Does a bathroom without a window need an extractor by law? (2024)

FAQs

Does a bathroom without a window need an extractor by law? ›

New Jersey

If your bathroom has a toilet only, then a window as your sole form of ventilation is fine. In bathrooms with baths and showers, mechanical ventilation is required in the form of an extractor fan. This is because new-builds these days are built to be more airtight, so natural ventilation is much lower.

While an extractor fan is not a legal requirement, there are air ventilation requirements that need to be met when you are building new structures or renovating them. An extractor fan ensures you meet these, but also has other benefits to consider. Reduces Condensation.

All municipalities have different requirements, but some do not draw a hard line on requiring exhaust fans. In those areas, ventilation in bathrooms is required, but it can be from a window or fan, your choice. Building code is a model code that each community can adopt and adapt according to its own needs.

The regulations on ventilation

In bathrooms the minimum extraction rate of intermittent extract systems is 15 litres per second and eight litres per second for continuous extraction systems.

An exhaust fan can genuinely make all the difference to a bathroom without a window. These operate by pulling in all the warm air and excess moisture build-up. They will also effectively help with any odours, assist with rust prevention and essentially eliminate that annoying mirror fog that so many of us battle.

1. Open the door/windows. One of the easiest things you can do is open the door and the window in the bathroom to help circulate air and move some of that moisture outside.

As we've discussed, legally, you don't need to use a cooker hood for ventilation but you do need ventilation. As kitchen extractor fans are purpose-built to provide ventilation for your kitchen they are, by far, the easiest way.

Bathroom fan installation requires outside ventilation. If the bathroom exhaust fan or venting fan isn't accessible through an attic, you'll need to vent through a sidewall of your house. If you're venting a bathroom fan through an external sidewall, then you'll need a wall mounted bathroom exhaust fan.

What most new homeowners may not know is that a bathroom fan must always be directed outside. In fact, this is a building requirement almost everywhere in the world, and even if the building code in your area does not require you to do so, we strongly recommend that you do.

Is it required to have a window in a bathroom? ›

Whilst windows are good for ensuring proper ventilation within a bathroom, they are not the sole option available. According to planning, bathrooms do not necessarily require windows if there is already an artificial source of light, as well as a ventilation fan installed.

“Poor bathroom ventilation can create the ideal conditions for biological growth on tile grout, drywall and wood,” Traci Fournier, the vice president of operations at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, says. “These same conditions can also lead to foul odors as the high moisture damages walls, floors and ceilings.

To fulfill the local exhaust airflow requirements of ASHRAE 62.2 (2010) and the International Residential Code (IRC 2021, Section M1507), bathroom fans should have a mechanical exhaust capacity of ≥ 50 cfm for intermittent operation or ≥ 20 cfm of ventilation when operated continuously.

Extractor fans work best when they are fitted as near as possible to the source of moisture in the air. For many people, this will be over their shower enclosure or bath. However, as bathroom fans are an electrical item, it is vital that you ensure you have the correct IP rating for this bathroom zone.

Building regulations say that a fan must extract no less than 15L/s in a standard domestic bathroom, so most models will cover this. Large or well-used bathrooms might need higher extraction rates.

The Building Regulations stipulate that a bathroom extractor fan must extract at least 15L/s in a standard domestic bathroom. Most 4 inch models far exceed this minimum requirement, and nowadays the standard is 85m3/hr.

Use a Dehumidifier

Installing a dehumidifier is one of the most effective ways to prevent mould in a bathroom without windows. Dehumidifiers work by extracting excess moisture from the air. Opt for a refrigerant dehumidifier which can remove more humidity. Place it in a corner and set it to 50-60% relative humidity.

Bathroom fan installation requires outside ventilation. If the bathroom exhaust fan or venting fan isn't accessible through an attic, you'll need to vent through a sidewall of your house. If you're venting a bathroom fan through an external sidewall, then you'll need a wall mounted bathroom exhaust fan.