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Extractor fans are an essential part of any home’s ventilation system, particularly in the kitchen and bathroom. They remove unwanted moisture, smoke and odours from the air ensuring a clean and healthy environment. An extractor fan is a type of mechanical ventilation device that draws out stale or polluted indoor air from a room and replaces it with fresh outdoor air. It does this by creating negative pressure that forces the air out through a duct or vent. Extractor fans are commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms where there is high humidity and strong smells.
Bathroom Fans – Bathroom Extractor Fan Installation
An extractor fan is an essential component in a bathroom or wet room. It serves a pivotal role in curbing dampness and associated issues. By installing an extractor fan you’ll enhance ventilation, effectively reducing moisture and condensation. This efficient system also alleviates unpleasant odours, preventing staining and potential health problems. Whether your need is to install a new unit or replace an existing one, at Pyramid Solution we will ensure your bathroom’s environment will be significantly improved with our extractor fan installation
Kitchen Fans – Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation
Installing a good quality extractor fan in your kitchen, enhances efficiency, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Our kitchen extractor fan installations are designed to efficiently eliminate steam and odours thereby making your home a more enjoyable space.
At Pyramid Solution we assist with determining the appropriate size of the extractor fan to managing its operational mechanisms and wiring. We also ensure the final look is nothing short of perfect.
Furthermore, we take care of any necessary construction work to facilitate the venting process from the interior to the exterior. You should rest assured your kitchen will boast of an impeccably installed extractor fan that enhances both functionality and style.
Importance of Extractor Fan Installation in the Kitchen and Bathroom
Extractor fans play a crucial role in maintaining good indoor air quality by removing moisture, smoke, cooking smells, and other pollutants that can affect our health and well-being. In the kitchen, cooking produces steam which can quickly build up on surfaces such as walls and ceilings leading to dampness which can lead to mould growth. This not only damages your home but can also cause health problems such as allergies and respiratory issues.
In bathrooms where there is hot shower water being used every day without proper ventilation leads to damp surfaces. The dampness also leads to mould growth on surfaces such as walls, ceiling or around window sills leading to severe respiratory issues such as asthma if not handled properly.
Benefits of Having an Extractor Fan
Having an extractor fan installed in your kitchen or bathroom comes with numerous benefits apart from just health reasons:
- Reduced Humidity: extractor fans remove humidity from the bathroom and kitchen reducing the risk of condensation, mould and mildew growth which can be hazardous to health and cause respiratory issues
- Improved Indoor Air Quality: extractor fans help remove pollutants such as smoke, cooking odours and damp air from your home leaving you with fresh and clean air to breathe.
- Prevents Damage to Your Property: Dampness in your home can cause significant damage to walls and ceilings over time. By removing moisture from the air extractor fans help prevent this damage.
- Saves Energy: By reducing humidity levels in your home, extractor fans can also help reduce your energy bills. This is because drier air is easier to heat or cool than humid air which often requires a lot of energy for temperature regulation.
Types of kitchen extractor fans
Kitchens can be fitted with a standard or typical extractor fan or alternatively, range hoods or cooker hoods. These are all a type of ventilation system that removes smoke, heat and steam from the kitchen when cooking. The hoods come in various sizes and types and operate by extracting air from the kitchen and filtering it to prevent odours and grease particles from spreading throughout the home. The purpose of an extractor fan is to ensure clean air in the kitchen space while also preventing smoke alarms from going off due to excessive steam or smoke.
There are three primary types of kitchen cooker hoods/extractor fans: wall-mounted, island and downdraft.
Wall mounted cooker hoods are mounted against a wall above a cooker or hob
They are among the most common type of cooker hoods due to their ease of installation and affordability. Island cooker hoods or extraction systems are installed over an island or worktop range situated in a central workstation where there is no adjacent wall for mounting purposes.
They provide excellent extraction performance with impressive aesthetics but tend to be more costly due to their unique design features. Downdraft extractors work by sucking steam downwards through vents placed on top of the cooker or hob instead of upwards into a hood; this type is placed near/on your worktop so works well where space above is limited.
