From real inspections

Home ventilation.
Follow the air.

A fan on the ceiling is only the beginning. See what our inspectors found when they checked the controls, ducting and where the air goes next.

Explore the video examples

Inspect Canada · 5 field videos · Metro Vancouver & Fraser Valley

Look at the whole system

Air needs a path.
Not just a fan.

Ventilation brings outdoor air in and removes indoor air. Local exhaust helps remove moisture where it is generated. An HRV exchanges air while recovering heat, but its controls and installation still need to work.

These selected clips date from 2019 and 2020. They show conditions at those visits, not current conditions, prevalence statistics or a prediction about another home.

Three useful questions

Does it operate?Check the controls and actual performance, not just appearance or noise.

Where does the air travel?Consider the duct route, connections and outdoor discharge.

What else is affected?Investigate moisture clues and damaged finishes alongside the ventilation concern.

The inspection video library

Five examples. One connected system.

Bathroom moisture, an unfinished HRV installation and the route from the fan to outdoors. Each example separates the observation from what still needs checking.

01 · Bathroom ventilation

A steamy bathroom with no exhaust fan

What we found: The shower is running, the window is open and the bathroom is visibly steamy. The inspector reports no ceiling exhaust fan and deteriorating ceiling paint.
What it means: An open window did not adequately clear the moisture during this demonstration. This is an observation at one visit, not an airflow measurement or a code ruling.
What to do next: Have a ventilation contractor assess a suitable exhaust system, its outdoor discharge and the condition of moisture-affected finishes.

Read the video summary

David shows a bathroom with a running shower, an open window and substantial visible steam. He points out the absence of a ceiling fan and describes paint deterioration. The example illustrates why the way moisture leaves the room matters.

02 · Heat recovery ventilation

The HRV is there. Its control was still in the box.

What we found: After looking for the HRV control, the inspector finds it packaged inside the unit.
What it means: Equipment being present does not confirm that installation is complete or that it operates correctly. The clip does not establish the entire operating history.
What to do next: Ask an HVAC contractor to complete and verify the installation, controls, airflow and balancing. Obtain operating instructions and any commissioning records.

Read the video summary

David explains the purpose of a heat recovery ventilator and searches for its control. Opening the unit reveals a control still in its packaging. The finding calls for verification of the installation and operation, not an assumption based on appearances.

03 · Attic ducting

Warm, moist air in a cold attic duct

What we found: The inspector points out flexible plastic exhaust ducting in an attic and discusses its lack of insulation.
What it means: Warm, moist exhaust can condense as it passes through a cold duct. Duct material, insulation, connections and the outdoor termination should be assessed together.
What to do next: Have a ventilation contractor check the complete route and use ducting and insulation suitable for the appliance and installation. A dryer exhaust requires its own assessment.

Read the video summary

David shows flexible plastic ducting in an attic and explains the concern with condensation inside a cold exhaust duct. He describes how water can affect the fan or nearby ceiling. The appropriate repair depends on the connected appliance and the full duct route.

04 · Condensation clues

A non-working fan and wet window finishes

What we found: The inspector reports that the bathroom fan does not work and shows wet, deteriorated finishes around a window.
What it means: Poor moisture removal may contribute to condensation on cold surfaces. Window temperature, moisture generation and other sources also need consideration.
What to do next: Arrange diagnosis of the fan and duct system, then assess the affected finishes. Confirm the repaired system actually exhausts air outdoors.

Read the video summary

David connects a non-working bathroom fan with moisture remaining indoors. He shows condensation and deterioration around a cold window. The visible damage needs assessment as well as attention to ventilation.

05 · Outdoor discharge

Where does the exhaust air go next?

What we found: An exhaust outlet is positioned beside perforated soffit. The inspector suspects it serves a bathroom.
What it means: The concern is moist exhaust being drawn back toward the attic intake. The connected appliance and airflow path are not confirmed in this short clip.
What to do next: Have the outlet location and nearby intakes reviewed by a ventilation contractor. Coordinate any roof or soffit work with the appropriate trade; do not simply block attic ventilation.

Read the video summary

David points out an outlet near a vented soffit and explains the potential for exhausted moisture to re-enter the attic. This edited excerpt focuses on the airflow concern. It is not a universal instruction to close soffit vents or a finding that mould is present.

Five distinct examples selected from six source clips. A second take of the steamy bathroom was omitted to avoid repetition. Originals are preserved.

From concern to a plan

What should you do next?

01

Describe the symptoms

Note which controls work, where moisture appears and whether it follows showering or cooking. Keep installation and maintenance records.

02

Check the complete route

Ask the contractor to assess the fan or HRV, duct connections, airflow and outlet. Replacing a fan alone may leave a duct problem unresolved.

03

Verify the repair

Request appropriate performance checks and operating instructions. Assess damaged finishes separately and keep the system maintained.

The right help for the finding

Who can fix ventilation issues?

Ventilation / HVAC contractor

Fan performance, ducts and HRVs

Diagnoses airflow and installation concerns, checks controls and specifies suitable repairs.

Qualified electrician

Electrical faults and controls

Assesses power, wiring and electrical work associated with a fan or control installation.

Roofing / envelope contractor

Exterior outlets and affected finishes

Coordinates weatherproof exterior work and investigates moisture damage when needed.

The right scope depends on the home. More than one trade may be needed; these are trade categories, not specific company endorsements.

Before you buy or sell

Understand the home.
Including the air you cannot see.

A home inspection can put accessible ventilation concerns in context with the rest of the property. We explain what was observed, the limitations of the visit and where further investigation may be appropriate.

It is not a guarantee of indoor air quality, a concealed-duct survey or an airflow-balancing service.

A little more clarity

Your ventilation questions, answered.

Is an open bathroom window enough?

It depends on the conditions and the ventilation design. In the bathroom example, visible steam remained even with the window open. Ask a qualified contractor to assess reliable moisture removal rather than assuming the window alone is adequate.

Does fan noise prove that it works?

No. A running motor does not establish the airflow rate or prove the duct reaches outdoors. The fan, duct, damper and termination need to work together.

Does an HRV replace every bathroom fan?

Not automatically. Some systems are designed to extract air from bathrooms; others are configured differently. Confirm the design, controls and measured performance of the system in the home.

Should I close the soffit vents near an exhaust outlet?

Do not block attic ventilation as a blanket repair. Have a contractor assess the exhaust location, re-entry risk and attic ventilation together, then specify an appropriate solution.

Does condensation mean there is mould?

Condensation indicates moisture on a cold surface, not a confirmed mould diagnosis. Persistent dampness warrants investigation. The clips do not establish concealed conditions or the extent of any contamination.

Can an inspection certify the ventilation system?

A standard home inspection is not a system design review, airflow-balancing service or guarantee of indoor air quality. It can identify accessible concerns and recommend further assessment. Ask what checks are included in your inspection.

Keep exploring

Moisture leaves clues.

See the related guide to ceiling stains, wet insulation and other water-damage findings.

Explore water damage

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