Thank you for the explanation.

More efficient because you're not trying to exhaust heavy dense air farther than it needs to go. And, the fewer roof penetrations, the fewer chances for roof leaks.

Anonymous wrote:IF possible, instead of venting out the roof, try running the vents out of the side of the house or under a soffit. Will vent more efficiently than straight up.

Why is it more efficient? I'm worried about venting to sides will get sucked back into the soffits and condensation on the exhaust pipes (especially in winter when it can freeze).

I thought it should be wrapped in insulation and go straight up to the roof with a flapper/critter guard. No?

OP here, I called around couple of places, and electrician companies only install fans, and HVAC people only do ductwork.

Arrgh!

IF possible, instead of venting out the roof, try running the vents out of the side of the house or under a soffit. Will vent more efficiently than straight up.

Electricians are the installers of bathroom vent fans. Also, I would suggest looking at plumbing supply stores - the HD fans are fine, but you can get nicer, bigger, quieter ones at specialty stores.

electrician did it in my 1960s bathrooms. took about an hour for them to vent it through the attic to an open window. Cost about $400, including the price of the fan. SO worth it and I can't believe the previous owners didn't put them in earlier, all that was in there was a window and mold was growing before.

We also had an electrician do ours. It was years ago, and he did other work at the same time, so I can't tell you how much it cost.

Thank you!

i dont recall how much it was but probably like $300 and it took a couple of hours. he ran duct work along eaves to end of the house. the fan itself is like $50.

PP, how much did the electrician charge for the work and how long did it take?

my electrician did it. good luck finding a contractor to take on this small job at a reasonable price.

A contractor should be able to do it. It is a small job, but one that requires multiple skills.

OP here, I'd like to avoid "handyman" types. There is roofwork, electrical (to the switch), and internal ductwork to the attic, etc. I want it professionally installed so I don't have to worry about it causing problems later.

Handyman might be able to do it.

Make sure your drier vent is ducted correctly while you are at it.

Who do I call to get them installed correctly?

I'm thinking about a honking big CFM fans from Home Depot and get someone to install them along with ductwork to the roof.

Anyone know? I called my HVAC company, but they don't do bathroom vents.