vapor every day, and it only requires four to six pints of water to raise the indoor relatively humidity of a 1,000 square foot home from 40 to 60 percent. In turn, this excess moisture is a complex problem that can cause a number of undesirable conditions such as the following:
- Mold or mildew growth on walls, ceilings & showers
- Damp spots on walls and ceilings
- Condensation, ice, or frost on the inside of windows
- Peeling paint
- Sweating water pipes
Therefore, proper ventilation in your bathroom help minimize excess moisture in your home. Furthermore, because bathroom exhaust fans assist in the prevention of mildew and mold growth, they can alleviate or even prevent allergic reactions and asthma. As well, in colder climates, bathroom exhaust fans can even be used as part of a strategy to provide whole-house ventilation.