Is it expensive to leave a bathroom fan on?

Author: Eugene Torp  |  Last update: Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Did you know that your bathroom exhaust fan could be costing you hundreds of dollars in heating costs each winter? That's right, that piece of equipment you turn on each time you shower can actually be wasting your hard-earned money.

Does a bathroom fan use a lot of electricity?

Energy Consumption Comparison

– An average small bathroom fan, when running continuously for 24 hours, typically consumes around 5 to 10 watts of electricity. – To put this in perspective, a standard incandescent light bulb (60 watts) consumes roughly 5 times more energy per hour than a small bathroom fan.

Is it okay to leave a bathroom fan on all the time?

Leaving a bathroom fan on all night generally isn't recommended for several reasons: Bathroom fans can consume electricity continuously, leading to increased energy bills over time. Continuous operation can lead to faster wear and tear of the fan ...

Should I have my bathroom fan on or off?

Best Practices
  1. Turn the exhaust fan on if you plan on taking a hot shower or bath.
  2. Keep the fan on anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes after the shower has been turned off to make sure all of the moisture is removed from the room.
  3. Remember to shut the fan off once the moisture has been removed from the bathroom.

Do bathroom fans waste heat?

There is no doubt that the exhaust fans in your home have an important job to do, but they can also suck warm heated air from your home and cause your heating bills to spike. Knowing how to use your exhaust fans properly could mean the difference between an unexpectedly high heating bill and a warm comfortable home.

Bathroom Fan Fire Hazard: (Don't Leave Bathroom Fan On 24/7)

Is it expensive to leave bathroom fan on?

Knowing which fan works best for your bathroom is key. Remember, the varying power consumption capacities of fans can range from 10W – 100W. The higher the wattage the more power, the more electricity will cost and be used. All-in-all, the fans cost is around $42 per year or $2.87 cents per hour.

Does turning on bathroom fan help cool house?

While bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans can help draw out air, don't run them 24/7, especially on hot days. Instead, run them at night when the air is cooler, or after a rainfall when the air has temporarily cooled down.

What happens if you don't turn on bathroom fan?

Without an exhaust fan, you can expect to have mold growing in your shower, peeling paint, and even damaged drywall.

Should the bathroom door be closed when the exhaust fan is on?

Close the Bathroom Door

This prevents moist air from escaping into the rest of your house where it can cause condensation to form in other rooms. Keeping the door closed also makes the extractor fan more effective at removing the humidity from the bathroom and helping with overall bathroom mould prevention.

Are bathroom fans worth it?

Flushing the toilet doesn't remove those lingering smells completely. They will get absorbed eventually into carpets, towels or other absorbent materials! A bathroom extractor fan can help in these situations. They are essential to your home's ventilation system by eliminating heat, odours, and moisture.

Is leaving a bathroom fan on a fire hazard?

Did you know bathroom exhaust fans are a common cause of household fires? Your bathroom exhaust fan is like any other electrical appliance. And like other appliances, it can pose a fire risk if not properly taken care of.

How often do you need to clean your bathroom fan?

In addition to reducing odors, a well-maintained bathroom ventilation fan can also keep mold away and protect your decor. Bathroom fans should be cleaned every six months. Dust and other debris, such as lint and hair, can accumulate on the fan blades and inside the vent, reducing the fan's efficiency.

How long can a fan run continuously?

"Most electrical fans are designed to be able to run continuously for several hours at a time, for example overnight or during the day, but you'll also need to keep in mind doing that continuously for long periods can cause wear and tear on the motor and other components, shortening its lifespan," continues David.

Is it bad to leave bathroom fan on all day?

You should not, however, leave the fan on 24/7. If you run the fan constantly the ball bearings inside will lock up. This can cause the motor to overheat, which can, in turn, cause a fire. Dust and lint do get caught in these fans.

Are bathroom fans expensive to run?

In conclusion, running an extractor fan is highly cost-effective. The minimal impact on your electricity bill is vastly outweighed by the benefits of maintaining a damp- and mould-free home. So our advice is to keep your fan running efficiently, and enjoy a healthier, more comfortable home.

What uses most electricity in a house?

If you have electric heat, heating your home uses the most energy. This can account for more than 30% of your electricity consumption. And if you have air conditioning, this number rises even higher. All told, your efforts to stay comfortable can use between 40% and 50% of the electricity in your home.

How long to leave a bathroom fan running?

To prevent moisture problems in your bathroom, you should turn on the bathroom fan when showering or taking a bath. The fan should be left running at least 30-54 minutes (or longer) afterwards to get rid of any excess moisture.

Is it better to shower with the door open or closed?

Keep doors closed all the time.

Keeping your shower doors closed at all hours of the day locks in moist air and can lead to mold. After you shower, the interior space is at its wettest point. Try to keep the doors open for a half hour or so until the steam clears.

Should bathroom exhaust fan always be on?

Excessive Usage Can lead to fire hazards and other problems

Bathroom exhaust fans should be used only when needed. If you have a high-capacity bathroom fan, you may use it multiple times each day.

Does leaving a bathroom fan on waste electricity?

Mistake #4: Leaving Bathroom and HVAC Fans Running

It uses a lot of energy, and unless your house and ducts are really well sealed, it brings unwanted hot or cold outside air into your home, too. Go to your thermostat and make sure the “fan” setting is set to “auto” instead of “on.”

What is the life expectancy of a bathroom exhaust fan?

Typically, bathroom exhaust fans have a lifespan of about 10 years, provided they receive proper care and maintenance. If you think you have a fan that's nearing the end of its functional life, read on to learn about the signs that indicate it's time for a replacement.

Should you turn on the fan while showering?

When you are showering, run your ventilation fan for at least 30 minutes AFTER the shower. If you can set it on a timer, so you don't forget, that's the ideal solution if your house is so humid 👍 #ventilation.

Does an exhaust fan consume a lot of electricity?

Although exhaust fan wattage differs from brand to brand, but on an average, it consumes around 30-40 Watt of power. It is recommended to switch 'ON' your exhaust fan for 20 min after bath.

Does a bathroom fan circulate air through the house?

The bathroom exhaust fan plays a critical role in maintaining the indoor air quality of not only the bathroom but the whole home.

What is the difference between a ventilation fan and an exhaust fan?

A fresh air fan, also known as a ventilation fan, brings fresh air into a space, while an exhaust fan expels stale air, odours, and excess moisture from a room. Both fans serve different purposes and are used in different areas of a home or office.

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