Roommate leaves the bathroom fan on?

Question

It seems like they forget to turn off the bathroom fan a lot of the time. I can hear the bathroom fan running during the night for hours sometimes.
Is it safe to leave the bathroom fan on for an extended amount of time? Because if it isn’t, I may just have a word with them about remembering to turn it off lol

Answer 1

There is ZERO point in keeping an exhaust fan on for more than 10 to 15 minutes. It is not only a waste of electricity, it adds too much wear and tear on the fan, which will have to be replaced SOONER than late.



Just politely ask them to turn the fan off upon exiting the bathroom.

Answer 2

Well it does run up the electricity bill. And it is a motor and motors do and can wear out. Perhaps an additional fee for leaving it on?

Answer 3

Won't hurt anything but the electric bill.

Answer 4

Yes, have a word with him. Or get up and turn it off yourself. 

Answer 5

it safe but you electrictry bill would be higher , 

Answer 6

Maybe they leave the fan on to get rid of the stank they just left?

Consider yourself lucky.

If it really bothers you, just turn off the fan.

Answer 7

It is perfectly safe.

You can replace the switch with a timer so it shuts off after a set time.

Answer 8

it's fine.  the motor usually outlasts all the other parts anyway

Answer 9

It will help a lot after any of you take a bath or shower. It is pulling out the moisture helping with mold. It should be left on for awhile after showering.

The fan also airs out bad smells.



If it is on for awhile flip off the switch. Yes he should go back eventually and turn it off himself, but anyone can easily turn it off.

Answer 10

when I stink it up, I too, leave the fan on

Answer 11

Depends on the age of the fan and how much dirt, grease, and hair has acuminated. Put your hand on the motor and if it is too hot to touch, consider replacing it. As for your roommates, they know nothing about energy conservation and common curtesy. Unfortunately, they can't be replaced. Your only option is to move.  

Answer 12

yes it is safe to leave it running 

Answer 13

It's not unreasonably dangerous, which is why such things are required to be designed with safety in mind, and presumed to have regular maintenance to avoid dangerous buildup.

Why not ask the landlord to install a 15-minute, wind-up timer switch for the fan and it will automatically turn itself off.

There are also electronic versions, but that may require a "neutral" conductor that is not required in an ordinary light switch or fan switch, making it harder to retrofit.

Answer 14

How old are you?  They leave it on because it stinks when they are done and they don't come back.  All bathroom fans run a a timer switch that turns itself off.  Your argument is with the boob who put in an on/off switch.  So go to the hardware store, buy a timer switch and install it.

Answer 15

Perhaps it is a humidistat that is causing that is causing the fan to run for hours. Turns out your roomy might be helping you out

Answer 16

Buy some air freshener for the room.



Place tape of the switch for fan.

Answer 17

Leaving it on should cause no real problem other that you are sucking the heat our of the home during the winter and sucking cool air out during the summer. Electric bill will go up. If your roommate will not listen to you then install a timer switch or one with a motion sensor. 

Answer 18

Wasting electricity,sucking the heat out of your house. Put a sticky above the switch to shut off after finished using bathroom. Bathroom fans are also notorious for being cheap and noisy.

Answer 19

Cousin of mine had a bad fire caused by a bathroom fan left on for an extended amount of time. Wire the fan to the light switch - light on = Fan on, light off = fan off.

Answer 20

Seriously, he waits until I'm back in my bedroom changing and then heads right for the bathroom. Not to take a piss or brush his teeth or anything, but to just turn on the fan and shut the door. I called him out on it once, and he claims it's because paint is peeling in the bathroom and he doesn't want it to get worse. I feel like if that's his logic, he would turn on the fan and leave the door open.



It's just one of those dumbass quirks he has as a roommate. He's got a bunch of weird quirks that I just don't get. It doesn't hurt me in any way, so I just let him be.

Answer 21

It isn't endangering anything.



Consider replacing the regular switch with a timer switch.  They're less than $20 and are available as mechanical and electronic.  You can find them that don't have a "stay on" setting, so the fan won't be left running endlessly.  They're as easy to install as a conventional light switch.

Answer 22

it's not to be to day

Answer 23

In a perfect world the fan should be linked in with the light switch - it goes off a few mins after the light is turned off.  What happens if you run it nonstop is the bearings go and it noisily conks out.

Answer 24

If they had a steamy shower then it takes awhile for all the steam to get sucked out.    Usually it is timer controlled.  It will run for an hour and then shut off.  Which is better than BLACK MOLD because the steam just sits on the walls...which is a bad thing.

Answer 25

install a timer switch . 

Answer 26

It happens to everyone.  You have to develop the habit to recognize the sound and realize that the fan is on.  You can also put the fan on a timer switch/disconnect and it will turn off after a preset amount of time.   

Answer 27

It's safe.  It's just wasting some electricity