Bathroom Extractor Fan Location
Extractor fans in the bathroom are essential for maintaining good air quality and removing moisture that can lead to mould and mildew growth, which can be detrimental to your health. Bathroom extractor fans not only eliminate odours but also prevent steam from building up on mirrors, walls, and ceilings.
There are two ways of installing bathroom extractor fans – ceiling-mounted and wall-mounted.
Ceiling-mounted extractor fans are installed directly into the ceiling of your bathroom, while wall mounted extractor fans are installed on an exterior wall or window. Wall-mounted fans tend to be easier to install because they don’t require any additional ductwork if installing on an exterior wall. They also tend to be more efficient as the air is expelled directly to the outside air without the need for ducting that can create resistance and reduce the efficiency of the fan. Where possible we always recommend installing a bathroom fan directly on an outside wall.
Types of Bathroom Extractor Fans
Standard extractor fans:
Standard extractor fans are the most basic and common type. They typically include an on/off switch and sometimes a pull cord for easy operation. A good example is the Xpelair VX100 4″Bathroom Extractor Fan, which offers reliable and efficient performance.
Timer extractor fans:
These fans are equipped with a built-in timer that keeps the fan running for a pre-set period after you turn off the light. This ensures all moisture is extracted. The XPELAIR SILENT BATHROOM FAN WITH TIMER C4TSR is a good example, known for its quiet operation and energy efficiency.
Humidistat extractor fans:
These fans come with a built-in humidity sensor that turns on the fan when the humidity level in the bathroom rises above a certain point. The Envirovent SIL100T Silent-100T Axial Silent Extractor Fan is a well-regarded example, popular for its silent operation and effectiveness in preventing mould and dampness.
Continuous extractor fans:
Also known as 24/7 extractor fans, these fans run constantly at a lower speed to maintain good air quality. The Nuaire Faith Continuous Flow Extractor Fan offers continuous operation mode as well as adjustable boost
Heat recovery extractor fans:
These units are designed to extract stale air and recover the heat before it is expelled. They then use this heat to warm the incoming fresh air. They are energy-efficient and ideal for colder climates. An example is the Vent-Axia 441625 Lo-Carbon Tempra Single Room Heat Recovery Unit, which is designed to offer heat recovery for smaller spaces like bathrooms.
Factors to Consider when Choosing an Extractor Fan
When choosing an extractor fan there are several factors you should consider in order to ensure you choose one that meets your specific needs:
- The room: The size of the fan you need is determined by the size of the room and extraction rate required and the type of rom. For example a larger bathroom will require a larger fan with a higher airflow rate.
- Noise level: you’ll want a fan that is quiet enough not to disturb you but still strong enough to do its job effectively.
- Airflow rate: The airflow rate measures how much air the fan can move per minute. This is important because it determines how quickly the fan can remove moisture and odours from your bathroom.
What other services do you provide?
Gas Safety Certificate:
A certificate issued after inspection and testing of the complete gas installation within a property, including the gas appliances. The installation is checked for both correct operation and safety. In the UK a Gas Safety Certificate is a legal requirement to rent a property and needs to be renewed every 12 months.
EICR:
Electrical Installation Condition Report formerly known as periodic Inspection Report is an certificate outlining the condition of the electrical installation within a property and any potential or existing hazards. An EICR is a legal requirement for rental properties in the UK and maybe required if you are selling your home.
Boiler Servicing:
An annual boiler service is carrying out a series of checks and cleaning to the boiler in order to maintain and increase the life of a boiler. It is also a requirement by the manufacturer to honour any boiler guarantees.
PAT Testing:
Portable appliance testing (PAT) is the label used for inspection and testing of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use and clear of any hazards. Majority of electrical safety issues can be found by visual inspection but some types of defect can only be found by testing. Using the correct calibrated PAT testing equipment.
EPC
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document collated from an energy assessment of a property to outline how efficiently the property performs in energy consumption and heat retention. Similar to the multi-coloured labels now seen on new appliances, EPCs advise how energy efficient a building is and give it a rating from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient). In the UK an EPC is a legal document required to rent or sell your property.
Legionella Risk Assessment
To help identify potential risk factors in buildings, premises, and facilities, a legionella risk assessment is used. In order to establish effective Legionella risk controls, the findings are then used to identify the interventions that are necessary as well as the procedures and policies that need to be put in place in order to avoid exitance and spread of Legionella.
