Frequently Asked Questions
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Pre-Installation Questions
Buying Advice
What size fan should I buy and what are CFM's?
Choosing the right fan size ensures effective ventilation for your bathroom. CFM, or Cubic Feet per Minute, measures how much air a fan moves in a minute. Proper airflow prevents moisture buildup, mold, and odors, protecting your bathroom and making it a more comfortable space.
We offer bath fans in both 110 CFM and 70 CFM variants. Here’s how to determine the best fit for your bathroom:
-
Measure Your Bathroom Size
Multiply the length and width of your bathroom to calculate square footage.
(Example: 8 ft. × 10 ft. = 80 sq. ft.) -
Consider Ceiling Height
Adjust for taller ceilings using this multiplier:
While our 70 CFM fans works well for smaller bathrooms (up to 80 sq. ft.) and has a slightly smaller footprint, our 110 CFM variants are the better investment if they are within your budget. It handles humidity more effectively, protects your bathroom’s finishes, and ensures consistent airflow in both small and large spaces.
Choose the variant that best fits your bathroom’s size and needs for fresh, moisture-free air every day!
See our Learning Hub article "Choosing the Right Bathroom Fan Size & Understanding CFM Ratings" for a more detailed overview of these concepts.
How loud are your bath fans and what does the "Sone" rating mean?
Our bath fans are designed to be as quiet as they are effective. The "Sone" rating measures how loud a fan sounds to the human ear. Lower sone ratings mean quieter performance:
- 1 Sone: Like a quiet refrigerator.
- 2 Sones: Similar to soft conversation.
Our 110 CFM fans run at just 1.2 sones, while our 70 CFM fans operate at 1.5 sones. Both provide near-silent operation, with the difference being almost imperceptible.
A quieter fan creates a more peaceful bathroom experience, encouraging regular use.
See our Learning Hub article "Understanding Sones: Choosing a Whisper-Quiet Bathroom Fan" for a more detailed overview of these concepts.
What is the difference between a "flush-mount" and "semi-flush" bath fan design?
Our 110 CFM fans are flush-mount, with the grille sitting level with the ceiling for a sleek, seamless appearance. Our 70 CFM fans are semi-flush, extending slightly below the ceiling with an approximate 1/2-inch opening between the glass shade and the ceiling board. Both styles provide effective ventilation with different installation profiles to fit your bathroom's size & design needs.
Is the integrated LED lighting sufficient for my bathroom size?
The integrated LED lighting in our bath fans is rated at 800 lumens, offering bright, energy-efficient illumination. For context, 800 lumens is roughly equivalent to the output of a 60-watt incandescent bulb. This level of brightness works well as a supplementary light source in most bathrooms, providing focused, ambient lighting over the bath or shower area.
If your bathroom is small (around 6-8 square feet), the lighting may be sufficient as the primary source, depending on your preferences and existing decor. For larger bathrooms or spaces where more illumination is needed, pairing our fan's lighting with additional fixtures ensures optimal brightness throughout the room.
Our lights are also dimmable and feature three color temperature options (warm, neutral, and cool), allowing you to customize the ambiance to suit your style and needs.
How energy efficient are your bath fans?
Our bath fans are designed to balance effective performance with reasonable energy consumption. The LED light panel operates at just 14 watts, providing 800 lumens of bright, energy-efficient lighting. The 110 CFM models have a fan motor that runs at 28 watts, while the 70 CFM models run at 33 watts, ensuring effective ventilation tailored to different bathroom sizes. Together, the fan and light draw a maximum of 60 watts on a standard 120V circuit.
While our fans are not Energy Star certified, their energy usage aligns with what you can expect from similar models offering powerful airflow and integrated LED lighting. For homeowners seeking reliable performance with modest energy consumption, our fans are a solid choice.
What if my bathroom is larger than average?
For bathrooms larger than average, ensuring adequate ventilation is key. Our 110 CFM fans are recommended for spaces up to 125 square feet, which covers most standard and moderately sized bathrooms. If your bathroom exceeds this size, you may need to consider additional solutions, such as installing multiple fans or pairing ventilation with other airflow systems.
Proper ventilation is essential for preventing moisture buildup, protecting your bathroom’s finishes, and maintaining good air quality. If you’re unsure whether one fan will suffice for your larger space, consult a professional for advice on optimizing ventilation.
What warranties or guarantees are included with the bath fans?
Our Lift Bridge Kitchen & Bath bath fans come with a 5-year limited warranty. This warranty covers the motor and all parts/components for defects in workmanship and materials when the fan is properly installed and used under normal conditions. If a defect is found, we will repair or replace the affected part, or in some cases, issue a refund up to the original purchase price.
Please note that the warranty does not cover issues resulting from misuse, damage, alterations, or improper installation. It also does not include coverage for installation, repair, or replacement costs. For full details and to activate your warranty, be sure to register your product as directed in the included warranty card.
This warranty ensures peace of mind and protection for your investment. If you have additional questions, please contact us!
Installation Questions
Setup & Assembly Help
Can I install the fan myself or should I hire a professional?
Our bath fans are designed for ease of installation, but the process can vary depending on your home’s layout and your experience level. Here’s what to consider:
- Attic/Crawlspace Access: If your ceiling has attic or crawlspace access, installation is more straightforward. We recommend having two people for this method to ensure safety and ease of handling.
- No Attic Access: Only our 110 CFM models are designed with a "no attic" installation method, allowing for installation without overhead access. This approach requires careful planning, such as securing additional support beams through the ceiling opening and ensuring sufficient slack in wiring and ducting so they can be easily accessed through the opening. Refer to the installation manual for detailed instructions and diagrams about this method.
