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.