Damp can cause huge problems and needs to be displaced from kitchens and bathrooms – but how exactly how does an extractor fan work?
Mould in rooms with high levels of moisture looks awful, can produce a nasty smell, damage your windows and fixtures, potentially spread across paint, wallpaper, and plaster, and cause respiratory health problems.
That's why it is important to make sure you have the best bathroom extractor fans installed in the appropriate location in your home. But how to assess which extractor fan is the most suitable for your home? Here we look at how they work so you have a better understanding when it comes to making your choice.
An extractor fan, also known as an axial-flow fan, operates by creating a flow of air. It consists of a rotating arrangement of vanes or blades, which act on the air.
The rotating assembly of blades and hub is known as an impeller. The fan is usually contained within a housing or case, which can direct the airflow and increase safety by preventing objects from contacting the fan blades.
Most fans are powered by electric motors. When the fan operates, it forces air to move parallel to the shaft about which the blades rotate. This movement of air helps in removing moisture, odours, and other contaminants from a specific area.
Yes, it's crucial for extractor fans, especially those used in domestic settings like bathrooms and kitchens, to vent outside.
Venting outside ensures that the moisture, odours, and other contaminants are effectively expelled from the room or building, preventing issues like mould growth and maintaining good indoor air quality.
For this reason, extractor fans should either be fitted to exterior walls or have ducting to an exterior wall vent.
The electricity consumption of an extractor fan depends on its size, power rating, and usage duration. Generally, domestic extractor fans used in bathrooms and kitchens have a relatively low power rating and do not consume a significant amount of electricity when used for typical durations.
However, larger industrial extractor fans or those used continuously for extended periods will consume more electricity.
“It's always a good idea to check the power rating of a specific fan model to get a better understanding of its electricity consumption,” Property expert Paul Gibbens, of housebuyers4u says.
Are energy-efficient models less powerful?
Not necessarily. Energy efficiency in extractor fans (or any appliance) refers to the ability to perform a task using less energy.
Paul says an energy-efficient extractor fan like this one for sale on Amazon can be just as powerful as a less efficient one; the difference is that it achieves the same airflow or extraction rate while consuming less electricity.
“Advances in motor technology, blade design, and other components have allowed manufacturers to produce powerful fans that are also energy-efficient,” he says.
It's recommended to clean a bathroom extractor fan at least once every 3-6 months. However, the frequency can vary based on usage and the level of dust and humidity in your bathroom. If you notice a decrease in the fan's efficiency or increased noise levels, it might be time for a cleaning.
Property expert Paul Gibbens, of housebuyers4u, has put together a list of reasons it is important to know how to clean a bathroom extractor fan.
- Improved Efficiency: Over time, dust and grime can accumulate on the fan blades and motor, reducing its efficiency. Cleaning ensures the fan operates at its optimal performance.
- Extended Lifespan: Regular maintenance and cleaning can extend the lifespan of the fan by preventing wear and tear caused by accumulated debris.
- Better Air Quality: Cleaning the fan ensures that it effectively removes moisture and contaminants, maintaining good air quality in the room.
- Reduced Noise: Dust and debris can cause the fan to make more noise. Cleaning can help reduce these noise levels.
- Safety: A clean fan is less likely to become a fire hazard due to accumulated dust or grease.
