Finally got my bathroom reno approved - permit process wasn’t as scary as I thought

I totally get not wanting to swap out every single pipe just because the walls are open - sometimes it feels like the “while you’re at it” logic is how budgets evaporate. I left some of my old copper too, and so far, no regrets. As for the humidity sensor, I must’ve picked a dud or something... mine would randomly kick on if someone boiled pasta in the kitchen. Maybe I just need to upgrade brands next time.

Had the same issue with a humidity sensor once - ours would go off if someone even looked at the shower, but ignore actual steam. Ended up swapping it for a manual timer switch. Not as fancy, but at least I know when it’s running. Sometimes simple wins out over smart tech, especially when you’re watching costs.

- Totally get where you’re coming from with the “dumb” switch.
- I tried two different brands of humidity sensors before giving up. Both either triggered at random or didn’t trigger at all.
- Manual timer’s been way more reliable for me. No guessing if the fan’s running or not.
- Plus, way easier to explain to guests or kids - just twist the dial, done.
- Honestly, sometimes I think smart tech just adds more stuff to troubleshoot. If something breaks, it’s usually the “smart” part, not the basic mechanics.
- Only downside is forgetting to set the timer, but that’s on me.
- If you’re watching costs, those fancy sensors aren’t worth it unless you’re really into automation.
- Guess it depends how much you want to tinker vs. just have things work. For me, less hassle wins every time.

Honestly, sometimes I think smart tech just adds more stuff to troubleshoot. If something breaks, it’s usually the “smart” part, not the basic mechanics.

Couldn’t agree more - my last “smart” switch needed a firmware update just to work with my router, which felt ridiculous for a bathroom fan. I’m curious, has anyone found a humidity sensor that actually works reliably and doesn’t cost a fortune? Or is it just not worth the hassle for most folks?

I get what you mean about smart tech being more hassle than help sometimes. When I moved in, I tried one of those “automatic” humidity switches for the fan, thinking it’d be a set-it-and-forget-it thing. Instead, it kept turning the fan on every time someone took a hot shower... or just washed their hands with warm water. Ended up swapping it for a plain timer switch. Maybe there’s a better sensor out there, but honestly, I’m not convinced it’s worth the extra cost or troubleshooting headaches.

Maybe there’s a better sensor out there, but honestly, I’m not convinced it’s worth the extra cost or troubleshooting headaches.

Can’t blame you. Those “smart” switches can be more trouble than they’re worth, especially in older homes where wiring and airflow aren’t always ideal. I’ve swapped out a bunch for clients who just wanted something simple that works every time. Timer switches rarely fail and you know exactly what you’re getting. Sometimes low-tech is just less hassle, honestly.

I get wanting to keep things simple, but I’ve actually had timer switches fail a couple times - usually after a few years, and always at the worst moment. Moisture seems to get to them in bathrooms, especially if tenants forget to use the fan. I started using humidity sensors recently. A bit more upfront, but I’ve noticed less mold and fewer complaints about fans running all night. Not perfect, but worth considering if you’re worried about long-term maintenance.

I started using humidity sensors recently. A bit more upfront, but I’ve noticed less mold and fewer complaints about fans running all night.

I’ve seen timer switches go bad too, especially in older places where the fan’s right above the shower. That moisture just creeps in everywhere. The humidity sensors sound like a smart upgrade, but do you ever worry about them misreading and kicking the fan on when it’s not needed? I’ve heard some models can be a bit sensitive. Still, anything that helps cut down on mold is probably worth it - cleaning out a moldy vent is no fun.

The humidity sensors sound like a smart upgrade, but do you ever worry about them misreading and kicking the fan on when it’s not needed?

Honestly, I had the same concern at first. Some of the cheaper sensors can be twitchy, especially if you set them too low. But the better ones let you dial in the sensitivity, so you’re not running the fan every time someone cracks the door. I’d take a fan running a bit extra over mold any day - scrubbing out those vents is a nightmare and never really feels clean after. If you’re already doing a reno, it’s worth spending a little more for peace of mind.

Can’t blame you for being cautious. I used to think those sensors were just another thing to break, but after a tenant left a shower running for who knows how long and I had to deal with ceiling stains, I changed my mind. Sometimes the fan does kick on when it’s just muggy outside, but honestly, I’d rather have that than drywall repairs. The key is buying a decent sensor - cheap ones are more trouble than they’re worth. Renovations always seem like a hassle until you’re done and realize the headaches you’ve avoided.

I get the logic behind sensors, but honestly, I’ve seen just as many issues with them as without. Here’s my two cents:

- Sensors can be finicky - humidity from a hot shower is one thing, but if you live somewhere humid, those fans might run way more than you want.
- Good old-fashioned timers or manual switches are less likely to fail and easier to replace if they do.
- If you’re worried about tenants leaving water running, maybe look at flow sensors or leak detectors instead. They’re not perfect either, but at least they’re targeting the real problem.

