Question - Every time we use the exhaust fan in the bathroom, I wonder if we are wasting energy. Can't we just leave the door open and let all the steam get out that way? It seems to me that exhaust fans don't do much.
Answer - Actually, they are pretty important in controling the amount of moisture in your home. Fans in both the bathrooms and the kitchen can help keep the home energy-efficient and comfortable.
But if you leave the exhaust fan running too long, then energy will be wasted. You will cause unwanted air infiltration and use extra electricity. Experts suggest that you have a timer switch installed so that after a bath or shower, the fan will run long enough to get rid of the excess moisture from the bathroom and then shut off.