Asbestos Surveys:
Asbestos surveys are inspections undertaken within a building, a property or home for the purpose of identifying existence of asbestos containing material (ACM).
Fire Risk Assessments:
Fire Risk Assessment is a thorough inspection of place of business or residence to gather visual information if any fire hazards exist, if they could cause harm, quantify the level of risk and how best they can be removed.
Commercial EPC:
Energy Performance Certificate for office buildings, mixed used, commercial and industrial properties. A certificate required for rental or sale of any commercial property.
Property Inventories:
Rental property inventory services, including one off inventories, check ins, check outs, interim reports and mid term reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of cooker hoods?
Cooker hoods come in a variety of styles, including:
Ducted cooker hoods: These hoods exhaust air outside via a duct installed through an exterior wall or roof.
Recirculating cooker hoods: Rather than venting the air outside, these hoods filter it and recirculate it back into the room.
Island cooker hoods: These hoods are typically used in kitchen islands and are installed in the centre of the room rather than above a cooking surface.
Ceiling cooker hoods: These hoods are typically found in more modern or custom kitchens and are installed in the ceiling above the cooking surface.
How do I choose a cooker hood for my kitchen?
When selecting a cooker hood, several factors must be considered, including the size of your cooking surface, the size of your kitchen, your ventilation requirements, and your personal style preferences.
How do I keep my cooker hood in good working order?
Proper maintenance is essential to the proper operation and longevity of your cooker hood. Cleaning the filters and surfaces on a regular basis, as well as deep cleaning the ducts and vents on occasion, can help keep your cooker hood in good working order. It is also critical to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance and repair instructions.
Are cooker hoods environmentally friendly?
Depending on the model and how it is used, cooker hoods can be energy efficient. Both ducted and recirculating cooker hoods can save energy, but ducted hoods are more efficient because they vent the air outside rather than recirculating it back into the room. Energy-efficient cooker hoods can help you save money on energy and reduce your carbon footprint.
What is the best location to install an extractor fan?
The ideal position for a bathroom extractor fan is high on the wall or on the ceiling, far from water sources. In kitchens, the extractor fan is typically installed directly above the cooker to effectively remove steam and odours
What are the wiring requirements for an extractor fan?
The wiring for extractor fans must comply with building regulations. They usually require a permanent live feed, a switched live connection for operation, and a neutral connection. It is recommended to hire a professional to ensure safe and correct installation
Can I replace my existing extractor fan with a newer model?
Yes, an old extractor fan can be replaced with a new model. However, considerations must be made for the size and power of the new unit. If the new fan is larger or requires more power, some additional work may be necessary
How noisy are extractor fans?
The noise level depends on the specific model and power of the fan. Modern extractor fans are designed to operate as quietly as possible. It’s advisable to check the noise level, often measured in decibels (dB), before purchasing
How often should I clean my extractor fan?
To maintain efficiency, it is recommended to clean your extractor fan every 3 to 6 months, depending on usage. This involves removing any dust or grease that can accumulate on the blades or in the vent
Will I need to do any building work to install an extractor fan?
Installation may require some building work, like drilling a hole in an external wall for venting, or minor plastering, painting, or tiling to tidy up the final look
What are the energy consumption implications of an extractor fan?
Modern extractor fans are designed to be energy-efficient, but the exact energy consumption will depend on the specific model and how often it is used. Typically, a bathroom fan uses between 5-36 watts, while a kitchen extractor fan can use between 100-1000 watts, depending on the power
What is the lifespan of an extractor fan?
The lifespan of an extractor fan varies depending on its quality, usage, and maintenance, but typically they can last for 10-15 years with proper care
What is a standard extractor fan and where is it commonly used?
A standard extractor fan is the most basic type of extractor fan. It’s typically operated by a simple on/off switch or pull cord and is commonly used in bathrooms, toilets and kitchens to extract moist and stale air
How does a timer extractor fan work?
A timer extractor fan works by continuing to operate for a pre-set period after you turn off the light. This ensures all moisture is extracted from the room. The timer is usually adjustable, allowing you to set the duration the fan runs after the light has been switched off
What are the advantages of a humidistat extractor fan?
