Choosing and maintaining extractor fans for Bathrooms

It may surprise you that the humble extractor fan is one of the most important things to think about in bathroom design.  Particularly important in shower rooms without windows, extractor fans remove unpleasant odours and humidity from the air, as well as helping to stop mould and mildew build up, and should therefore be chosen carefully and maintained regularly.

Size is everything

When it comes to extractor fans, size matters.  You will need to multiply the volume of your bathroom (length x width x height) by the recommended air changes needed (for example, a bathroom with a shower should have an air change of 15 to 20 times per hour) to give you the cubic metres per hour air change required.  This will help you and your plumber to choose the correct size fan.

Other aspects to consider

You may wish to consult your plumber on other aspects of extractor fans, which include the operating cord, switch or humidistat and where it will be located, whether the fan will be fitted through the wall or will instead be an in line extractor to cover a longer distance, and where the fan will be located to work efficiently.  Similarly, you’ll need to think about energy efficiency, the source of air return and the correct choice of ducting. 

Maintaining your extractor fan

Extractor fans should be cleaned at least twice a year, as even a thin layer of dust can stop them from working efficiently.  The cover should either unscrew or pull off to allow for gentle cleaning of the blade and air slots with a toothbrush or paintbrush.  If you discover that the ducting is damaged, call your plumber; using duct tape will only be a temporary fix, whereas your plumber will be able to keep it working at its best.

Wet rooms: the modern day alternative to the shower cubicle?

Today’s wet rooms have come a long way, and are now a modern, stylish alternative to the traditional shower cubicle.  So what are the reasons behind this surge in popularity?  Here are just a few of those reasons:

Easy style

Whether designed with nothing to separate the shower from the rest of the room, or utilising a shower screen or dividing wall to keep the shower and the rest of the bathroom apart, wet room design is now sleek and modern.  Wet rooms make the most of the space available, and do not box off the shower with a traditional cubicle, allowing the space to flow flexibly.

Easy maintenance

One of the great perks of a wet room is the ease of cleaning; after all, even if the wet room has a screen or dividing wall, there is no shower cubicle or tray to clean.  What’s more, wet rooms often feature wall-hung toilets and sinks, which adds to the easy maintenance, and tiled floors are better protected from water as they are designed to be 100% water tight.

Easy access

For those with disabilities or mobility issues, and indeed the family as a  whole, one of the biggest advantages of a wet room is the fact that the floor is on one level – there is no dangerous step into the shower or bath, and the floor will be designed to be non-slip too; designed, therefore, with safety in mind.