Bathroom extractor fans come with many benefits. They remove excess moisture from the air to stop mould from growing, they stop adverse effects such as rusting and paint peeling, and they dissipate odours in a short amount of time.
Read on for our expert reviews of the best bathroom extractor fans available. Check the latest prices to ensure you get a great deal!
Contents
- 1 Our Picks of the 10 Best Bathroom Extractor Fans
- 2 Best Bathroom Extractor Fans
- 2.1 1. Envirovent SIL100T Silent-100T Axial Silent Extractor Fan
- 2.2 2. Manrose QF100T Quiet Extractor Fan with Timer
- 2.3 3. Xpelair C4S 4-inch Simply Silent Contour Extractor Fan
- 2.4 4. Airflow iCON ECO 15 240V 100mm Extractor Fan
- 2.5 5. Vent-Axia Silent Fan – VASF100T
- 2.6 6. Vents Quiet Low Noise Energy Efficient Bathroom Extractor Fan
- 2.7 7. Vortice Record Extractor Fan
- 2.8 8. Blauberg UK Black Blauberg Quiet Extractor Fan
- 2.9 9. Blauberg UK CALM 100 T Environment Silent
- 2.10 10. Knightsbridge 100mm / 4 LED Extractor Fan
- 3 Bathroom Extractor Fan Buying Guide
- 3.1 What Is a Bathroom Extractor Fan?
- 3.1.1 Window Fans
- 3.1.2 Ducted Wall Fans
- 3.1.3 Ceiling Fans
- 3.2 How Does a Bathroom Extractor Fan Work?
- 3.3 How Do I Install a Bathroom Extractor Fan?
- 3.3.1 Installing a Window Fan
- 3.3.2 Installing a Ceiling Fan
- 3.4 Why Are Bathroom Extractor Fans Needed?
- 3.5 What Is the Difference Between a Kitchen and Bathroom Extractor Fan?
- 3.6 What Are the Different Type of Extractor Fans?
- 3.6.1 Axial Fans
- 3.6.2 Centrifugal Fans
- 3.6.3 Inline Fans
- 3.7 Features to Look for in a Bathroom Extractor Fan
- 3.7.1 Extraction Rate
- 3.7.2 Dimensions
- 3.7.3 Sound Output
- 3.7.4 Material
- 3.7.5 Operation
- 3.7.6 Timer
- 3.7.7 Design
- 3.7.8 Humidity Sensor
- 3.7.9 Guarantee
| Image | Name | |
|  | Envirovent SIL100T Silent-100T Axial Silent Extractor Fan The Envirovent SIL100T Silent-100T Axial Silent Extractor Fan features an impressive 26 litres per second extraction rate, timer functionality and is one of the quietest fans in the market. Read more | |
|  | Manrose QF100T Quiet Extractor Fan with Timer The Manrose QF100T Quiet Extractor Fan with Timer features unique turning vane technology, timer overrun, backdraught shutter and quiet operation. Read more | |
|  | Xpelair C4S 4-inch Simply Silent Contour Extractor Fan The sleek Xpelair C4S 4-inch Simply Silent Contour Extractor Fan features a smooth twist and click fascia for easy cleaning and installation, quiet operation and two-speed settings. Read more | |
|  | Airflow iCON ECO 15 240V 100mm Extractor Fan The stylish, sleek and unobtrusive Airflow iCON ECO 15 240V 100mm Extractor Fan features a simple installation process, an iris shutter design that makes switching on and off almost silent and helps reduce sound output. Read more | |
|  | Vent-Axia Silent Fan – VASF100T The Vent-Axia Silent Fan - VASF100T features a built-in adjustable over-run timer, silent intermittent fan and choice of two speeds at installation. Read more | |
|  | Vents Quiet Low Noise Energy Efficient Bathroom Extractor Fan The Vents Quiet Low Noise Energy Efficient Bathroom Extractor Fan features a timer, humidity sensor, quiet operation and is finished in a UV resistant brilliant white. Read more | |
|  | Vortice Record Extractor Fan The quiet and efficient Vortice Record Extractor Fan features a low sound output and adjustable timer. Read more | |
|  | Blauberg UK Black Blauberg Quiet Extractor Fan The German-engineered Blauberg UK Black Blauberg Quiet Extractor Fan has a specially designed mixed-flow impeller to ensures high airflow and low noise level. Read more | |
|  | Blauberg UK CALM 100 T Environment Silent The Blauberg UK CALM 100 T Environment Silent features Blauberg German sealed for life ball bearings, anti-vibration mounts to ensure low noise and offers significant energy savings. Read more | |
|  | Knightsbridge 100mm / 4 LED Extractor Fan The modern Knightsbridge 100mm / 4 LED Extractor Fan features a built-in LED array, a built-in over-run timer and low noise level. Read more | |
The Envirovent SIL100T Silent-100T Axial Silent Extractor Fan is designed to help you solve the issue of having a poorly ventilated bathroom. Designed to be easily installed in the ceiling or wall, this stylish fan features silent operation. This, combined with its run-on timer feature ensures that it pumps out foul odours from the space in question keeping it fresh without attracting any unnecessary attention.
