This update describes the heat, cooling and ventilation system for the basement bathroom. Click here if you missed Part 16.
The basement bathroom is connected to the central HVAC system by a ceiling vent that was installed by the builder. The HVAC vent takes care of heating and cooling, the bathroom did not have a ventilation fan and only a roughed-in light socket in the ceiling as shown:
Bathroom Ceiling - Light Socket
I replaced the simple light socket with a Broan Elite model QTR100L combination ventilation fan, 100 watt light and 4 wall night light unit. I chose this model for the high air flow, quiet operation and lighting options.
Broan QTR100L Fan/Light/Night Light Combo Unit
Another view of the Broan bath fan/light and the HVAC vent:
Broan QTR100L Bath Fan and HVAC Vent
To install the fan, I had to:
- Install plywood decking in the crawlspace. This was a huge convenience as it made working much nicer compare walking on the ceiling joists.
- Cut a hole in the exterior wall for the exhaust vent.
- Install a bird-proof vent cover on the outside wall.
- Cut a hole in the ceiling for the Broan QTR100L bath fan.
- Mount the bath fan to the ceiling joist.
- Install a metal junction box for the power and light switch wiring.
- Wire the fan and switches.
- Connect the flexible vent duct to the fan and outside exhaust vent.
This is the bath fan installation in the ceiling crawlspace.
Bathroom Fan Hookup in the Ceiling Crawlspace
Closeup of the bathroom fan connections. The junction box, flexible armored wire conduit and vent duct must be purchased separately. To minimize vibrations, I caulked the seam between the fan housing and ceiling drywall.
Bathroom Fan/Light Installation
The bathroom fan, 100 watt light and 4-watt night light are controlled by 3-function switch as shown below. The bathroom fan is on a separate branch circuit from the main electrical panel and isolated from the GFCI outlet and vanity light.
Bathroom Switches and GFCI
I’m pleased with the Broan QTR100L bathroom fan/light combo unit. The Broan bath fan is attractive and reasonably quiet for the large volume of air it pulls out of the room.
I review the sewage basin closure and plumbing connections in Part 18.
Take care,
Bob Jackson
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[...] The job is now 99% complete! Click here for Part 17. [...]
[...] Part 17 – Bathroom exhaust fan installation overview. [...]
[...] This installment discusses closing the sewage basin, testing the plumbing and a review of the various plumbing connections. You can read about the sewage pump installation in Part 9 of this project. The prior installment – Part 17 – is here. [...]