A bathroom fan is an essential element ensuring proper air circulation and moisture removal from the bathroom. Choosing the right fan can be crucial for user comfort and air quality in the room.
This guide will discuss the types of bathroom fans available on the market, key technical data, features, and selecting a fan in terms of generated noise. Which bathroom fan to choose? A few words about this in the further part of the article.
Types of Bathroom Fans Available on the Market
When looking for the right fan for the bathroom, you should pay attention to a few important issues as various types of these devices are available on the market.
Depending on the method of operation, bathroom fans can be divided into two main types:
- exhaust fans – they are the most common type of fans. They remove moisture and unpleasant odors from the bathroom by venting them outside. They are usually installed on the ceiling or wall;
- intake-exhaust fans – this type of fan not only removes moisture and odors but can also provide fresh air to the room. This is an ideal solution for windowless bathrooms.
Division of Devices by Fan Installation Method
As far as the method of installation is concerned, among the devices available on the market, you can find:
- duct fans – these are fans placed in a ventilation duct. Suitable for large bathrooms, requiring ventilation systems;
- non-duct fans – this type of fan is easy to install as it does not require a ventilation duct. They are perfect for small bathrooms and toilets.
Technical Data to Consider When Choosing a Bathroom Fan
When choosing a bathroom fan, you cannot be guided only by its price. There are various technical data you should consider before purchasing the device. These are:
- efficiency,
- noise level,
- energy consumption,
- method of controlling the fan.
Bathroom Fan Efficiency
The efficiency of a fan is expressed in cubic meters per hour (m³/h). In other words, efficiency determines how much air a fan can process in an hour, i.e., how quickly it can extract 'used' air from the bathroom.
This value should match the size of the room because a device with too low an efficiency will not effectively remove moisture or bad odors from the bathroom.
It is recommended that the efficiency should be at least three times greater than the bathroom's volume. Efficiency is marked on the fan's packaging. Simply estimate the volume of the room and multiply it by three. This is particularly important for large bathrooms. In small rooms, most fans available on the market have an efficiency even exceeding their size. Typically, a fan allows for 10 - 15 air exchanges per hour.
Noise Level
Fans are mechanical devices that generate noise, so it is very important to choose a fan with the lowest possible noise level. Especially if the apartment is small or the bathroom is located near the bedroom. A running fan should not be heard in other rooms.
The noise level generated during the fan's operation is measured in decibels (dB). The recommended noise level in the bathroom is about 30-40 dB. The quietest fans on the market produce a sound intensity of about 21 dB, which means their noise level is comparable to a whisper.
Method of Controlling the Fan
Most often, a bathroom fan turns on automatically, but fans with a pull switch and devices connected to the light switch are also available on the market. The latter type will not work in bathrooms equipped with a window where we do not turn on the light during the day. Here, an automatic fan or one that can be manually activated with a pull switch is a better solution.
Electricity Consumption
Bathroom fans do not use much electricity - it is estimated that devices intended for domestic use consume from 10 to 100 watts. If you want to control the amount of electricity consumed, pay attention to the markings on the fan's packaging.
By choosing a manually controlled device, you will have a real impact on the fan's operating time, and consequently, on the amount of electricity used. In this situation, it may seem that automatically operating fans use more electricity - in fact, these differences are minimal.
Features of Bathroom Fans
The most important function of bathroom fans is air exchange in the room. However, most modern devices are equipped with a number of additional features that affect their usability.
Motion Sensor
A bathroom fan with a motion sensor turns on immediately upon entering the bathroom. The device can be connected to an automatic timer, which will turn off the fan after a specified time if no movement is detected in the room.
Humidity Sensor
Fans with a humidity sensor turn on automatically when there is high humidity, for example, after a bath. This solution prevents water from settling on the walls or in bathroom furniture, thus minimizing the risk of mold or mildew.
Choose a fan with a humidity sensor to decide which model will work in your bathroom, or take advantage of the possibility of consultation with our specialist.
Light Sensor
Fans with a light sensor are useful in windowless rooms. These types of fans are connected to the light switch.
There are several types of fans equipped with a light sensor. Some turn on simultaneously with the light, while in others, an automatic timer will turn on the fan only when the light has been on for a specified time.
Where to Install a Bathroom Fan?
A fan is installed where there is a ventilation grille located on the wall or ceiling.
Bathroom fans can also vary in terms of installation method, which is worth remembering during shopping. It's good to know the diameter of the ventilation duct where the new device will be placed. This way, there will be no need for additional construction work during its installation.
Which Bathroom Fan to Choose – Summary
The bathroom and toilet are places particularly prone to moisture accumulation and unpleasant odors. To prevent this, it's necessary to ensure proper air circulation, which you can do by installing a bathroom fan.
Bathroom fans available on the market may be equipped with additional solutions improving their efficiency. Most often, these are motion sensors and humidity sensors.
When choosing the right device for your bathroom, make sure it is tailored to the room's volume. This is particularly important for larger bathrooms.
Depending on your needs, you can opt for a bathroom fan connected to the light switch, a model equipped with a separate switch, or even a pull switch. Decide which solution will work best in your apartment or home.