Features
Quiet Operation
With its 26.5 dB at 3m noise output, this is one of the quietest fans on the market. To deliver this level of low noise operation, the fan is equipped with motors installed on silent elastic blocks.
Timer
While it is possible for you to manually set the fan's run-on time to five, twenty or even thirty minutes, the fan comes with an over-run timer that calculates how long the fan should operate based on how long it has been running.
Multi-functional
In addition to circulating fresh air in poorly ventilated bathrooms, this feature-rich fan also comes with an adjustable humidity sensor. With this feature, the user can set the level of relative humidity, in the space in question, to between sixty and ninety percent. The fan continues operating until the set level is achieved; and with it circulating air at the rate of 96 cubic metres per second, this is quickly achieved.
Stylish Design
Designed to be highly stylish, the Envirovent SIL100T Silent Extractor Fan perfectly fits the decor of your bathroom.
Pros:
- Automatic activation thanks to the PIR feature
- Prevents the unrestricted entry of air from outside, thanks to the back draft shutter; thus minimising heat leakage
Cons:
- The timer function will only work when the fan is connected to a 3 wire connection, which includes a permanent live, neutral and switched live. If you have only two wires to connect the fan to, do not expect this feature to work.
Tired of those noisy, inefficient extractor fans? The Manrose QF100T is a well-designed, well tested and energy-efficient extractor fan from a brand that has won accolades all across the globe. It is made well, works extremely quietly and has an impressive extraction rate for a fan of 4 inches size.
Features
High Quality Construction
The fan is made from high ABS thermoplastics that ensures excellent strength and durability. It's not made of some flimsy plastic that will break in a few months. The high quality plastic construction will ensure that it lasts for years.
Quite & Effective
Its unique design and high quality plastic construction ensures extremely quiet operation. It produces only 27 dB at a distance of 3 m which is almost 60% less when compared to the standard four-inch domestic fans. And with an extraction rate of 75 cubic meters per hour or 21 litres per second, it serves its purpose well. It's extremely energy-efficient with the motor consuming a maximum of 4.8 W. You won't even know it's there.
Guarantee
You get 5 years warranty with this product which means the company stand behind the quality of products made and sold by them. The manufacturer uses high quality ball bearing as well as long life motors that are warranted for a period of 3 years or a minimum of 30,000 hours.
Wall or Ceiling Mount
It can be mounted on the wall or on ceiling. It has been designed to be an ideal solution for bathrooms and toilets. The turning vane system in this unit helps in maintaining a high output. With a single fan speed of 2300 rpm, it impresses as an extractor fan.
Pros:
- It is made from high-quality ABS thermoplastics
- It is extremely quiet with noise levels of just 27 dB at 3 m
- It is highly effective as an extractor fan with fan speed of 2300 rpm and extraction rate of 21 L per second
- It is highly energy-efficient with power consumption of just 4.8 W
- It comes with a 5 years warranty, and the motors have a warranty of at least 3 years or 30,000 hours of operation
Cons:
- Some people don't like the flimsy design of spring that is meant to keep the flaps in place to stop reverse flow from outside. However, it does its job nicely.
