Can an Exhaust Fan be Wall-Mounted?

The effectiveness of exhaust fans largely depends on where they are installed. Of course, the type of model you choose, its quality, and the manufacturer all matter. It is important to select the right, high-quality fans that meet your needs. Even the best-quality product may perform poorly if it isn’t mounted correctly. Besides, where you should install exhaust fans also depends on your room layout, ventilation requirements, and whether there is venting ductwork or an attic.

Therefore, it is important to understand where to install them. Typically, exhaust fans are mounted on ceilings. Ceiling exhaust fans are designed for ceiling installation and perform well when installed there. However, exhaust fans can also be wall-mounted, and they even perform better in certain cases like in rooms without attic access. Remember when installing, you need to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for better results.

Let’s take a thorough look at how exhaust fans function, whether you should mount them on walls or ceilings, and which models are better suited for wall mounting.

How Do Exhaust Fans Work?

Exhaust fans create a negative air pressure in an enclosed space by drawing the stale indoor air and expelling it outside. Fresh air comes in to balance this pressure difference. This way exhaust fans help replace the stale, moist, and polluted air with fresh and clean air. When repeated continuously, this air exchange process helps reduce moisture, prevent mold buildup, and remove fumes or unpleasant smells.

Exhaust fans consist of an electric motor that spins the fan blades, drawing air from the room into the fan housing. The air is then pushed outside through a duct. For better results, the exhausted air should have a direct path outdoors, which is why these fans are typically installed in ceilings or exterior walls.

Can an Exhaust Fan be Wall-Mounted?

Yes, an exhaust fan can be wall-mounted. Typically, wall-mounted exhaust fans are used in rooms where you can’t use a ceiling fan. For instance, in rooms without attic access or with low ceilings, exhaust fan installation is not practically possible on ceilings. So, a wall exhaust fan is preferred.

How does a wall mounted exhaust fan work? A wall mounted exhaust fan pulls the stale, contaminated air from inside a room and pushes it outside through the vent in the wall. These exhaust fans are engineered to remove air horizontally through the exterior wall of a particular room such as kitchens, bathrooms, or garages. This makes them efficient in certain scenarios where quick removal of pollutants such as smoke, moisture, or odor is required. 

When a wall exhaust fan is preferred?

Limited or low ceiling space: It is preferred to use wall exhaust fans in rooms with low or limited ceiling space. When the ceiling is low, installing a ceiling exhaust fan can reduce headroom and interfere with your room’s aesthetics. So, you should use a wall exhaust fan in such situations. Also, it is recommended to use wall exhaust fans in rooms with limited access to attics. Usually, it is difficult to install ceiling exhaust fans in older buildings due to limited ceiling space. So, in such scenarios, a wall exhaust fan offers you easier ventilation.

More direct ventilation: Wall exhaust works better when you need direct ventilation, particularly when ceiling ventilation is limited in buildings with complex ceiling structures or limited ceiling spaces. In such situations, horizontal venting through the wall can be a lot easier and more practical. Wall exhaust fans are also ideal for quick air removal in certain enclosed spaces. For example, a kitchen wall exhaust fan can quickly vent out smoke and odors, and a bathroom wall exhaust fan removes moisture quickly

Specific room ventilation: Wall exhaust can help you when you want to ventilate a specific room and you don't have direct access to the roof. In some rooms, particularly in multistory buildings, you may not practically install a ceiling exhaust. This particularly applies to basements and crawl spaces' ventilation. It is more practical to use alternative ventilation when the room might not have an attic or roof overhead. So, if you don’t have ceiling access, wall exhaust offers a more direct and easy solution.

Easy installation and maintenance: Installing a ceiling exhaust fan often involves cutting into the ceiling or running ducts through attics. On the other hand, wall exhaust fans can easily be fitted with fewer and easier steps without needing access to attics. Besides, wall exhaust fans are easier to clean and maintain. But, you need special equipment like a ladder to reach ceiling fans. Also, shorter, more direct ductwork is involved with wall exhaust fans. So, there is less chance of dust or debris buildup. This makes maintenance easy and simpler.

Which is Better, a Ceiling or a Wall Exhaust Fan?

Which is better—wall exhaust fan vs. ceiling exhaust fan? It depends on your room layout and specific requirements. A ceiling exhaust fan is a good option for larger spaces where you can easily vent indoor air upwards with the help of attics or roofs. This is why ceiling exhausts are used for widespread air circulation in larger rooms. That said, they are complicated to install. Also, you need suitable ceiling space and proper attic access. So, these fans aren’t a good fit for rooms without attic access or enough ceiling space. 

Whereas wall-mounted exhaust fans are much easier to install and maintain. They push the indoor air through the exterior wall vent. This makes them a more suitable option for rooms without attic access, such as basements and crawl spaces. However, they may not cover as large an area as a ceiling fan does. So, you can choose a ceiling exhaust fan if your room is larger and has access to an attic. But if yours is a small room with limited ceiling space, you can go with a wall-mounted exhaust fan.

Read this to find out how an exhaust fan is different from a ventilation fan.

Which Exhaust Fans are Suitable for Wall Mounting?

There are various types of exhaust fans that can be wall-mounted. Each fan is intended to serve specific needs. 

Axial fans are one of the most commonly used wall exhaust fans. They move the air along the fan axis and are very effective for direct venting or short ductwork. A wall-mounted exhaust fan for kitchens or bathrooms is an example of an axial fan. 

Centrifugal fans are another commonly used exhaust for wall mounting. These fans can handle large volumes of air and provide greater pressure. Typically, such types of exhaust are found in commercial or industrial settings. You can use these exhausts to deal with complex residential ventilation needs. 

Inline fans can also be used for wall mounting. Typically, these exhaust fans are used in ceiling applications, but you can use them for wall applications if the ductwork allows, as they are installed in the duct system away from the opening. Since they are inside the duct system, they produce little noise.

Conclusion

An exhaust fan can be wall-mounted. Even it’s preferred in some cases. Wall exhaust fans, such as bathroom wall-mounted exhaust fans, ensure quick results if the space is smaller. Also, these are easier to install and maintain compared to ceiling fans. 

On the other hand, ceiling fans need attic access and are harder to install, but they can handle larger volumes of air in larger spaces. 

Whether to choose a ceiling or wall exhaust fan depends on your room layout and specific ventilation needs. It’s recommended to opt for a wall-mounted exhaust fan for a small room with direct access to an exterior wall or in situations where targeted venting is required, like over a kitchen stove.

Not sure which ventilation fan to choose for your home? You can explore our website or contact our support team. At Abestorm, our representatives will help you find the best solution for your indoor air problems.