Extractor fans also known as wall fans are designed to remove moisture, fumes and unwanted odours from the air to improve the air quality. In domestic and commercial properties it is important to reduce condensation and provide ventilation in the kitchen, bathroom, shower room, wet room and laundry room. Nowadays it is a legal requirement to have an extractor fan in new builds.
The airflow of a fan is in cubic feet per hour (m³/h) and is an important factor when deciding on which type of fan you require. A large variety of wall fans is available in a range of styles and colours to suit all room sizes and locations. Some of these ventilation fans can be very nosy therefore silent extractor fans are worth considering if noise is an issue. Most fans come with a mounting kit, pull cord or automatic shutter options and some have special features such as humidistat, timers and remote controls
Basic types of fans for extraction, intake and ventilation are:
- Axial fans – most common type, usually wall mounted to internal walls and depending on the cavity depth these wall mounted fans require ducting to reach the exterior wall
- Centrifugal extractor fans - which are ceiling mounted. General found in commercial and industrial environments that need elongated ducting and can be nosy
- Inline extractor fan – can be axial or centrifugal but they are not installed on walls and ceilings but found in the loft space above a ceiling
Where to place fans?
- Kitchen – removes cooking smells, steam and traps grease therefore providing healthier environment
- Bathroom – to provide ventilation and reduce condensation from the steam after a hot shower or bath. This prevents damp and mouldy patches which can cause health problems as unventilated conditions are ideal for bacteria to live. Also removes unwanted bad smells after using the toilet
- Shower rooms or wet rooms – bathroom ceiling extractor fans remove moisture from showering
- Window – some window fans can be mounted on the window but a special kit is required for these window vents
