Welcome to Olympic City!

You’re in the right place!  We are a husband and wife team who LOVE this business and love doing good work for good people.  We’re believe in the face-to-face version of this business built and not the one that hides behind websites and fake five star reviews.

As a husband-and-wife team we’ve been in and around the home business for over thirty years.  And because of that, we can’t possibly convey all of that experience in a few mouse clicks.  Reach out.  Connect.  Come see us at one of the home shows.  We are quietly one of the fastest growing renovation companies in Calgary and look forward to hearing about your project large or small. Just FYI, EVERY contractors bread and butter are smaller projects so don’t hesitate to reach out.

[instagram-feed feed=1]

Bathroom Ventilation: Choosing the Right Exhaust Fan for Calgary

Bathroom Renovations

A Good Exhaust Fan Protects Your Investment

Calgary’s dry climate makes some homeowners think ventilation is optional. It’s not. Every bathroom generates humidity — and humidity in an enclosed bathroom means mould, paint peeling, and damaged finishes. A proper exhaust fan is essential.

Fan Sizing: The CFM Rule

CFM = cubic feet per minute. The rule of thumb for most bathrooms: 1 CFM per square foot of floor area, minimum 50 CFM.

Bathroom Size Minimum CFM
Powder room (20 sq ft) 50 CFM
Small bath (40 sq ft) 50–70 CFM
Standard bath (50–80 sq ft) 70–110 CFM
Large ensuite (100+ sq ft) 110–150+ CFM
Steam shower 2× standard (separate system)

n

⚠ Estimate Disclaimer: These are only ROUGH estimates that can vary wildly. Do not take these numbers as gospel. Having a defined scope of work and exact selections will give you clarity.

Where to Vent It

  • Always vent to the exterior — roof or soffit
  • Never vent into the attic (causes attic mould — very common mistake)
  • Insulate the duct run to prevent condensation in Calgary winters
  • Use rigid or semi-rigid duct, not flexible foil (restricts flow)

Fan Features Worth Having

  • Humidity sensor: Turns on automatically when moisture spikes, off when air is clear. Set it and forget it. Worth the extra cost.
  • Timer: Runs 10-30 minutes after you leave. Budget option that’s better than manual-only.
  • Night light: Useful in kids’ bathrooms
  • LED light combo: Fan + light in one unit, common in smaller bathrooms
  • Heat lamp combo: Not recommended for Calgary (draws too much power, not efficient)

Top Fan Brands for Calgary

Brand Price Range Notes
Panasonic WhisperCeiling $80–$250 Whisper-quiet, very reliable
Broan-NuTone $40–$300 Most common in Calgary builds
Delta $50–$200 Humidity-sensing models at mid price
Fantech $150–$500 Commercial-grade, very quiet

n

⚠ Estimate Disclaimer: These are only ROUGH estimates that can vary wildly. Do not take these numbers as gospel. Having a defined scope of work and exact selections will give you clarity.

Sone Rating: How Quiet Is It?

  • 4.0 sones: Loud (typical builder-grade)
  • 2.0 sones: Moderate
  • 1.0 sone: Quiet
  • 0.3 sones: Whisper-quiet (Panasonic, high-end)

For a master ensuite, spend the extra $50 on a 0.3-1.0 sone fan. You’ll thank yourself.

Installation Cost in Calgary

  • Replace existing fan (same location): $200–$500
  • New fan with new electrical circuit: $400–$900
  • New fan with new exterior duct penetration: $600–$1,200

Related Articles

Pillar Guide: Bathroom Renovations Calgary: The Complete Guide

Contact Olympic City Renovations for a free consultation.

Olympic City Renovations serves Calgary, Priddis, Okotoks, and surrounding communities.