Best Bathroom Extractor Fan [Ultimate 2023 Buying Guide]
Having the best bathroom extractor fan is essential for maintaining a healthy and pleasant bathroom environment. It helps to remove excess moisture, prevent mould growth and mildew growth, eliminate unpleasant odours, and improve indoor air quality.
But with so many options available in the market, how do you choose the best bathroom extractor fan for your needs? In this guide, I'll outline the factors to consider, provide top picks of the best bathroom extractor fans, and offer installation and maintenance tips to help you make an informed decision.
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Wembury Mews Home and Studio by Russell Jones. Photography byRory Gardiner.
Top Picks for the Best Bathroom Extractor Fan
#1 Xpelair Simply Silent Contour C4 range
4.5/5 from 3,303 ratings.
Price from £39.94
The Xpelair Simply Silent Contour C4 range is a top-quality option for reducing humidity in your home. With its modern design and powerful performance, it's perfect for bathrooms, shower rooms, wet rooms and other areas where moisture can accumulate.
This Xpelair fan features a durable construction and reliable operation, ensuring it can effectively remove excess humidity and prevent mould and mildew growth. It is also one of the quietest fans available, making it ideal for use in bathrooms close to bedrooms and other quiet spaces.
The easy installation process and energy-efficient operation make it a convenient and cost-effective choice for managing humidity in your home, and won't overtly waste energy, making it a top pick for the best bathroom extractor fans.
#2 Manrose QF100S Bathroom Extractor fan
4.5/5 from 2,893 ratings.
Price from £34.00
This Manrose extractor fan is a reliable and efficient option for combating humidity in your bathroom. It boasts a robust build, making it durable and long-lasting.
With its impressive extraction rate, it effectively removes excess moisture, preventing condensation and dampness in the shower room. It also has a decibel level of only 27dB(A) at 3m, which they claim is a 60% reduction in comparison to another standard 4” (100mm) domestic fan making it an extremely quiet bathroom extractor fan in comparison to other extractor fans.
It has a slim profile and easy installation making it a convenient choice for any room in your home and this perfect solution has the added plus of being the most environmentally-friendly fan in the Manrose range.
#3 Vent-Axia 496711 Bathroom Extractor fan
Most technologically advanced fan.
Price from £125.75
Vent-Axia extractor fans are a trusted name in the industry, known for their high performance and durability.
This model in particular is a favourite with home technology fans, as this fan allows you to have full control of your bathroom air through their intuitive app that connects to your phone via Bluetooth. The app offers adjustable settings, allowing you to customise the fan's performance to suit your needs.
With its advanced technology, it provides efficient humidity control, preventing mould and mildew growth in your bathroom. This best extractor fan features a sleek design and is available in both black and white.
The built-in humidity sensor and intelligent control system makes it a smart choice for managing humidity levels effectively.
#4 Envirovent SIL100T Silent-100T Axial Silent Extractor Fan
4.5/ from 3,344 ratings.
Price from 49.50
The Envirovent SIL100T fan is a top-notch option for tackling humidity and condensation in your home.
Its innovative design includes a humidity sensor that automatically detects moisture levels and adjusts the fan's performance accordingly. This ensures efficient and effective moisture removal, helping to maintain a healthy indoor environment.
The Envirovent fan also features low-energy consumption, making it environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Its easy installation process and reliable performance make it a reliable choice for combating humidity in your home.
#5 Greenwood Airvac AXS100TR Toilet/Bathroom Extractor Fan
4.5 from 619 ratings.
Price from £40.33. No timer option from £23.25
The Greenwood Airvac extractor fan is an easy-to-install extractor fan that can work with your room light switch - turning on a pre-set level when the light is switched on and continuing for a pre-set time once the light has been turned off. Like most fans in this selection, it does not feature a pull cord.
This affordable bathroom extractor fan features a powerful motor that provides excellent performance in removing excess moisture and preventing dampness and mould.
It's a relatively standard-sized extractor fan that operates quietly and features a back draught shutter that will help eliminate noise on windy days.
#6 STERR Black Extractor Fan With Humidity Sensor
4.4/5 from 570 ratings.
Price from 42.00
The Silavent extractor fan is a stylish, reliable and efficient option for maintaining healthy humidity levels in your bathroom.
The STERR fan features a stylish design and operates quietly. It also offers adjustable settings, allowing you to control the fan's performance based on your requirements.
The easy installation process and energy-efficient operation make it a practical but contemporary choice for managing humidity in your home.
#7 Airflow iCON ECO 15 240V 100mm Extractor Fan
4.5/5 from 913 ratings.
Price from £55.55
The Airflow Extractor fan is a well-known brand for its quality and performance in humidity control.
There's the option of a basic model that operates using a remote switch or a plug-in axial fan model for additional functionality.
This more budget bathroom extractor fan is better suited to small bathrooms or a small ensuite, and there's the option of purchasing an easily installed coloured cover that matches your bathroom decor.
Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best Bathroom Extractor Fan
Types of extractor fans
The most common type of extractor fan is the axial fan, which works by drawing air through the unit and then expelling it outside. Axial fans are typically quiet, efficient and easy to install, making them a popular choice for many bathrooms.
