Providing a comfortable microclimate in the bathroom and shower room can be problematic. High levels of humidity adversely affect cabinets, mirrors and cabinets, contributing to the growth of mold.
If natural ventilation cannot cope, then you can put an exhaust fan in the bathroom — the unit forcibly removes exhausted moist air from the room.
We will tell you how to choose the right model, and also describe the step-by-step process of installing equipment. The installation technology is quite simple, the main thing is to take into account some of the connection nuances and follow the instructions below.
Types of fans for the bathroom
According to the device, exhaust fans are:
Most often, the exhaust fan in the bathroom is of the axial type. They are inexpensive, they do a good job if the outlets of the ventilation ducts are nearby. If the distance from the entry point to the ventilation duct is more than 2 meters, it makes sense to set the radial one.
According to the installation method, fans are:
There are no questions with wall and ceiling, everything is clear by name, but it is worth explaining about channel ones. This modification is installed in the gap of the ventilation duct. The code is mainly used for one exhaust channel, and several rooms must be connected to it, but it can also be used on an individual channel.
An example of installing a duct fan in a bathroom hood
These models are used less often, as they are more difficult to install and maintain (harder to get access for preventive cleaning or replacement), but in many cases this is the only option. In private houses, the duct fan can be moved to the attic, where it is easier to maintain it.
Forced Scheme
Fans are used here. Their advantage is independence from the external environment.
Peculiarities:
- When installing the device, it is connected to the mains;
- Electricity is consumed (costs depend on the power of the device).
Selection by technical parameters
Like any technical device, an exhaust fan in the bathroom must be selected primarily according to technical parameters. It should be said right away that the cases are usually made of plastic, and the case itself is waterproof (the minimum protection class is IP 24). The shape and type of the grille are arbitrary, the color of the case is most often white, but there are also colored ones.
The hood for the bathroom and toilet in shape can be different
In addition to external signs, we select the diameter of the outlet pipe of the exhaust fan. It is selected depending on the cross section of the duct (it is better not to narrow it, as the air exchange will drop).
Air exchange
It is necessary to choose an exhaust fan in the bathroom based on the volume of the ventilated room and the frequency of air exchange (registered in sanitary standards). For bathrooms, the recommended rate is 6 to 8 air volumes per hour. For families, an 8-fold exchange is considered; for 1-2 people, 6-7 times is enough.
For example, a bathroom has dimensions of 2.2 * 2.5 * 2.7 m. We multiply all the numbers to find out the volume, we get 14.85 m3. We round up, we get that the volume of the bathroom is 15 cubic meters. We will consider an eight-fold exchange: 15 m2 * 8 = 120 cubic meters / hour. That is, when selecting the performance of the fan, its performance should not be less than 120 cubic meters per hour.
An example of a brief specification for a bathroom exhaust fan
Noise level
The second point that you need to pay attention to when choosing an exhaust fan in the bathroom is the level of noise produced. If the fan will only work during the day, the noise produced should be in the region of 30-35 dB. It’s not very loud, it doesn’t interfere with other noises. If the fan in the hood will work at night, the noise level should be less than 30 dB, and preferably 20-25 dB.
The quietest bathroom fan should be looked for among the radial models. Axial ones, due to the transmission of vibration from the motor, make louder sounds, but there are models in which these vibrations are minimized by the use of special vibration damping pads. Another way is to use rolling bearings. Such axial fans for the bathroom give out just 22-23 dB, which is very small.
| Name | Mounting type | working mechanism | Air exchange (performance) | Power consumption | Noise level | Additional functions | Rotational speed | Price |
| Vents 100 MAT | overhead | axial | 98 cu. m/hour | 18 W | 34 dB | timer, switch-off delay | 2300 rpm | 30-35$ |
| Electrolux EAF-100TH | overhead | axial | 100 cu. m/hour | 15 W | 33 dB | humidity sensor | without adjustment | 30-35$ |
| VENTS iFan | overhead | axial | 106 cu. m/hour | 4.56 W | 31 dB | remote control, humidity sensor | step adjustment | 75- 85$ |
| Soler & Palau SILENT-100 CZ | overhead | axial | 95 cu. m/hour | 8 W | 27 dB | mechanical control | without adjustment | 25-39$ |
| Blauberg Sileo 125T | overhead | axial | 187 cu. m/hour | 17 W | 32 dB | timer, check valve | without adjustment | $45-50 |
| Systemair CBF 100 | overhead | radial | 110 cu. m/hour | 45 W | 45 dB | mechanical control | without adjustment | $65-75 |
| Systemair BF100 | overhead | axial | 85 cu. m/hour | 20 W | 41 dB | mechanical control | 2400 rpm | $32-35 |
| Systemair IF 100 | channel | axial | 87.1 cu. m/hour | 14 W | 44 dB | 2432 rpm | $28-35 | |
| MARLEY MP-100S (SV-100) | overhead | from 10 to 83 m³/h | 1.1 W to 4.1 W | 10 dB to 38 dB | electronic control | smooth adjustment | $209-225 | |
| VENTS Quiet 100… (Vents Quiet 100) | overhead | silent | 97 cu. m/hour | 7.5W | 25 dB | check valve, rolling bearing | 2300 rpm | $28-35 |
| Vents 125 Quiet V (125 Quiet V) | overhead | silent | 185 cu. m/hour | 17 W | 32 dB | check valve, rolling bearing | 2400 rpm | 42-50$ |
| Domovent VKO 125… | channel | axial | 185 cu. m/hour | 16 W | 37 dB | protection against overheating and moisture | without adjustment | 7-10$ |
Also pay attention to such a moment as the material of the duct. The fan itself may make a little noise, but a metal duct can make noise when air moves through it. Therefore, when installing a ventilation system, it is desirable to use plastic. If you already have a metal box, you can reduce the noise level by gluing it with soundproof materials. The second way out is to sew it into a box, and fill the gaps with porous soundproofing material. It is best suited for this regular soundproofing made of mineral fibers. Mounting foam, of course, is convenient to use, but its soundproofing characteristics are very low. Styrofoam with polystyrene foam is not very good in this regard.