Removing moisture from the air in your bathroom is a breeze with the Xpelair C4S 4-inch Simply Silent Extractor Fan. This fan removes water from the air fast so your bathroom stays damp-free and feels more comfortable. The fan has two speeds and the installation is simple. The fan has a sleek and smooth look and fits in with any type of bathroom decor. The fan is easy to wipe clean and the quiet operation ensures that you won't be disturbed by the noise.
Features
Two Powerful Speeds
The fan has two speeds. The first setting removes 15 litres of water per second and the second speed removes 21 litres per second. You have peace of mind knowing that all of the water is going to be removed fast. Your bathroom is going to feel dry and comfortable after you turn on the fan.
Sleek Design
The design of the fan is sleek and smooth. The white finish goes well with any type of decor. The fan can be easily wiped clean and it doesn't need any maintenance.
Quiet Operation
The fan is very quiet and is one of the quietest intermittent bathroom fans you can buy. You can relax in the bathroom without being bothered by the sound.
Multiple Installation Options
The fan is easy to install. It has a twist and click fascia that makes it very easy to install and maintain. The fan is suitable for a panel, wall, or ceiling fitting so you get just the right spot for the fan.
Two Year Guarantee
The fan comes with a two year guarantee for your peace of mind.
Pros:
- Quiet operation won't distract you
- Sleek design looks great in any bathroom
- Two speeds remove up to 21 litres of water per second
Cons:
- Installation can be challenging
If you are looking for a stylish and unobtrusive extractor fan that doesn't skimp on performance, you will likely come across the Airflow iCON ECO 15 240V extractor fan. It is one of the highest-rated extractor fans currently on the market.
Features
Slim Profile
One of the things that makes this unit stand out is its slim profile. It's design combined with its iris shutter make it effectively discrete in virtually any setting. Therefore, you will be able to add an extractor fan without the normal obtrusive appearance that one has. Additional coloured covers can also be used to match your decor.
Quiet Yet Powerful
When you are looking at extractor fans, you want one that is unobtrusive but you also don't want to limit performance. Having a delicate balance between power and noise is key. With the ECO 15, Airflow managed to nail it. It offers a flow rate of 68mhr at a sound level of 30 decibels making it relatively silent for even the smallest of bathrooms.
Remote Switch
It can be installed right out of the box to work with a remote switch or even a light switch. Therefore, there is versatility in the function and you can add even more functionality by adding a plugin module.
Pros:
- The iCON ECO 15 offers one of the best and most stylish ventilation for the home.
- You are getting very powerful extraction without the loud noise that usually accompanies such a quiet extractor.
Cons:
- The installation manual could be more detailed
5. Vent-Axia Silent Fan – VASF100T
Searching for an extra silent extractor fan? The Vent-Axia VASF100T is designed to be a super quiet and highly efficient extractor fan with exceptional performance. It has a seven blade impeller and a diameter of 4 inches or 100 mm that produces only 14 dB at low speed and just 26 dB at high setting.
Features
Design
It's a well-designed product with 2 fan speed settings. The factory pre-set comes with the extraction rate of 15 L per second which is best for toilet installation but it can be enhanced to 21 L per second of extraction which makes it ideal for bathroom use. You will also like its stylish high-gloss and ice white front tile grille.
Highly Efficient
It's a highly efficient fan that comes with an adjustable over run timer. Even though it doesn't come with its own remote cord, it can be included during the installation by a skilled installer. The overrun timer can be adjusted between 5 and 30 minutes.
Quiet
One of the most common problems people have with extractor fans is the noise they produce. This fan is extremely quiet. At low setting, it produces just 14 dB whereas only 26 dB is produced at the highest setting. To give you some context, a normal conversation occurs at 70 dB. In fact, the company markets it as the quietest bathroom fan on the market.
Warranty
The company offers 2 years warranty for this product which means they are sure about the quality of their products.
So, get rid of those old and noisy extractor fans, and bring home the Vent-Axia VASF100T. This compact, 4 inches fan is one of the best extractor fans for bathrooms and toilets. You won't even know it's there.
Pros:
- It is extremely quiet at low setting and you won't even know it's there. It does make some noise at the higher speed setting.
