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Maintaining good ventilation in your bathroom is essential to prevent mould, mildew, and odours. A powerful extractor fan can significantly improve air quality and create a more pleasant and healthier environment.
Here’s a look at some of the most powerful extractor fans for bathrooms, detailing their features, benefits, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
1
Envirovent Silent Extractor Fan for bathroom
9.7
Exceptional
Main Highlights
2
Bosch 100 mm Bathroom Extractor Fan
9.6
Exceptional
Main Highlights
3
Xpelair 100mm Silent Extractor Fan for bathroom
9.6
Exceptional
Main Highlights
4
Manrose Quiet Extractor Fan with Timer
9.5
Excellent
Main Highlights
Why Bathroom Ventilation is Important
Preventing Mould and Mildew
Bathrooms are often the most humid rooms in a house. Without proper ventilation, the moisture from showers and baths can lead to the growth of mould and mildew, which not only damage walls and fixtures but can also cause health issues.
Improving Air Quality
Good ventilation helps to remove unpleasant odours and harmful pollutants, ensuring the air remains fresh and clean. This is particularly important in bathrooms, where chemical fumes from cleaning products and personal care items can accumulate.
Enhancing Comfort
A well-ventilated bathroom feels more comfortable, especially after a hot shower. It prevents the build-up of steam on mirrors and windows, making the bathroom more usable and pleasant.
Key Features of Powerful Extractor Fans
High Extraction Rate
The extraction rate, measured in cubic metres per hour (m³/h) or litres per second (l/s), indicates how much air the fan can move. Powerful extractor fans have higher extraction rates, typically above 200 m³/h, ensuring efficient removal of moisture and odours.
Low Noise Levels
Noise can be a significant concern with powerful extractor fans. However, many modern fans are designed to operate quietly, often rated in decibels (dB). Look for fans with a noise level below 30 dB for a quieter bathroom environment.
Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient extractor fans use less electricity, reducing your energy bills and environmental footprint. Look for fans with an Energy Star rating or those that incorporate energy-saving features like timers and humidity sensors.
Automatic Humidity Sensors
Fans with built-in humidity sensors automatically turn on when moisture levels rise, ensuring continuous and efficient ventilation without manual intervention. This feature is particularly useful in bathrooms with high humidity levels.
How to Install an Extractor Fan in Your Bathroom
Step 1: Choose the Location
Select the best location for your extractor fan. Ideally, it should be installed on the ceiling or high on the wall, near the shower or bath area where moisture is most prevalent. Ensure the fan’s external vent can be easily accessed to expel air outside.
Step 2: Gather Tools and Materials
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials:
- Extractor fan kit
- Screwdrivers
- Drill and appropriate drill bits
- Pencil and measuring tape
- Electrical tester
- Ducting and vent kit (if not included with the fan)
- Safety gear (goggles, gloves)
Step 3: Turn Off the Power
For safety, switch off the power supply to the bathroom at the circuit breaker. Use an electrical tester to confirm that the power is off before proceeding.
Step 4: Mark the Installation Spot
Using a pencil and measuring tape, mark the position where you will install the fan. Ensure it is aligned properly and check that there are no obstructions behind the wall or ceiling where you intend to drill.
Step 5: Drill the Holes
Drill a pilot hole at the centre of the marked spot. From the outside, use this pilot hole as a guide to drill a larger hole for the ducting. If installing on the wall, you may need to use a core drill bit to create a hole large enough for the ducting.
Step 6: Install the Ducting
Feed the ducting through the hole, connecting it to the external vent. Secure the vent outside using screws and seal around it with silicone to prevent leaks. Inside, attach the ducting to the extractor fan unit.
Step 7: Mount the Fan
Position the extractor fan over the hole and secure it in place using screws provided in the kit. Ensure the fan is firmly fixed and flush with the wall or ceiling.
Step 8: Wire the Fan
Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions to wire the fan. Typically, you will need to connect the live, neutral, and earth wires from the fan to the corresponding wires in your bathroom’s electrical system. If you are unsure about electrical work, it is advisable to hire a qualified electrician to complete this step.
Step 9: Test the Fan
Once wired, turn the power back on and test the extractor fan to ensure it is functioning correctly. Check that it operates smoothly, effectively removes air, and that there are no unusual noises or vibrations.