Power consumption
Another parameter is power consumption. The smaller this parameter, the less you have to pay for electricity. From this point of view, axial fans for extractor hoods in the bathroom are more economical. For a set of high efficiency at low electricity costs, they give out significant air exchange. Radial ones are less profitable in this regard: with equal performance, they spend 3-4 times more electricity, but the air is transmitted over a greater distance.
Powerful duct fan
It is also worth remembering that the fan performance (the amount of air moved per unit of time) depends on the power consumption. This parameter is also affected by the shape of the impeller and other design features (for example, the presence of rolling bearings), but the larger the volume of air to be pumped, the more powerful the exhaust fan is required in the bathroom.
Which firm to choose?
Another important point is the manufacturer of the device.
We have compiled the top brands that have earned the trust of users:
- VENTS. Both in terms of quality and variety of assortment, it is the undisputed leader in the domestic and foreign markets. The company has its own research and production bases in Europe and independently manufactures all types of equipment — from household to industrial.
- Soler & Palau. The equipment is of the highest quality, impeccable reliability and long service life, requiring minimal maintenance.
- Blauberg Quatro. Manufacturer of a full range of ventilation equipment, which optimally combines innovative technologies, modern design and traditional German quality. The company strives to satisfy the wishes of each client and, if necessary, is ready to offer individually designed ventilation solutions.
- ERA.ERA products are supplied to 50 countries worldwide. Reliability and stability of work make the brand a leader in the Russian market. ERA is primarily a distributor of European manufacturers of electrical components.
- Electrolux. Swedish engineering company headquartered in Stockholm, which is rightfully considered one of the world’s leading manufacturers of electrical and gas appliances for home and professional needs.
Additional functions
In the simplest version, the fan in the bathroom hood is turned on by a separate switch. Some models have a chain, by pulling which you can turn it on or off. In this case, the device works for the entire time until the power supply is turned on. There are other options:
The most common models of bathroom exhaust fans are those with a turn-off delay after a blackout. But they can also be turned on through a separate switch, excluding the light bulb from the circuit. Installations with a humidity detector are more economical, since not every visit to the bathroom and turning on the light requires enhanced ventilation. For example, if you went to wash your hands, it is hardly worth turning on forced ventilation.
Another convenient option is different blade speeds. In this case, the exhaust fan in the bathroom can change the mode of operation depending on the initial humidity in the room. Switching is manual (mechanical), automatic (MARLEY MP-100S).
Axial models
Their design consists of an impeller mounted on a shaft. Blades are made under a bias. The shaft is started by a miniature electric motor and generates thrust as it rotates.
Advantages:
- Have a compact size;
- Good resistance to load fluctuations, low pressure;
- High efficiency (up to 100 m3 of air is expelled in 60 minutes).
However, such devices are recommended for small spaces where they create sufficient circulation.
Check valve on the fan in the bathroom — needed or not
There are also exhaust fans with a built-in non-return valve. Sometimes this option is useful — if a reverse draft occurs, it will not allow air from the ventilation system to enter the room. But such models are still not very popular. It’s about natural ventilation. Most apartments and houses have natural ventilation. By installing a fan in the ventilation duct, we significantly impair the exhaust air output in a natural way — due to the difference in pressure and draft. Installing a fan with a non-return valve worsens the situation even more. In this case, forced arousal (using a fan) must work around the clock.
Which bathroom fan is better — with or without a check valve — you decide
If you decide to install a check valve, it does not have to be in one housing. It can always be installed separately — in the channel in front of the fan.
How to check ventilation
The operation of the ventilation duct is checked with a match (candles, etc.): they light it and bring it to the passage grate.
If there is draft, the flame is deflected according to the direction of the air flow. If violated, the fire will remain motionless.
Model diameter
This parameter shows how much air the device is able to pass through. In stores you can find indicators from 80 to 150 mm. For standard Soviet apartments, values of 80, 100 mm are suitable. In modern bathrooms, 120 mm is preferable.
Power
This value determines the level of performance: the higher the first value, the higher the second.
On a note. Calculate the required performance by multiplying the bathroom area by the number of users.
Usually, average power values u200bu200bare selected (7-20 W), they are enough to ensure high-quality ventilation. A higher setting can cause drafts, and in winter it cools the room noticeably.
Work safety
Here the main condition is protection from moisture. It is provided by a special fan housing.
On the equipment you can find the letters IP and two numbers after them, they mean the level of security. The first number is protection against ingress of foreign objects, the second value is protection against condensate.
Important. For the equipment to work smoothly, the specified parameter must be at least IP45.
Noise level
The noise level of a standard fan can be compared to that of a PC cooler. The sound of work is audible, but does not interfere with the person.
This indicator is determined by the shape of the blades and the speed of their rotation. For comparison: a device with a larger diameter and at a low speed makes less noise than a miniature and high-speed device.
By the way. When choosing, you need to focus on the figure 30 dB: equal to it or smaller values are considered the norm.