- The adjustable timer allows you to set up the overrun time from 5 to 30 minutes
- It looks stylish and won't look out of place in your bathroom
- You also get a warranty for 2 years
- It has two speed settings that can be chosen at installation
Cons:
- Some people find it a bit expensive as compared to the other no-name brands but quality comes at a price
Are you in the market for a new extractor fan for your bathroom? At first this might seem like an easy task as you assume that all extractor fans are the same. However, you should know that some of them do a better job of removing unpleasant smells and indoor air pollutants than others. If you want nothing but the best, it's recommended the Vents Quiet and Energy Efficient bathroom extractor fan.
Features
Low-noise
One of the main selling points of this extractor fan is its low-noise operation. You can expect to barely hear any noise every time it's in use. With 25 dB, it's one of the quietest extract fans you can find.
Stylish
Another reason why this particular unit is popular is because of its stylish design. It has an elegant white finish that makes it the perfect addition to any bathroom or kitchen.
High Extraction Rate
It's also worth noting the high extraction rate of this exhaust fan. It features 27 litres per second and 97 cubic meters per hour, which is very impressive for an extractor fan that only measures 4 inches.
Wall or Ceiling-mounted
his exhaust fan can be mounted on walls or ceilings. Depending on the unique set up of your bathroom or kitchen, you can ensure that this will fit perfectly.
Pros:
- IP45 rated – This makes for a convenient, quiet, and efficient operation
- It looks simple yet elegant. You won't feel disappointed every time you see this extractor fan in your kitchen or bathroom.
Cons:
- Some may find the installation process a little challenging
Do you have a modern bathroom and struggle to find an extractor fan that compliments its style? Plenty of new homeowners are in the same boat. Thankfully, the Vortice Record extractor fan offers all the things you expect from an exhaust fan while operating in style. Without question, it's the perfect accessory for your sleek and modern bathroom. But what are the other features that make it an excellent purchase?
Features
Energy-efficient
The power consumption of this fan is only 16 watts, with an extraction rate of 23.6 litres per second. These are impressive numbers that only highlight its energy-efficiency.
Quiet Operation
Another thing you'd love about this extractor fan is its quiet operation. You'll hear virtually no noise unless you're really close to it.
Easy Operation
This particular exhaust fan is designed to be turned on using the room light switch. This means that turning the light on also turns on the fan. When you turn off the lights, the fan continues to operate for a pre-set time.
Adjustable Timer
It's annoying to go to the bathroom only to turn off the extractor fan. The good news is that the Vortice Record comes with an adjustable timer. You can set it between 3 and 20 minutes so you wouldn't have to enter the bathroom just to turn it off.
Pros:
- Low noise – Of course, any extractor fan should have a quiet operation, but not all of them live up to their claims. Vortice Record is different because it uses noise reduction technology.
- This extract fan looks unique and beautiful. You can expect that its style will match that of your bathroom.
Cons:
- Not the most durable – Mostly made from plastic, the durability of the extractor fan isn't rated the best in the market.
If you're searching for a quiet extractor fan for your toilet or your shower, the Blauberg UK Black extractor fan is what you have been waiting for. This extractor fan is equipped with a humidity sensor. It is a stylish looking 4 inches designer extractor fan that comes equipped with an anti-backdraft shutter. You will be impressed by its 27 L per second extraction rate which is rightly claimed by the company as one of the highest extraction rates for a 4 inches extractor fan.
Features
Excellent Design
The first thing you'll notice about this extractor fan is its design. Even though this particular model is black, it is also available in many other colours. Its mixed flow impeller design ensures an air flow rate of 27 L per second.
Quiet
It is a German engineered design that comes equipped with anti-vibration mounts which means extremely low noise. It produces only 25 dB noise which means you won't even know it's there. With power consumption of just 7.5 watts, it's an excellent extractor fan that can be used in your bathroom or even your kitchen.
Efficient
It has an energy rating of A+ and it comes with a built-in humidity sensor which automatically switches on the extractor fan when humidity exceeds a certain level.
Warranty
The German engineered motor in this fan is backed by a 5 years warranty which means you can expect it to last for years when installed correctly.
If you want a long lasting and super quiet extractor fan for your bathroom, toilet or kitchen, the Blauberg extractor fan is the perfect choice.
