What Are Inline Fans Used For and How Do They Work?
Inline fans provide a powerful and discreet solution for ventilating high-moisture areas like bathrooms, helping to prevent condensation and mold growth. These fans are usually installed in the roof or loft space above the bathroom, with ducting running from a discreet grille in the bathroom ceiling to the fan's extract spigot. From there, it extends to the external grille, which is typically placed discreetly under the eaves.
In some cases, inline fans can also be combined with lighting components to create an attractive and practical feature in the bathroom, such as the National Ventilation UMDTKLED and Airflow AV100T kits.
Are Inline Fans Better Than Wall Mounted Extractor Fans?
When compared to wall-mounted extractor fans, inline fans generally offer a more powerful extraction rate. For example, the most powerful 4-inch wall-mounted extractor fan, Vent Axia Lo Carbon Response 7, provides an extraction rate of up to 126m³ per hour/35 Liters per second. On the other hand, some popular inline fans offer extraction rates of up to:
- Manrose MF100T: 245m³ per hour/68 Liters per second
- Envirovent Silent SILMV160/100T: 180m³ per hour/50 Liters per second
- National Ventilation UMD100T: 187m³ per hour/52 Liters per second
As you can see, inline fans provide more power, which is ideal for ventilating humid and moisture-laden environments.
The impeller design of inline fans, known as "mixed flow," combines centrifugal and axial impellers to improve airflow and performance. This design allows inline fans to be installed in longer ducting runs and handle bends without significant impact on performance.
Unlike wall-mounted extractor fans, inline fans can be situated closer to where steam and moisture are generated. Installing the extraction grille directly above the shower or bath effectively reduces the likelihood of condensation and mold formation. This flexibility allows installers to ensure maximum performance regardless of the fan's location in the roof. Additionally, some inline fans, like the Vent Axia ACM Range, can be mounted vertically, offering even more configuration options.
The installation of inline fans is typically simpler and does not require extensive repairs. It only requires a simple hole for the extraction grille in the ceiling.
Which Inline Extractor Fan is Best for Me?
Every property is unique, and it's crucial to consider several factors before selecting the right inline fan for your home. To make an informed decision, you can download the ventilation building regulations guide, which provides information on the appropriate extraction rate for your room, as well as handy checklists to ensure your installation meets all guidelines.
If you need further help and advice, feel free to contact our team of professionals at Electric Point. You can reach us by calling 0203 994 5470, emailing sales@electricpoint.com, or using our Contact Form.
Remember, for powerful and discreet ventilation, choose inline fans.