We have a vacation cabin in the remote mountains. This place was built many years ago, and this county is so remote, not much attention is paid to building codes, etc.
I have a very small bathroom adjacent to an upstairs bathroom, that was built as an after-thought. It is real nice, but it has always had a problem. It has NO ventilation. It is **fully** enclosed, except for the door, which leads off our bedroom.
Because the bathroom has no ventilation, it stinks, not so much from human use, but from mice droppings/ dead mice that get trapped in the walls, etc. I know that if I could air it out, it would be 100% better.
I have thought of a small window. I know that would allow it to air out, and would do the trick. Yet, that is a bit costly, and would not "match" the exterior lines of the house.
I have also thought of a ventilation fan, but I know nothing about them. Are they really, really, effective ? I know they usually ventilate through a ceiling vent, but I would prefer not to go through my roof. Can they be vented horizontally, with a hole on a side wall? Most importantly, would a good exhaust fan do as well as having a small window that I could open from time to time ?
There is another possibility..... on the single door on this small bathroom, there is a transom area, currently covered with paneling. I could physically install an exhaust fan there, but of course it would be blowing out into the bedroom. The bedroom has plenty of windows, and thus is well-ventilated.
Some of my ideas or comments may sound like I am a greenhorn, and I am.
I will appreciate constructive ideas and comments. I suppose one of my main questions is how well an exhaust fan would ventilate this small bathroom, especially compared to a small window.
(Please note: Although I want things to be safe and effective, there is no worry about building codes here).
Thank You !!
James