Do you have a small, pretty compact cloakroom, or a large, luxurious ensuite? No matter the size, proper ventilation is key if you want to extend the life of your bathroom design. Say goodbye to condensation, mould, and mildew. Good air quality is absolutely essential to ensure your bathroom remains a relaxing sanctuary, even after the hottest bath or shower.
So, are you ready to learn more about how to properly care for your space? In this guide, we will answer all of your questions about bathroom extractors and help you create a fresh and well-ventilated bathroom that you'll love spending time in.
What Are Bathroom Extractors?
You know those cleverly placed fans either at the top of the wall or right on the ceiling? Well, these are the miracle workers that help keep your bathroom fresh and well-ventilated all day long. A bathroom extractor extracts the moist air away from the space to the outdoors and ventilates with fresh air, keeping the air inside nice and clear.
Do I Really Need One?
If you don’t have a window to help with ventilation and you want to avoid any damage to your property, then the answer is a definite yes. All bathrooms in the UK are required to have some type of ventilation. This can be achieved through purge ventilation, such as opening a window, or mechanical ventilation, such as extractor fans.
However, the need for a bathroom extractor may depend on the type of bathroom you have or plan to have. For example, only new builds require mechanical ventilation as extractor fans to meet current building regulations. So, make sure you check the Building Regulations Approved Document F to ensure you follow the right rules. This will also help you determine the size, length of ducting, and position of your fan.
The Benefits of Bathroom Extractors
So, what are the benefits of installing a bathroom extractor? First of all, the air quality in your bathroom will drastically improve. Extractor fans help refresh the air and get rid of odours and smells. They also help with condensation, so if you love your hot showers, then installing an extractor should be a priority. This way, you can keep your paint, wallpaper, and furniture looking good for as long as possible, which will also save you money. Plus, these extractors will also help you avoid air pollution and prevent mould and mildew, benefiting your overall health.
What Types of Extractors Are Available?
When shopping around for a bathroom extractor, keep in mind that there are three types to choose from. Axial extractor fans are great for bathrooms close to an external wall. They are ideal if the air doesn't have to travel throughout your home's vent.
If you need to move the air a longer distance, consider a centrifugal bathroom fan. These fans are perfect for your shower or bath zone, and you can opt for an overhead centrifugal fan placed on the ceiling to help remove moisture and condensation quicker.
Lastly, you can have an inline extractor installed in the ducting for out-of-sight ventilation. Remember to hire a fully qualified electrician to carry out all the electrical work. Safety first!
But What About the Noise?
You may be concerned about the noise level of bathroom extractors, especially with centrifugal fans. However, thanks to technology advancements, you can now find quiet fans that are energy-efficient too. These low-noise extractors allow you to control when you want them to function by using a timer or even set a smart humidity detector to ensure your bathroom stays super-fresh and tranquil.
Now, if you have any more questions about bathroom extractors, feel free to leave them in the comments below, and I'll be here to help you out.