Thanks Marci. The ceiling will be painted white and the dry wall replaced but I'm trying to figure out how to move things around on that small ceiling to look nicer. That ceiling vent is from 1972 and I'm wondering where I can move it. I didn't include the rest of the bathroom because it's getting gutted but its basically a powder room with a tub.

I second the Panasonic fan posted above. They're really quiet and do a great job. And yes, a good paint job would help. That said, not sure why there's a stain around the vent. Have you had a water leak? Might be a good idea to get that checked out so you're not literally painting over a bigger problem.

Thanks Sabrina! That stain is from an old problem. Replacing the ceiling too. What do you think about the location of the fan and vent?

Without seeing the entire floor plan, it's tough to say. If it's a small bathroom, I generally place them centered on the walkway between the shower and the toilet.

A powder room does not have a tub. But honestly without pictures it is hard to help. There are tons of choices for exhaust fans in bathrooms but not sure what exactly you want.

just replace the vent. I don't understand what the issue is. either replace or remove it. I mean, what else is there?

We painted all our HVAC vents the same color as the walls/ceilings they were on in all the houses we've lived in. 1 coat of primer and then 2 coats of paint. Bit of a project but easy to do. Since they aren't touched, aside from an occasional wipe we've found that the paint doesn't come off. We've also painted some vents.

It looks like you have problems there that new paint, drywall and plaster might not fix. Proper air and moisture evacuation has to be designed into this system or else existing problems will reappear. If you use ceiling pot lights make sure the enclosures are rated for bathrooms. Use LED lighting as incandescent heat might contribute to your moisture problem.

I would start with the attic.

IMO

SR

How does an incandescent bulb contribute to a moisture problem?

They have some really great light/fan combos out now, I bet even an updated register too.

“Elmer J Fudd

How does an incandescent bulb contribute to a moisture problem?”

In ‘some’ climates (mine) we have frost in the attics (frozen moisture). Tonight it’s going down to a balmy 3˚F, that’s about the temperature of the attic above the bathroom. Incandescent lights can generate enough heat that escapes from the boxed enclosure to melt the surrounding frost and voila - moisture on the ceiling!

LED lighting will not raise the temperature enough to melt or disturb the frost in the attic. Remember, an incandescent bulb is mostly heat and some light; a 50-watt or 100-watt bulb is really a 50-watt or 100-watt heater.

Proper attic ventilation is required to mitigate moisture problems in the attic. To this end you want the attic to be the same temperature above the attic insulation as it is outside so that moisture is removed and does not condense. Insulation is to keep heat in - below the ceiling! Once its (heat) escaped it’s of no further use and must be vented.

Proper venting also protects the attic, roof decking and supporting structures from rot, mould etc.

IMO

SR

Though not an issue in my mild climate area, I do understand a number of the reasons for and practice of having enough ventilation to keep attics cold in winter.

Aren't there vapor barriers between the attic and the house? Frost in an attic is going to melt some time, what happens then?

An attic must 'breathe'.

You didn't answer the question. I'd assume proper technique is to put a vapor barrier (plastic) above the ceiling and below the insulation in a cold climate attic. If so, how would moisture from the attic enter the living space?