A humidistat extractor fan comes with a built-in humidity sensor that triggers the fan to turn on when the humidity in the room reaches a certain level. This automatic operation can help prevent dampness and mould growth, maintaining a healthier indoor environment
Is a continuous extractor fan energy-efficient?
Continuous extractor fans, or 24/7 extractor fans, run at a lower speed all the time, helping to maintain good air quality. While they do use power constantly their lower speed means they’re typically more energy-efficient than if a standard fan was running at full speed for the same duration
Why should I consider a heat recovery extractor fan?
Heat recovery extractor fans are very energy-efficient. They extract stale air and recover the heat before it is expelled. This recovered heat is then used to warm incoming fresh air, helping to maintain a comfortable room temperature and reducing the need for additional heating
Can I install a standard extractor fan myself?
While it’s technically possible for a skilled DIYer to install a standard extractor fan, it’s always recommended to hire a professional. Working with electrical installations and ventilation systems requires specific knowledge and tools, and safety should always be the top priority
Does a timer extractor fan need to be connected to the light switch?
Yes, most timer extractor fans are designed to be wired into the lighting circuit, so they turn on when the light is switched on and continue to run for a pre-set time after the light is switched off.
Will a humidistat extractor fan automatically turn off when the humidity level drops?
Yes, once the humidity level drops below the set point, the humidistat will trigger the fan to turn off. This automatic function saves energy and reduces unnecessary noise.
How often does a continuous extractor fan need maintenance?
The frequency of maintenance for a continuous extractor fan depends on its use and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Generally, regular cleaning and inspection every 6-12 months should ensure optimal performance.
Can a heat recovery extractor fan be used in a kitchen or only in a bathroom?
Heat recovery extractor fans can be used in any room where there’s a significant amount of heat and humidity generated, including kitchens. However, it’s essential to ensure the unit is correctly installed and capable of handling the volume of air in the room
What is the ideal place to install a bathroom extractor fan?
The ideal place to install an extractor fan in a bathroom is typically near the shower or bathtub, as these areas generate the most humidity. It’s also common to place them in or near the ceiling since warm, humid air rises.
What are the noise levels of extractor fans?
Noise levels of extractor fans vary widely depending on the model and the quality of the installation. Some fans are specifically designed to be quiet and may produce noise levels as low as 10-20 dB, while others may produce around 30-40 dB.
Why does my timer extractor fan stay on all the time?
If a timer extractor fan stays on constantly, it might be due to a faulty timer mechanism or incorrect wiring. It’s advisable to consult an electrician to diagnose and fix the problem.
How do I adjust the humidity levels for my humidistat extractor fan?
Most humidistat extractor fans come with an adjustable dial or digital controls that allow you to set the desired humidity threshold for activation. The instructions for adjusting this setting can usually be found in the product manual.
Can a continuous extractor fan eliminate odours?
Yes, a continuous extractor fan can help to eliminate odours by continuously cycling the air in the room and removing stale or foul-smelling air.
Do heat recovery extractor fans work in the summer?
Yes, heat recovery extractor fans work in the summer as well. Although there’s less heat to recover, they still function to extract stale air and introduce fresh air into the room.
Do I need a professional to install a heat recovery extractor fan?
While it is possible for a DIY enthusiast to install a heat recovery extractor fan, it’s recommended to hire a professional. The installation can involve complex wiring and venting procedures that require specific knowledge and expertise.
Can a standard extractor fan be upgraded to a timer or humidistat model?
Yes, a standard extractor fan can usually be upgraded to a timer or humidistat model. However, this process typically involves replacing the entire unit and should be done by a qualified professional to ensure proper installation and safety.
Why is my extractor fan not extracting enough moisture?
If your extractor fan is not extracting enough moisture, it could be due to several reasons including incorrect sizing for the room, poor installation, blockages in the ducting, or the fan itself might be malfunctioning or old and in need of replacement.
What should I look for when choosing an extractor fan?
When choosing an extractor fan, consider the size of the room, the fan’s extraction rate (measured in cubic meters per hour or litres per second), noise level, energy efficiency, additional features like timers or humidistats, and whether it fits your existing ducting system.