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.