Not saying sensors are useless, just that sometimes the “smart” solution ends up being more hassle than it’s worth.

Not saying sensors are useless, just that sometimes the “smart” solution ends up being more hassle than it’s worth.

I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had the opposite experience. My humidity sensor fan has saved me from mold city - seriously, my old bathroom was like a rainforest. Sure, it kicks on a bit too much in summer, but I’d rather have a slightly overzealous fan than peeling paint and funky smells. Manual switches? I always forget to turn them off... or on. Guess it depends if you trust your memory or your gadgets more.

Funny, I’m the same way with switches - if it’s not automatic, I’ll forget every time. I put in a humidity sensor fan during my last reno and honestly, it’s been a game changer. The only thing that bugs me is when it runs after a quick hand wash, but I guess that’s better than dealing with mildew. Have you noticed any difference in your energy bill since installing yours? I was worried about that, but so far it seems pretty minor.

I’ve installed a couple of those humidity sensor fans for clients, and I’ll admit, they’re handy - especially for folks who forget to flip the switch. That said, I always wonder if they’re a bit too sensitive. Had one in my own place that’d kick on just from someone brushing their teeth. As for energy bills, I tracked mine for a few months and honestly, didn’t see much of a bump. If anything, it probably saves money in the long run by preventing moisture damage... but I still wish there was a way to dial back the sensitivity without voiding the warranty.

I hear you on the sensitivity thing - mine used to kick on if I took a hot shower with the door open, but also if I just ran the sink for a minute. I ended up swapping to a model with an adjustable dial tucked behind the cover. Not super convenient, but at least I could tweak it without messing with the warranty. Maybe worth checking if yours has that option? Some brands hide it pretty well.

I get the appeal of adjustable dials, but honestly, I’ve had better luck with humidity sensors that auto-calibrate over time. The last one I installed was a bit pricier, but it “learned” the room’s normal levels and stopped flipping on every time I boiled water or took a quick shower. Less fiddling, and it’s been more energy efficient for me. Sometimes the hidden dials just end up being another thing to forget about...

That’s actually pretty slick - never tried one of those “learning” sensors myself, but I can see the appeal. I’ve been burned by dials before (literally, once...long story involving a space heater and a distracted Tuesday). Do you notice any lag when the humidity spikes, or does it catch up pretty quick? I always wonder if the auto-calibrate ones get confused in older houses where airflow’s a bit...questionable.

I totally get the hesitation with dials - had a similar mishap with an old-school fan heater and a stubborn thermostat. As for those “learning” humidity sensors, I’ve been using one for about a year in our main bath (old house, questionable airflow for sure). Here’s what I’ve noticed:

1. There’s a tiny bit of lag if you take a super hot shower with the door closed, but it usually kicks in within a minute or two. Not instant, but way better than the manual ones I’ve tried.
2. The auto-calibrate feature can get thrown off if you leave the window open or have a draft, but it seems to “re-learn” pretty fast. I just make sure to reset it every few months - usually just a button press.
3. For older homes, I’d recommend running the fan a little longer than you think you need, just to be safe. Mold is no joke and it’s way cheaper to prevent than fix.

If you’re on a budget, there are some decent models out there that don’t break the bank. Just double-check the wiring before you start - learned that one the hard way...

Had a tenant once who thought the “auto” setting on the humidity fan meant it’d just magically fix everything - ended up with a patch of mold behind the vanity. Since then, I always go for the learning sensors, but I agree, they’re not perfect. I’ve noticed if someone leaves the bathroom door cracked, the sensor gets confused and either runs way too long or not long enough. Wiring’s always a headache in these old places, too - half the time you open up a wall and it’s a mystery what you’ll find. Still, worth it for the peace of mind.

That’s a really good point about the sensors getting thrown off by something as simple as a cracked door. It’s wild how much those little details can mess with what’s supposed to be “smart” tech. I’ve seen similar issues - sometimes the fan just runs forever, and other times it barely kicks in at all. Makes you realize there’s still no substitute for just making sure people know how things work.

Wiring in older places is always a bit of an adventure, too. You never know if you’re going to find knob-and-tube, random splices, or just a rat’s nest of wires stuffed behind the drywall. It can be frustrating, but like you said, once it’s sorted out and you know the ventilation is handled, it’s a huge relief.

Honestly, I think you’re right to stick with the learning sensors even if they’re not perfect. At least they take some of the guesswork out of it for tenants or guests who might not be as detail-oriented. Mold is such a pain to deal with after the fact... prevention is definitely worth the effort upfront.