Good points here. A few things I've noticed from my own experience:
- Air purifiers are great for allergens and dust, but they're not really designed to handle humidity or bathroom odors effectively.
- A properly sized exhaust fan (check the CFM rating) makes a huge difference—too small and it's pointless, too big and you're wasting energy.
- Cracking a window is simple and effective, but in colder climates, it can be a bit uncomfortable. I've found installing a timer switch on the exhaust fan helps balance comfort and efficiency.
Just my two cents...
Totally agree on the exhaust fan sizing—makes a world of difference. Have you tried pairing your timer switch with a humidity sensor? I installed one in a rental last year, and tenants seem happier since it kicks on automatically after showers. No more relying on people remembering to flip the switch (which, let's be honest, rarely happens consistently).
Also curious if anyone's experimented with heated mirrors or anti-fog coatings. I've heard mixed reviews, and I'm debating whether it's worth the extra cost for future renos. I've also found that paint choice matters more than you'd think—semi-gloss or satin finishes hold up way better in humid bathrooms compared to flat paints.
One minor disagreement though: cracking windows is great in theory, but in my experience, tenants rarely do it consistently enough to make a real difference...especially when it's freezing out. So I tend to rely more on mechanical ventilation solutions.
Anyway, sounds like you've got a solid setup going—nice job getting it dialed in.
Humidity sensors are definitely a game changer—I put one in our main bathroom last year, and it made a noticeable difference. No more walking into a steamy room hours after someone showered because they forgot (or "forgot") to turn on the fan. It also helps keep mold at bay, which is a big plus if you're eco-conscious and trying to avoid harsh cleaning chemicals.
On heated mirrors, I was skeptical at first but ended up installing one during our reno. Honestly, it's pretty nice not having to wipe down the mirror every single morning. But if budget is tight, I'd probably skip it—it's more of a luxury than a necessity.
Totally with you on paint finishes too. Flat paint in bathrooms is just asking for trouble... learned that the hard way years ago. Semi-gloss or satin all the way.
About cracking windows though—I get your point about tenants not bothering, but as someone who tries to minimize energy use, I still think natural ventilation has its place. Maybe pairing it with mechanical ventilation is the sweet spot?
I've found pairing mechanical ventilation with a cracked window works pretty well, especially in older places. But I wonder, does the humidity sensor ever trigger unnecessarily, like on humid summer days? Haven't tried one yet myself...
I've used humidity sensors in a few older rental properties, and generally, they're pretty reliable. Occasionally, on really muggy summer days, they might kick in unnecessarily—but it's usually brief and not too bothersome. If you're cautious about moisture buildup (and you should be, especially in older buildings), I'd say the slight inconvenience is worth it for peace of mind. Sounds like you're already on the right track with your current setup, though... balancing ventilation and comfort can be tricky.
