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.