Pros:
- It is super quiet with noise levels of only around 25 dB
- It comes with a built-in humidity sensor that works great and can be adjusted as per your needs
- The motor in the fan is backed by 5 years warranty
- It has an extraction rate of 27 L per second which is great for a fan of this size
- The specially designed impeller ensures low noise levels but high airflow and it also looks great
Cons:
- The company offers quite a number of variations of this model and the manual is same for all the variations. Some buyers don't like that their fan doesn't come with its own specific manual.
9. Blauberg UK CALM 100 T Environment Silent
You may have a cooling unit for your residence but the cooling system is not typically installed in all areas of the house. During the summer, the heat in spaces such as the kitchen or bathroom can end up being unbearable. However, you are in luck! You can give all areas in your home the cool breeze that you desire with the Blauberg UK CALM 100 T Environment Silent Fan.
This ultra-quiet fan follows the German designs and has an anti-vibration feature designed to ensure that it operates as quietly as possible. In fact, when running at full throttle, this fan only produces sound levels of 25 dba.
Features
Easy To Use
To get a cool breeze in any room, you simply need to find a socket and plug in this device. No complicated procedures, simply plug it in, choose your desired mode of use and enjoy the effects.
It Is Versatile
This fan has a lot of control options depending on the need of the user. For example, it has humidity and damp control options and it also has an automatic movement detection mode.
It Is Compact
The compact design of this ultra-silent fan means that it can be installed virtually anywhere. If you need to cool your kitchen, bathroom or closet, this is the fan to acquire.
It Comes In a Range of Colours
One of the biggest headaches for most homeowners when they are acquiring appliances is how they can match the colour of the appliances with the existing decor. The Blauberg UK CALM 100 T Environment Silent Fan, comes in a wide range of colours meaning that it can match almost any decorative scheme.
Pros:
- It is compact and as such, it can be installed in virtually any space as long as there is a power source
- It is highly energy-efficient
- It can be mounted on the ceiling or wall
- It operates very silently
Cons:
- When you hear the word ultra-silent, you expect the fan to be totally silent while it is in operation but this is not the case as it still makes some noise once it is powered on
Searching for an aesthetically pleasing extractor fan that doesn't ruin the aesthetics of your bathroom? The Knightsbridge 100 mm extractor fan comes equipped with 4 blue LED lights that will create an impression. This highly efficient and effective extractor fan has a unique look unmatched by any other model with similar specifications. The LED lights come on automatically once the fan starts and these brighten up the edges that look very pleasing.
Features
Design
This fan stands out with its blue LED lights. The stainless steel finish is aesthetically pleasing and you will be happy to have this extractor fan in your bathroom. It can be fitted into walls as well as ceilings. The built-in LED are also easy to wipe clean.
Quiet
Another thing that makes this model stands apart is low noise levels when running. It produces noise levels of just 35 dB at a distance of 3 m which means you will hardly hear it when it's running.
Efficient
This extractor fan has an airflow or extraction rate of 90 cubic meters per hour which is enough for a medium sized bathroom. The typical 100 mm extractor fans have an extraction rate of around 80 cubic meters per hour.
Easy to Install and Built-In Timer
It is easy to install and the built-in timer can be adjusted from 2 to 30 minutes.
Reliable
It's a reliable brand and the company offers a 3 years warranty for this product which means they are confident about the quality of this product.
Pros:
- It is a well-built extractor fan that is aesthetically pleasing
- The 4 blue LED lights come on automatically once the fan motor runs and create quite an impression
- It produces noise levels of around 35 dB which means it is super quiet when running
- It comes with a 3 years warranty
- The built-in adjustable timer can be set from 2 to 30 minutes
Cons:
- The instructions included with the product are not up to the mark and many buyers find them poorly written
Bathroom extractor fans are a modern device that are usually taken for granted, but the absence of one is easily felt. You might be thinking about adding one to your bathroom if it doesn't already have one. Here is a guide to bathroom extractor fans that can help you when you decide to buy one.
A bathroom extractor fan is a fan that has been placed into a bathroom to move air from inside to outside a home or property. Before bathroom extractor fans became commonplace, open windows were used to move air from inside the bathroom. While this method eventually worked, when compared to an extractor fan, it took a lot more time for the air to move, and there was nothing to facilitate the movement other than natural air currents. New properties that are constructed in the UK are required to have extractor fans in their bathrooms due to building regulations.
