Bathroom exhaust fans may seem like a silent hero, but its role in preventing potential risks shouldn’t be overlooked. By spending a few moments with your bathroom fan, you can uncover critical details about its condition, and most importantly, protect your property from potential dangers. Here's how to make sure your bathroom exhaust fan is keeping your home safe.
Understanding what turns a Bathroom Exhaust Fan into an Electrical Fire Hazard:
The three most common causes of bathroom exhaust fan fires are faulty wiring, running it for extended periods of time, and failing to clean and maintain the fan. Accumulated dust, lint, and debris in exhaust fans can lead to overheating and pose a serious fire risk.
Bathroom exhaust fans are typically used during bathroom usage; however, sometimes they are left on for extended periods to clear humidity and/or fumes out of a space, often left unattended during these periods, this is when they can turn into an electrical fire hazard. When a fan fails, it can cause dust to ignite and quickly cause a fire, spreading to the structural materials, leading to a large loss. This can also happen with other exhaust fans found in the kitchen, laundry rooms, and attic spaces.
Did you know? According to U.S. Fire Administration, from 2017 to 2019, an estimated average of 106,700 multifamily residential building fires were reported to fire departments within the United States. These fires caused an estimated annual average of $1.7 billion in property loss.
What Signs to Look For:
Sight: Just looking at a fan can tell us a lot about its safety. Doing a visual inspection annually for dust buildup and clearing it will help improve its efficiency and reduce the risk. Check for dark spots or discoloration in the insulation, which can indicate that overheating may be occurring. Also, if the fan appears to be old, it may be time to replace it. Experts recommend replacing them every 10 years.
Sounds: Loud, scraping, squeaking, or any other new sound that comes out of the fan should be quickly inspected by a professional and/or replaced.
Property Owner's Responsibility:
Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential for the proper functioning of bathroom exhaust fans and will help prevent them from becoming an electrical fire hazard. Property owners should schedule annual inspections to ensure that the fans are clean and in good working condition. Additionally, any signs of wear or damage should be promptly addressed to prevent potential hazards.
Reducing the Risk:
Remove Build-Up of Dust: Regularly clean the exhaust fan to remove accumulated dust, lint, and debris. This will help prevent overheating and reduce the risk of fire.
Install a Timer Switch: Installing a timer switch can help prevent fans from running for extended periods, reducing the risk of overheating and potential fire hazards.
Replace Fans Every 10 Years: As exhaust fans age, their efficiency decreases, and the risk of malfunction increases. Property owners should consider replacing bathroom exhaust fans every 10 years to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Install a Vent Fan with Thermal Heat Protection: Opting for a vent fan with thermal heat protection can provide an added layer of safety, reducing the risk of overheating and potential fire hazards.
Educate Tenants: Property owners should educate tenants about the importance of proper maintenance and usage of bathroom exhaust fans to ensure their safety and the safety of the property.
Smoke Alarms: Ensure smoke alarms are installed and regularly tested throughout the property to provide early detection and warning in case of a fire emergency.
Regular and thorough maintenance of bathroom exhaust fans is a crucial safety measure in preventing an electrical fire that property owners should prioritize to protect their property and its occupants.
Visit our website to download a copy of this and other Risk Mitigation Mastery Handouts for Property Owners.
About CIBA Insurance Services
Our journey began in 1993 when a forward-thinking property development manager sought innovative insurance solutions. Over the years, we've transformed into a prominent E&S insurance program recognized across the market for robust coverages and unwavering service stability, consistently evolving our solutions to meet the dynamic demands of the industry, our valued partners, and our esteemed clients
Sources:
https://forstconsultingllc.com/blog/bathroom-exhaust-fan-dangers/
https://harrison-electric.com/Blog/entryid/237/5-signs-its-time-to-replace-your-bathroom-exhaust-fan
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/statistics/v21i7.pdf
Legal Disclaimer: This is general information and is not intended to be a comprehensive guide and does not constitute a guarantee. We encourage landlords, business owners, and property owners to talk to professionals and review their local laws and ordinances for the most current information.