Extractor Fans & Accessories

Introduction to Extractor Fans

Expert Electrical understands the crucial role of an extractor fan in maintaining a healthy and fresh bathroom environment. As the bathroom is often the most humid room in your home, the buildup of condensation can result in mould growth and leave your bathroom feeling damp. To combat these issues, installing an extractor fan is the ideal solution.

What Does an Extractor Fan Do?

An extractor fan efficiently draws moisture-laden air from your bathroom or shower area and expels it outside through ducting. This process helps prevent water vapor from condensing into liquid, fostering fresher air circulation, and limiting mould development. Whether it's axial fans that connect through an external wall or over shower fans that meet the required IP (Ingress Protection) ratings, all extractor fans follow this principle.

The Necessity of an Extractor Fan

Every bathroom needs proper ventilation, either through a window or an extractor fan. This is particularly vital for new build properties that often have lower levels of natural ventilation. Bathroom ceiling extractor fans not only comply with Building Regulations but also offer benefits like reducing condensation and preventing mould, which extends the lifespan of your bathroom fixtures.

Choosing the Right Size Extractor Fan

When selecting an extractor fan, size is a factor. The size of the impeller, which moves the air, usually comes in two dimensions – 100mm (4 inches) or 150mm (6 inches). The appropriate choice depends on your room's size, with 100mm fans fitting most domestic bathrooms and 150mm fans catering to larger spaces or kitchens.

However, the most critical factor is the extraction rate. Building Regulations mandate an extraction rate of at least 15 litres per second for bathroom fans, but a more potent extractor fan with a higher rate might be necessary for combating persistent condensation and mould issues. Fortunately, many fans come with adjustable speed and extraction settings.

Installation and DIY Considerations

Replacing an existing extractor fan with a similar model could be a DIY task if the wiring and ducting are intact. Nevertheless, new installations often require rewiring and drilling through walls, which is why it's recommended to hire a professional electrician for the job. A professional electrician should also be able to offer advice about the power of the fan and check whether your ducting is sufficient for your project.

Venting Requirements for Bathroom Fans

To function effectively, a bathroom fan should vent outside, as venting into another room would merely transfer the dampness. Bathroom ceiling extractor fans are specifically designed to remove moisture, so external venting is essential to avoid mould buildup.

Our Range of Extractor Fans

• Axial Fans: Best suited for mounting on external walls due to their design, which is optimised for short ducting distances.
• Centrifugal Fans: Ideal for internal walls where longer ducting is needed. These fans have a unique impeller design to push the air further, but they can be noisier due to the additional power required.
• Inline Fans: Perfect for extended ducting needs, as they can handle distances up to 40 meters. Although not as quiet as axial fans, their discreet installation makes them less noticeable.
• Extractor Fan Kits: Complete with ducting, connectors, and vents for a full system setup.
• Smart Fans: Incorporate the latest technology for automated operation, energy efficiency, and smart control via your phone or home automation system.
• Manrose Fans: A trusted and economic brand known for its quality and energy efficient performance.
• Airflow fans, a premium brand with higher specifications. Quiet operation and higher extraction rate.

About Airflow

Airflow is a renowned brand in the world of ventilation, known for its innovative and energy-efficient extractor fans. With a commitment to improving indoor air quality, Airflow offers a variety of models that cater to both residential and commercial needs. Their products are designed with the user in mind, featuring easy installation, low noise levels, and high performance.

One of Airflow's key offerings includes their QuietAir range, which is amongst the quietest fans on the market, making them ideal for environments where minimal noise is crucial. Additionally, Airflow's Icon series is celebrated for its stylish design, blending seamlessly into any bathroom or kitchen decor while providing effective moisture extraction.

Airflow is also at the forefront of smart technology integration in extractor fans. Their models equipped with intelligent sensors can automatically adjust the fan speed based on humidity levels or the presence of light, ensuring optimal ventilation without manual intervention. This smart functionality not only enhances user convenience but also contributes to energy savings and prolongs the lifespan of the fan.

Expert Advice

 At Expert Electrical, we recognise that choosing the right extractor fan can be daunting. That's why we've curated an extensive range of products, each with its benefits, whether you're looking to clear the air post-shower or provide continuous airflow. Our expert team is ready to assist you in finding the best fan to meet your needs, including those from the innovative brand Airflow.

If you're upgrading an existing extractor fan that isn't ventilating your bathroom, we recommend upgrading your ducting system to a rigid system. Flexible ducting doesn't maintain its shape and can reduce the airflow rate of your system. For larger bathrooms, go with a higher performance in-line fan and it will extract the moisture straight out. You'll notice that your property has less condensation on the windows as you've combated with one of the main sources of moisture.

Remember, order by 4 pm for next working day delivery on a wide range of products, ensuring that you can quickly and efficiently enhance your bathroom's ventilation system.

Activation and IP Ratings

The activation of your extractor fan can be tailored to your needs, with options such as basic, timer, humidistat, pull cord, or infrared sensors. It's crucial to install the fan in the correct bathroom zone based on its IP rating to ensure safety and compliance with Building Regulations.

Sizes and Noise Levels

Extractor fans come in standard sizes of 100mm and 150mm, with the former being adequate for most domestic bathrooms. Noise levels are an essential consideration, and we at Expert Electrical provide detailed information to help you choose a fan that operates quietly and efficiently.