- 70 CFM Models: These models are not designed for "no attic" installations and are best installed in areas with accessible overhead space.
- Electrical Work: Both models involve wiring the fan and LED light, which requires a basic understanding of electrical systems and adherence to local building codes.
If you’re confident in your DIY skills and have experience with electrical work and ceiling installations, you may be able to handle the installation yourself. For more complex situations, like lower-level ceilings with no overhead access, or if you’re unfamiliar with electrical or structural work, we recommend hiring a licensed professional. This ensures the fan is installed safely and operates effectively.
See our Learning Hub article "Installation Basics: Getting the Most Out of Your Bathroom Fan" for a more detailed overview of these concepts.
For step-by-step guidance, consult the installation manual included with your fan, and feel free to reach out to us with any questions!
Can I control the fan with a timer, motion sensor, or humidity sensor?
Yes, you can control our fans with a timer, motion sensor, or humidity sensor, but these features are not included with the fan itself. To enable these functionalities, you’ll need to purchase and install an external control unit compatible with your home’s electrical setup. For assistance, a licensed electrician can help ensure proper installation and functionality.
Do I need to vent the fan outside or can it go into the attic?
Bathroom fans must always be vented to the outside. Venting into an attic is not safe and can lead to serious issues such as moisture buildup, damage to insulation, or code violations. Proper venting prevents these problems by directing humid air outside, protecting your home’s structure and maintaining air quality. Ensure your ductwork follows a direct and efficient route to the exterior, and refer to the installation manual for detailed guidance. Consult a professional if you’re unsure about proper venting practices.
How do I wire the bath fan during installation?
Wiring your bath fan requires connecting the unit to your home’s electrical system as outlined in the installation manual. The fan includes separate wiring for the fan motor and the LED light, allowing you to control them independently if desired. Here’s a quick overview:
Standard Wiring Configuration:
- Connect the black wire (hot) to the power source for the fan or light.
- Connect the white wire (neutral) to the neutral power line.
- Connect the green wire (ground) to the ground line in your home.
Detailed Wiring Layout:
Wiring Schematic:
Control Options:
Independent Control: If using separate switches for the fan and light, wire each set of connections (clearly labeled as “Fan Connection” and “Light Kit Connection”) to their respective switches.
Shared Control: If only one switch is available, the fan and light can be wired to operate together, but note that the fan is not compatible with dimmer switches when shared control is being utilized.
For detailed instructions, refer to the installation manual included with your fan. If you’re unfamiliar with electrical work or have a unique wiring setup, consult a licensed electrician to ensure proper and safe installation.
This wiring guide is applicable to only the following Lift Bridge Kitchen & Bath bath fans:
- DRND110BNL
- DRND110MBL
- DRND110MGL
- DRND110ORBL
- DSQR110BNL
- DSQR110MBL
- DSQR110MGL
- DSQR110ORBL
- DSQR70SFL
- DRND70SFL
Post-Installation Questions
Troubleshooting & Maintenance
How does the LED color temperature functionality work?
Our bath fans feature an LED light panel with three adjustable color temperature settings: 3000K (Warm White), 4000K (Neutral White), and 5000K (Cool White). You can easily switch between these settings using your standard wall switch:
- Quickly toggle the light switch on and off at 1-second intervals to cycle through the color temperatures.
- After selecting your desired color temperature, the light will automatically save your preference if it remains off for at least 10 seconds.
This feature is designed to preserve your chosen setting, as typical use of the light switch does not involve rapid toggling or frequent re-entry within the 10 second toggle window. Note, however, that if you toggle the light again within 10 seconds, it will continue cycling through the color temperatures rather than saving your selection.
What if I feel no air movement after installation?
If you suspect your fan isn’t moving air properly, start with the toilet paper test: hold a piece of toilet paper near the fan cover while the fan is running. If the fan is functioning correctly, the paper should be drawn toward the fan and held in place by the airflow. If it doesn’t, follow these troubleshooting steps:
- Check the Damper: While our dampers come pre-installed, verify that the damper is closed when the fan is not running and opens freely when airflow is present.
- Inspect the Ductwork: Ensure there are no blockages or obstructions in the ducting. Confirm that the duct is securely connected to the fan and properly venting to the outside.
- Test the Fan: Turn the fan on and visually confirm that the blades are spinning properly and not obstructed. Remove the cover for easier inspection.
- Confirm Power and Wiring: Double-check the wiring to ensure the fan motor is receiving power and is correctly connected.
If these steps don’t resolve the issue, feel free to reach out to us with any questions.
How often should I clean or maintain my bath fan?
To keep your bath fan operating efficiently, it’s recommended to clean and maintain it at least once a year. Over time, it’s normal for dust to collect on the internal surfaces of the fan, which can reduce performance if not cleaned regularly. Here’s how to maintain your fan:
- Clean the Cover: Remove the cover and wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove dust and grime. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the finish.
- Vacuum the Fan Blades and Housing: Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to gently clean dust and debris from the fan blades and housing. This ensures proper airflow and prevents buildup that could affect performance.
- Check the Ductwork: Inspect the ducting for blockages or debris and ensure the damper is opening and closing freely.
- Inspect the Motor: Ensure the motor is operating smoothly and without unusual noise.
For heavy-use areas or homes with high humidity, consider cleaning the fan every 6 months to maintain optimal performance. Always disconnect the power before performing any maintenance to ensure safety.