Centrifugal extractor fans, on the other hand, are more powerful and are better suited for larger bathrooms or spaces that generate a lot of moisture. These fans work by using centrifugal force to pull air through the unit, making them more effective at removing damp air and preventing mould and mildew.
Timer extractor fans are designed to turn on and off automatically, which is great for those who often forget to switch the fan on or off. These fans usually come with adjustable timers that allow you to set how long the fan should run after it has been turned on.
Humidity-sensing extractor fans are another popular option, as they automatically turn on when the humidity levels in the bathroom rise above a certain threshold. This means that the fan will only run when it is needed, saving energy and reducing noise levels.
Finally, there are also low-voltage extractor fans available, which are designed to run on a 12-volt power supply. These fans are particularly useful for bathrooms that are located far away from the main electrical supply, as they can be powered using a transformer.
Noise level
The noise level of a bathroom extractor fan is an important factor to consider, as it can greatly impact your overall bathroom experience. Look for extractor fans with low noise levels, typically measured in decibels (dB), to ensure a quiet and peaceful bathroom environment.
Air extraction rate
The air extraction rate of a bathroom extractor fan determines how effectively it can remove moisture and bad smells from your bathroom. It is typically measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). A higher CFM rating indicates a more powerful fan that can extract air more quickly.
Consider the size of your bathroom and the level of moisture and odours you need to address when choosing the appropriate CFM rating for your bathroom extractor fan.
Power Configuration
You will also need to take into account whether your fan needs to be electrically wired directly into the mains power. There are a few different power configurations to consider when selecting an extractor fan for your home.
Mains voltage extractor fans are the most common type used in residential settings. They are typically easy to install and operate on the standard 230-volt mains supply. Mains voltage fans are suitable for most bathroom sizes and can handle most household appliances.
Low-voltage extractor fans are an alternative option that uses a transformer to step down the voltage from the mains supply. This option can be safer and more energy-efficient, but it is also more expensive than mains voltage fans. Low voltage fans are a good choice for larger bathrooms or for installations where a mains voltage fan is not feasible.
In some cases, a bathroom extractor fan may need to be wired to a lighting circuit to meet electrical safety regulations. This option can be a cost-effective solution for smaller bathrooms, but it may not be suitable for larger bathrooms or those with multiple appliances.
Size and installation
Bathroom extractor fans come in various sizes and installation options, such as wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, and window-mounted fans. Consider the available space in your bathroom and the type of installation that suits your needs.
Wall-mounted fans are often easier to install and are suitable for small bathrooms, while ceiling-mounted fans are more discreet and can be ideal for larger bathrooms. Window-mounted fans are suitable for bathrooms with a limited wall or ceiling space.
Energy efficiency
Look for bathroom extractor fans that are energy-efficient to save on electricity bills and reduce environmental impact. Energy-efficient fans are designed to consume less energy while still providing effective performance. Look for fans with Energy Star certification or high energy efficiency ratings.
Additional features
Some bathroom extractor fans come with additional features that can enhance their performance and convenience. For example, humidity sensors can automatically activate the fan when the moisture level in the bathroom rises, timers can allow you to set the fan to operate for a specific duration, and motion sensors can detect motion in the bathroom and activate the fan accordingly.
Consider these additional features based on your preferences and needs.
What is the best extraction rate for a bathroom fan?
The bathroom fan is a crucial component of any modern bathroom, serving the purpose of removing excess moisture, unpleasant odours, and airborne pollutants. An effective extraction rate is essential for proper ventilation, as it determines how quickly and efficiently the fan can exchange the air in the bathroom.
In the UK, determining the best extraction and flow rate for a bathroom fan depends on several factors, including the size of the bathroom, the type of activities taking place in the bathroom, and the building regulations in place.
The size of the bathroom is a significant factor in determining the ideal extraction rate for a bathroom fan. A larger bathroom will require a higher extraction rate to ensure adequate ventilation.
The type of activities taking place in the bathroom also affects the ideal extraction rate. If the bathroom is used for activities that produce excessive moisture, such as showering or using a hot tub, a higher extraction rate may be necessary to remove the excess moisture effectively.
Steam generated from hot water can quickly accumulate in the bathroom, leading to condensation on walls, windows, and mirrors, which can cause mould and mildew growth if not properly ventilated. Therefore, it is important to consider the activities that will take place in the bathroom when determining the extraction and flow rate for the fan.
The British Standards for domestic ventilation, known as Building Regulation Part F, provides guidelines for the minimum extraction rates for bathrooms based on their size. According to Part F, a bathroom with a floor area of up to 3 square meters should have an extraction rate of at least 15 litres per second (L/s) or 54 cubic meters per hour (m³/h). For bathrooms with a floor area of up to 4.5 square meters, the minimum extraction rate should be 22.5 L/s or 81 m³/h. Larger bathrooms may require higher extraction rates.
In addition to the above, UK Building Regulations also outline the minimum energy efficiency requirements for ventilation systems in residential buildings, including the maximum specific fan power (SFP) allowed.
