I have 2 Panasonic fans with 4 inch ducts, which re both venting through flexible venting into a non-flexible 3 inch duct pipe out of the side of the house. In addition, one of the two fans is somehow missing the plastic damper, but to replace that I would need the entire damper assembly, because according to Panasonic the damper is not sold alone. I know I need to make some changes to this arrangement, and have read some of the various threads on this site and others.
I have been told that if I want to continue to vent both fans out the same vent I need a 6" vent pipe. If I run the vents separate, I would need two 4" vent pipes.
If I go with either of these arrangements, how critical is it to also replace the damper assembly on the one fan missing the damper, or can I take care of that by installing a damper on the vent pipe itself?
I also read that the flexible venting is no good, but I have no kinks in the attic where the flex vent runs, and I don't see how else to bring the vent around the joists where the fans are installed. I would not run the flex to the outside, it is only run until it meets the solid vent pipe that runs to the outside.
And finally, since I have to make some corrections anyway, am I better off running to the roof? The run to the side of the house is fairly short, and I think with the right size venting the side of the house should continue to be OK.
I have been told that if I want to continue to vent both fans out the same vent I need a 6" vent pipe. If I run the vents separate, I would need two 4" vent pipes.
If I go with either of these arrangements, how critical is it to also replace the damper assembly on the one fan missing the damper, or can I take care of that by installing a damper on the vent pipe itself?
I also read that the flexible venting is no good, but I have no kinks in the attic where the flex vent runs, and I don't see how else to bring the vent around the joists where the fans are installed. I would not run the flex to the outside, it is only run until it meets the solid vent pipe that runs to the outside.
And finally, since I have to make some corrections anyway, am I better off running to the roof? The run to the side of the house is fairly short, and I think with the right size venting the side of the house should continue to be OK.