Buildings that were built years before current UK regulations may not have bathroom fan extractors and will need to have them installed. Three kinds of fans can be used for extraction purposes:
Window Fans
Window fans are an option that many choose because of how cheap they are and the ease of installation. In some cases, glass will need to be cut to fit the fan into a window. The fan's cables will be visible, which can be unsightly for some.
Ducted Wall Fans
Ducted wall fans are the most common choice among extractor fans. In both the bathroom wall and the outer wall, a hole is made and the extractor fan is place into the bathroom wall hole. A duct is placed on the other side of the fan and leads to the other hole.
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are similar to ducted wall fans, but they are mounted in the ceiling. They sometimes lack the same power that wall fans have because of their vertical orientation, but often found to be more pleasing to the eye.
Extractor fans use a fast moving component to create suction that moves air from inside of the bathroom. The fast moving component is an impeller that is connected to the power supply of a property. The impeller spins using a high speed motor. While the extractor is in use, air constantly moves through it with no way of going back the same way it came. Extractor fans are made to work efficiently by moving certain amounts of air in a given amount of time.
The steps for installing a bathroom extractor fan will depend on the kind of fan that will be placed in a bathroom. If it's a window extractor fan, and there is only one window in the bathroom, then the location choices are pretty limited. For ducted wall fans and ceiling fans, there's a little more freedom, as duct work will be used to direct the air from the bathroom to the outside. For a window extractor fan, the steps are as follows.
Installing a Window Fan
- Choose the fan location. To get the best results out of the fan, it should be placed as closely to the source of any odours or condensation as possible.
- Make measurements on the glass pane for the extractor's location. Each fan will have its own hole size, and fan's manual can provide information about it. There needs to be space around the window hole to accommodate the housing of the fan, which will be larger than it.
- Start cutting the glass. Use safety equipment and use a glass cutter to cut the marked area of the glass. If you don't feel confident in your ability to cut the glass, you can take the glass pane to a professional cutter.
- Place the extractor fan in the hole that you've cut. It will fit tightly if the glass has bee cut correctly. Either use the manual to join the fan's wires or get an electrician to do it.
- Wire the fan to a switch. The fan can be connected to a switched fuse spur, a pull switch, or a light switch to activate it. The manual will offer wiring instructions for specific cases, or an electrician can be used.
Installing a Ceiling Fan
For a ceiling fan, the steps are as follows:
- Create a reference hole with a drill and a 2 cm spade bit. This hole will need to be found in the attic and insulation must be cleared from it. The measurements of the fan's casing should be checked to see if the fan will fit between two joists. The fan's intake port must be measured, and then an outline must be marked on the ceiling using these measurements.
- Cut out the market area in the ceiling with a drywall saw or jigsaw. Support the ceiling with your free hand as you cut to prevent extra bits of drywall from falling. Wear a respirator and safety gear while cutting.
- Put the fan in place. A 90 degree elbow duct must be attached with foil tape to the outlet port. Through the fan's housing, a cable connector will be inserted in the knockout hole. Metal brackets will be positioned for support, and then the fan can be lowered into the hole.
- Properly secure the fan after it has been positioned. The metal brackets should reach the two joist and drywall screws should be used to secure the bracket ends. One end of the duct elbow must then be attached to the duct pipe using foil tape. Through the housing of the fan, run an electrical cable through and secure its connector screw with a screwdriver.
- Pick the shortest, straightest route for the duct pipe to meet the outside. Longer pipes are less efficient than shorter ones. A sidewall or the roof can be used.
- Add the vent cap. For sidewalls, measure and mark a spot between two studs on the wall and cut from the outside and add the cap. For a roof, measure and mark a spot on the inside and cut. Climb to the roof, remove the shingles over the cut area and add the vent cap with roofing nails and roofing cement. Attach the cap to the duct pipe with foil tape.
- Attach the fan wires to the house's power supply. Shut the power off first before making any connections. The wires of the fan and the inserted cable must be stripped by 1.6 cm. Like coloured wires are then twisted together and then connectors are added. The bare copper wire should be wrapped around the grounding clip. An electrician can help with the wiring if necessary.