SFP is a measure of the energy efficiency of a fan and is calculated by dividing the fan's power consumption (in watts) by its extraction rate (in litres per second). The lower the SFP, the more energy-efficient the fan. So it's also recommended to choose a bathroom fan that suits your needs with the lowest SFP to minimise energy consumption and reduce its environmental impact.
Another important factor to consider is the location of the bathroom in the building and whether it has an outside window or is positioned with an outside wall. If the bathroom is located on an external wall, it may require a higher extraction rate compared to a bathroom located in the centre of the building and not joined to an external wall. Bathrooms located on outer walls tend to have colder surfaces, which can result in more condensation and moisture buildup. Therefore, a higher extraction rate can help to mitigate this issue by removing excess moisture more quickly.
It's also worth considering the noise level of the fan when determining the extraction rate. Bathroom fans can be noisy, and higher extraction rates typically result in louder operations. Therefore, it's important to strike a balance between extraction rate and noise level to ensure a comfortable and quiet bathroom environment.
So, the best extraction rate for a bathroom fan in the UK depends on several factors, including the size of the bathroom, the type of activities taking place in the bathroom, the location of the bathroom in the building, and compliance with building regulations. It's important to strike a balance between extraction rate, noise level, and energy efficiency to ensure optimal ventilation and a comfortable bathroom environment.
Why it's important to remove humidity from a bathroom
Removing humidity from a bathroom is crucial for several reasons, and an extractor fan is a valuable tool in achieving this. Humidity, or excess moisture in the air, is a common issue in bathrooms due to activities like bathing, showering, and washing, which can generate moisture and steam. Here are the key reasons why it's important to remove humidity from a bathroom using an extractor fan:
Prevents Mould and Mildew Growth
Humidity creates a favourable environment for mould and mildew to thrive. These fungi can grow on walls, ceilings, tiles, grout, and other surfaces, leading to unsightly stains, unpleasant odours, and potential health hazards. Mould and mildew can trigger allergies, respiratory issues, and even structural damage. An extractor fan helps to remove excess humidity, reducing the risk of mould and mildew growth, and promoting a healthy bathroom environment.
Protects Building Materials and Fixtures
Prolonged exposure to high humidity can damage building materials and fixtures in a bathroom. Moisture can warp wooden cabinets, doors, and trims, cause paint or wallpaper to peel, and corrode metal fixtures such as faucets, towel bars, and mirrors. An extractor fan helps to control humidity levels, preventing damage to these elements and prolonging their lifespan.
Enhances Indoor Air Quality
Humidity in a bathroom can impact indoor air quality by promoting the growth of mould, mildew, and bacteria, which can release airborne particles and allergens into the air. These particles can exacerbate respiratory issues, trigger allergies, and create an unhealthy living environment. An extractor fan helps to remove excess moisture and improve indoor air quality by venting out stale air and promoting fresh air circulation.
Reduces Condensation
Condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cooler surface, such as mirrors, windows, and walls. This can lead to water droplets forming on these surfaces, causing water stains, streaks, and potential damage. An extractor fan helps to minimize condensation by removing the moist air, reducing the chances of water droplets forming on surfaces and keeping the bathroom dry.
Improves Comfort and Aesthetics
A humid bathroom can feel uncomfortable, sticky, and unpleasant. It can also create a musty odour, which can be off-putting. An extractor fan helps to maintain a comfortable humidity level in the bathroom or shower room, preventing that sticky feeling and unpleasant smell.
Additionally, a dry bathroom is visually more appealing, with fewer water stains, mould stains, and streaks, making it a more aesthetically pleasing space.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Follow the manufacturer's instructions
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation to ensure proper installation and optimal performance of your bathroom extractor fan. Improper installation can lead to poor performance, increased noise levels, and potential safety hazards.
Regular cleaning
Regularly clean your bathroom extractor fan to remove accumulated dust and debris that can affect its performance. For easy cleaning, use a soft brush or vacuum to clean the fan blades and grille, and wipe down the housing with a damp cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or water directly on the motor or electrical components.
Check for condensation
Check for condensation on the fan blades, grille, and housing, as it can indicate excess moisture in the bathroom. If condensation is present, it may be a sign that your fan is not effectively removing moisture, and you may need to increase the ventilation or upgrade to a more powerful fan.
Replace filters and bulbs
If your bathroom extractor fan has filters or bulbs, make sure to replace them according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Dirty filters can reduce airflow, and burnt-out bulbs can affect the best extractor fan's lighting function. Regular maintenance and replacement of filters and bulbs can help prolong the lifespan of your fan and ensure optimal performance.
Conclusion
Investing in the best bathroom extractor fan is crucial for maintaining a healthy and comfortable bathroom environment. When choosing your bathroom extractor fan consider factors such as noise level, air extraction rate, size and installation options and energy efficiency.
Some of my top picks in the extractor fan market include the Xpelair Simply Silent Contour C4 range and STERR Black Extractor Fan With Humidity Sensor.
By following the manufacturer's instructions for installation and cleaning, your extractor fan will enable you to enjoy a well-ventilated and pleasant bathroom experience.
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