Silent Bathroom Extractor Fan

albreda

Hi

We are looking to replace the extractor fan in the bathroom. We currently have a Silavent Fan that has begun to make a very loud screaming sound. Having taken it apart and cleaning it, greasing it and everything else we could think of, we have failed to cure the problem.

So, it's time to replace it. We want a ceiling fan that is so very quiet that you would not know that it's on. It should also be the most powerful fan available for sucking out the steam when you have the shower on.

The room is about 3.5 metres by 2.5 metres by 2.5 metres. The Bathroom is not on an outside wall, and I'm not sure how long the outlet pipe would be. The unit would also need to be as flush as possible so it is not too noticeable. The current fan's hole is around 3.5" diametre.

Anyone got any helpful ideas?

Thanks

snowboardjon

I'm just about to start refitting our bathroom. I'm going to get a vapour sensing extractor fan so that it only comes on when you need it, not just every time you put the lights on like they normally do.
I spotted one for about £70 at screwfix.

Can't vouch for how good they are yet, but from everything I've read they seem a lot better.

robby-01

Is the bathroom upstairs?
If so and you can get into the roofspace above fit an inline fan .These are fitted in the roofspace and connected to the ceiling using ducting and a discreet round grill,they then duct outside in the same way that your ceiling mounted fan should now..
As they are fitted above and not into the ceiling you do not get the problem with vibration and they look nicer.
They are not that expensive either about 20quid for one with a timer which you will need for an internal bathroom to comply with building regs.

Mikeyorks

albreda wrote:

It should also be the most powerful fan available for sucking out the steam when you have the shower on.

You need a high pressure in-line duct fan. They don't quite suck the suds off you whilst under the shower - but get close. They're not totally silent - but you mount the motor over the ceiling (piece of floor board across the joists and sit the motor on some draughtproofing / foam to kill any vibration) - so all you see is the ceiling vent. and that cuts the noise to minimum.

Best is a timer version wired into the light and fit a ceiling vent with halogen if you've got a cubicle. Illuminates all the bits nicely!

You need to change the air 10 times / hour. So, at 22 cu metres you need a minimum 220 cu metre extract fan.

The 250T model (250 cu metres / hour) on here sits above my ceiling - and it's great :-

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Ventilation_Index/4_Inch_Fans_Duct/index.html

- don't buy the kit models. Get the motor and separate pieces. Aluminium extendable piping - if your loft ever has dormice in the winter. The little sods chew the plastic extendable pipe to bits.

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/SLTD250T.html

Not cheap - but combats mould / steam excellently

davsidipp

do not forget you need part p for this.if not you could fall foul of the bc when selling.

Mikeyorks

How does Part P apply? It's not a new circuit nor is it in a bathroom (the entire fit is in the loft / ceiling space)

whatatwit

snowboardjon wrote:

I'm just about to start refitting our bathroom. I'm going to get a vapour sensing extractor fan so that it only comes on when you need it, not just every time you put the lights on like they normally do.
I spotted one for about £70 at screwfix.

Can't vouch for how good they are yet, but from everything I've read they seem a lot better.

If you are re-fitting, then put the fan on a separate switch from the lights.
I insisted on that when we did our bathroom, I don't find there's any need for the fan on when I'm only cleaning my teeth or putting some slap on.

robby-01

Mikeyorks wrote:

How does Part P apply? It's not a new circuit nor is it in a bathroom (the entire fit is in the loft / ceiling space)

Nice one Mikey.
To many people on this forum spout off about part p when it is obvious that they haven't read the document.This is supposed to be a money saving site and bad advice like that can cost people a lot of cash..