Bathroom exhaust fan

What is the fan in the bathroom for?

Caring for clean and fresh air in the apartment, we primarily think about living rooms and the kitchen. But starting to deal with the problem of ventilation, we understand that the constant ventilation of bathrooms is no less important.

After all, these areas are the place of high humidity. And excessive humidity can lead not only to corrosion of metal objects, but also to the formation of fungus and mold.

Unfortunately, ventilation risers can not cope with the solution to this problem. Especially if it is clogged or has not been cleaned for a long time. The reason for this is a draft that is too small or absent altogether, which is why air circulation does not occur.

Important! You can check the draft in the bathroom yourself. To do this, light a candle or just a match and bring it to the ventilation grill. In the absence of traction, the flame is held steady, without fluctuations or deviations to the sides.

A fan installed in the ventilation opening of the bathroom will solve this problem. He will be able to increase traction, which provides the necessary ventilation and drying of the room.

Types of fans that can be used for hoods in the bathroom

Modern industry produces a wide variety of fans suitable for installation in the bathroom. They can be classified according to several criteria.

Fan location (invoice or duct)

When installing a fan in the bathroom, one of the methods of its location is used. You can mount the device on the wall (such structures are called waybills) This method attracts by its easy installation, however, it requires the connection of the mechanism with the ventilation shaft opening with a special air duct.

In another method, the fan is mounted inside the ventilation duct, so they are called channel.

Mounting place (ceiling, roof, wall)

Overhead fans can be attached to the ceiling, on the wall or even on the roof of the building, so there are 3 types of devices at the place of attachment: ceiling, wall mounted, roof.

Typically, in the bathrooms located in the apartments of multi-storey buildings, a ceiling system is installed in the canal, and wall devices are used on the wall as invoices. Roofs are used in the attics of one-story houses or cottages.

The place of attachment does not affect the quality and result of the work, a specific choice is made taking into account interior solutions.

Principle of action (paddle or centrifugal)

Ventilation designs work differently.

AT lobed the movement of air masses is due to the work of existing blades or blades. The blade models are divided into 2 groups: axial and radial.

Air movement due to the internal centrifugal force of the mechanism occurs in centrifugal devices.

Actuation (mechanical or automatic)

The buyer can provide, which option of inclusion of ventilation is more convenient. Appliance with mechanical inclusion can be put into effect if you press a special button. And you can combine the inclusion of a device with the inclusion of light in the bathroom.

Manufacturers also offer appliances with automatic inclusion. This was made possible through the use of special sensors. They are tuned to various reactions and independently give a signal to turn on if it becomes too wet or smoky.

Additional features

A hygrometer capable of independently measuring and controlling the humidity level, as well as sensors for automatically starting work, give ventilation systems additional opportunities.

In addition, there are constructions equipped with a timer. It allows you to set the time during which the fan will work. A sensor that responds to movement allows the structure to turn on independently when a person enters the bathroom or toilet.

Bathroom fan options

The variety and variety of fans that can be mounted in the bathroom, open up great opportunities for consumers, but make it difficult to choose a specific device. In order not to make a mistake with the purchase, the following indicators should be considered.

Air exchange rate

The main characteristic of the mechanism is the volume of replaced air. The instruction indicates what the device features. These data need to be compared with the needs of a particular bathroom. Such an indicator for each home is calculated individually.

Important! The optimal rate of air change in the bathroom is 8, and if the bathroom is combined with the toilet - 10.

Calculating the desired performance is easy. To do this, the number of air changes (8 or 10) is multiplied by the area of ​​the bathroom (or bathroom), and then multiplied by 6 (if the family uses the bathroom for up to 3 people) or 8 (if there are more than 3 people living).

Tip! Having calculated the necessary need using the indicated formula, choose a device whose performance is slightly higher than the result. In this case, the purchased exhaust fan in the bathroom will not be too weak, nor will it cool the room if the power is too high.

Noise generated

The most suitable device in everyday life is a device that not only ventilates the room well, but also does it without annoying noise. Therefore, when buying, you need to pay attention to the noise level that occurs during operation. Noise from 20 to 25 dB is considered the most comfortable device, up to 40 dB is acceptable. If the system is louder, the noise starts to annoy.

Power consumption

No less important quality characteristic is power consumption. The lower it is, the cheaper it will be to use the device. But this indicator must be taken into account in combination with the number of air changes. Therefore, it is recommended to pay attention to it, choosing from two of the same performance that has less power consumption.

The presence or absence of additional features

So that the purchase does not disappoint, it will be useful to familiarize yourself with what additional features a particular design is equipped with, and then decide whether this feature is important to you. Popular are, for example, fans, in which you can choose the speed of rotation of the blades. So it will be possible to increase its efficiency, because a low speed will lead to lower energy consumption.

Important! Fans with a humidity sensor have proven to be more economical to use than devices with motion sensors. These designs will not turn on every time you visit the bathroom, but will begin to work only after the humidity level rises.

Features of check valve fans

Some ventilation systems have an element such as a check valve. This part can also be installed in the ventilation duct additionally. In this regard, when choosing and buying, the question often arises: what is the difference between systems with a check valve.

Check valve in fans is important. This part prevents air from venting into the room. This happens when reverse thrust occurs, such as in strong winds.

But this does not mean that the check valve is an indispensable part of the design. Because fans with such a valve impede normal room ventilation. To compensate for this, the fan with a non-return valve will have to be kept in working condition all the time.

How to install an exhaust fan in the bathroom

If you are installing the fan in the hood yourself, get expert advice.

Tip! Combining the installation of a fan in the hood with the repair of the bathroom will make installation easier.

  • Connect the fan wires to the junction box that provides power to the lights.
  • Remove the top panel from the appliance.
  • After applying glue to the back and side walls, insert the device into the ventilation window.
  • Install the grill and fix it with screws.
  • Connect the electrical wires.
  • Reinstall the top panel.

Proper care of the fan in the bathroom

By installing a fan in the bathroom, you will provide a comfortable environment, take care of yourself and your loved ones. But the mechanism also needs your attention and care. It will work for a long time and efficiently if you start to properly care for it.

Bathroom Fan Tips

  • When cleaning, systematically remove dust from the device.
  • Once a year, clean the mechanism. To do this, the fan must be removed, disassembled, thoroughly cleaned of dust, rinsed and dried plastic parts, lubricated the engine.

Important! All cleaning work is carried out after a complete blackout of the device.

By ventilating the air in the bathroom, you maintain health for all family members!

Watch the video: How to Install a Bathroom Fan. Ask This Old House (April 2024).

Leave Your Comment