I see why a timer switch would appeal, but honestly, it never quite worked for me. My house is pretty old—built in the 1920s—and even after installing a timer, I found moisture still lingered longer than expected. Eventually, I realized the issue was more about airflow than timing. Cracking the window slightly during showers (even in winter, briefly) made a bigger difference than any timer switch could. Might just be my quirky old home though...
I get your point about airflow, but I'd argue that timer switches can still be effective if paired with a stronger exhaust fan. Older homes often have undersized or outdated fans that just can't keep up. Upgrading to a higher CFM-rated fan made a noticeable difference in my 1910 house—no more foggy mirrors or lingering dampness. Opening windows helps, sure, but it's not always practical in colder climates or rainy weather...just something else to consider.
Timer switches can definitely help, but you're spot on about older homes usually having undersized exhaust fans. I've seen so many bathrooms with fans that barely move any air—might as well wave a towel around! Upgrading to a higher CFM fan is a solid move, especially in older houses. Another tip: make sure the ductwork isn't kinked or blocked with lint and dust—seen that plenty of times too. A quick clean-out can sometimes make a surprising difference...
"might as well wave a towel around!"
Haha, that's exactly how it feels sometimes. Good call on checking the ductwork—I've seen a few homes where just clearing out years of dust and lint made a noticeable difference. Upgrading the fan is definitely worth the investment too, especially if you're dealing with persistent humidity issues. I recently swapped out an old undersized fan in one of my properties, and tenants immediately noticed less condensation on mirrors and walls after showers. Small changes can really add up in older homes... keep at it, sounds like you're on the right track.
One thing I found helpful was actually just leaving the bathroom door cracked open a bit during showers, especially if you don't have a super powerful fan. When we moved into our older house, the humidity was ridiculous... mirrors fogging up, even some peeling paint. Just propping the door open slightly created enough airflow to reduce condensation noticeably. It’s not a perfect fix, but definitely helps if you're on a tight budget or delaying bigger upgrades. Little hacks like that really saved us until we could afford better solutions.