The steps for installing a wall ducted fan are similar, except a location in the wall will need to be selected between two studs. A detector can be used to determine the location of any pipes that may be behind the walls. Just as with the ceiling fan, the shortest and straightest duct pipe path must be used to make sure the fan is as efficient as possible.
There's a chance that you've been in a bathroom without a window, or one where the fan wasn't working. If so, then you know how bad things can be. In a room with normal ventilation, any odours will dissipate in a short amount of time, but without it, the odours can stay around longer than intended. From the harsh smells made by products that are used to clean bathrooms, to foul smells from defecation, these odours will be in the air. Bathroom extractor fans are needed because they can remove these odours from the bathroom.
In addition to harsh odours, bathroom extractor fans are needed to remove excess moisture from the bathroom. A lot of humidity is produced when showers are taken, and it can make its way into the bathroom walls due to the porous and breathable nature of drywall and paint respectively. When the air cools down, the trapped humidity turns into water. All of this moisture creates the perfect environment for mould and fungus to grow. Long term exposure to mould can negatively effect body heath, causing problems such as skin irritation and allergies.
Excess amounts of moisture in the bathroom can also have terrible effects on the parts of the bathroom. Fixtures can become rusted, doors will begin to warp, and wallpaper and paint will begin to peel.
What Is the Difference Between a Kitchen and Bathroom Extractor Fan?
Bathroom extractor fans aren't the only kind of extractor fans that exist. Kitchens also have extractor fans, and although they seem similar, they aren't the same at all. While both fans move air from one location to another via suction, the kitchen fan draws more power and is made to be used in areas with high temperatures, such as over a stove. Kitchen fans generally deal with odours produced by food, moisture, and grease particles, while bathrooms fans just handle human odours, moisture, and odours from cleaning chemicals.
Three kinds of bathroom extractor fans exist that can be used: axial, centrifugal, and inline fans.
Axial Fans
Axial fans have their impeller parallel to the blade rotation shaft to pull air. These fans are usually around 10 cm in size, but can be larger for commercial applications. They are the least powerful option out of the three, and should only be used with ducts that are 2 to 3 meters long.
Centrifugal Fans
Centrifugal fans are more powerful than the axial versions and use an impeller to generate centrifugal force to extract air through a right angle turn. This creates more pressure and allows longer duct distances to be used. These fans also cost more than axial fans.
Inline Fans
Inline fans are the most powerful and are also used for long distance duct work.
When deciding on a bathroom extractor fan, there are certain features that can affect your choice.
Possibly the most important feature, as it determines how much air can be moved in a time interval. A rate of around 20 litres per second is a good place to start. Some extractors have higher extraction rates, but they produce more noise and create negative pressure that makes the air cold.
Dimensions
The size of the extractor will determine where it can be placed and if it can even fit in the bathroom.
Sound Output
The sound that is produced by an extractor is measured in decibels. Lower decibels results in a quieter sound, which good for bathroom extractors. 30db and under is the safe spot where the extractor won't bee too noisy.
Material
Fans are usually made of plastic or metals like aluminium or galvanised steel. The material used to make the fan can affect its price.
Operation
Extractor fans have to be turned on to start moving air and turned off to stop. There are couple of options that are used:
Pull Cord
The cord functions as a separate activation method from a light switch and just takes one pull to activate or deactivate.
Switch
When wired properly, the fan can be turned on and off with a simple wall switch. This makes for convenient operation.
Timer
The fan can be wired to a timer that allows it to run for a certain amount of time. Even after the shower and lights have been turned off, the fan can still run for a while.
Design
Fans can come in different shapes and sizes, have special colours and vent arrangements.
Humidity Sensor
This device can detect the humidity level in the air and activate the extractor fan to remove the humidity. The extractor will only turn on when necessary, rather than when the light is turned on.
Guarantee
The fans come with some kind of manufacturers guarantee that will ensure that it works when installed. There is usually a short warranty that covers the fan under normal use.
This guide should give you a better idea of the bathroom extractor fan you might want. Once you make an informed decision, the buying and installation process should be easy to do.
