Outdoor vents for the bathroom are to let the moist air that builds up in the bathroom get outside.  One of the primary reasons for having an exhaust fan is to get the moisture outside so that it is not just sitting in the room causing problems for you.  If you are not venting to the outside, then it is pointless to have an exhaust fan in the first place.  Outdoor vents are a way to keep indoor ventilation at its maximum.  There are many rooms where one of these could be useful, but for now it is just about the outdoor vents for the bathroom.  Here is a guide to installing them.

Needed Items:

• Reciporcal or Hole Saw
• drill
• exhaust fan
• ducting
• a vent cap
• some screwdrivers

First – Decide Where It Will Be Installed

There are a number of different vents that can be purchased to install.  The type that you are going to install will be limited by the exhaust fan type that you are using.

You can install outdoor vents in one of two places.  They can be installed on the roof of the house, or on an exterior wall of the house.  Find a good place to install the vent.  Most of these are going to go up to your attic, and then be led outside the house either through the roof or a wall.  Plan out where the ducting will run before you get started.

Second – Drill

Prior to cutting away parts of the wall or ceiling, you will want to be sure that you have proper eye protection.  This will prevent you from getting dust and debris in your eyes.  Now, cut your hole where you will install the exhaust fan with either the hole or reciprocal saw.  This should be about the same size as the exhaust fan.  Usually there is a template that is included with the fan.

Third – Connect the Fan

Find the wires that are in the bathroom.  The fan will get wired in here.  Prior to wiring the fan, you should turn off the power to avoid injury.  Open the cover for the electrical and expose all the wires for the exhaust fan.  Connect the wires by color.  Now attach the bare ground wire to your ground screw.  Screw your exhaust fan in.  For this it may be best to get the holes pre-drilled.

Fourth – Vent Duct

Use the route that you had planned out ahead of time and run the ducting.  Be sure that it is leading to the outside of the house.  Connect the ducting to the fan and then run it along the planned route to the exterior wall or the ceiling and out through the roof or a wall in the attic.  Try to bend the ducting where it is attached to the outside of the house in a way that the vented air can get out, but rain and debris cannot get in.  Also, you will be installing a vent cap to make it harder for debris to get in.