Pairing humidity switches with smart timers is actually a pretty slick setup, especially if you’re dealing with those “false positives” from kitchen steam or even just a hot shower. I’ve wired a few where the humidity sensor triggers the fan, but a smart switch lets you set a minimum run time or delay shutoff—kind of the best of both worlds. Some models let you tweak the sensitivity, but honestly, it’s trial and error. I’ve had to dial it back in a couple of tight condos where the fan would run half the day just from someone making tea. Not perfect, but way better than scrubbing moldy grout every few months.
I’ve been debating if I should go the humidity sensor route or just stick with a basic timer switch. The “fan runs all day because someone boiled water” thing is exactly what I’m worried about. I guess it’s better than scrubbing tiles, but I’m not wild about wasting electricity either… Maybe I’ll try the adjustable ones and see how much fiddling it actually takes.
I totally get where you’re coming from. I tried a humidity sensor in our last place and honestly, it was a bit too sensitive—fan would kick on just from someone opening the dishwasher. Ended up swapping it for a timer switch with an adjustable shutoff. Less hassle, and I didn’t notice any extra mold issues. Sometimes simple really is better.
That’s interesting—my house is from the 1920s, and I’ve always been a bit wary of adding too much tech to the bathroom. I went with a basic timer switch too, mostly because I wanted something reliable that wouldn’t need fiddling. Have you noticed any difference in your energy bills since making the switch? I sometimes wonder if running the fan longer than necessary actually makes much of a dent.
Can’t say I noticed a huge drop in bills, but the peace of mind is worth it for me. I figure the fan running an extra 10-15 minutes isn’t going to break the bank. Mold, on the other hand… that stuff’s relentless.
