recommendations for bathroom fan

yaubelle

I need a fan for a windowless bathroom.

I'm looking for something powerful/effective but also not too noisy.

Many thanks in advance.

Ken68

Don't know, yau., but I've just had a builder tell me that a cut out switch is needed outside of my bathroom and also because of lintel problems over windows, the outlet would have to go thru the roof.

cyclonebri1

Avoid the basic 4"/100mm units, go for 5"/125mm, they work so much better, bought a uni VORTICE M120/5t for under a tenner new from ebay 2 weeks ago.

No timer but I had a spare, but the best bit was that it has a motorised shutter, fantastic:T

Through the ceiling is easier than through the wall, the vent pipe can usually discharge through the soffit or even the fascia, no belting holes through brickwork. If it's downstairs in a house then you still have the brickwork issue I'm afraid.

If noise is your main concern you will have to pay more and install an inline unit.
This sits midway between the grill in the bathroom and the vent to outside. They have to be placed carefully and away from ceiling joists to prevent the ceiling becoming a bass/boom box.:D

SuzieSue

Consider getting one with a humidistat although I would research this thoroughtly as they have had mixed reviews. It needs to have a timer as well to get rid of any smells.

I had to buy a fan for a windowless bathroom and did a lot of research and saw this recommedation on this forum (I saved it for future use):

I'd also recommend you get an Icon airflow fan (I have two in my house), the 30 model, not 15. Get it with the humidistat, and then get it wired so that it doesn't come on with the light. Set the timer to something reasonable ~ 10 mins say. If its triggered by the humidity sensor it will stay on until the humidity has dropped regardless of time, or if you trigger it via the pull cord, it'll come on for the set time interval.

I didn't buy the Icon as the replacement I had to buy needed to vent 2 bathrooms at the same time so it wasn't suitable.

Ken68

I use a de-humidifier after a shower and open the windows otherwise.The lead is plugged into a socket OUTSIDE the bathroom and switched off before entering.
This machine goes from about 92/95 to the recommended 60 in about an hour.It helps if shower cubicle is wiped down immediately after use.
The humidistat sounds great, will research that.

cyclonebri1

There is no point in using a dehumidifier in a bathroom if you have made no attempt to vent/get rid of the moisture laden air.
Sorry if that offends earlier posters.

Dehumidifiers are best used to cure persistent rather than transient issues.

Vent the moisture over laden air first.

Ken68

Can only go by my experience cyclone, there was mould, now there is none.
Though agree, maybe both is best .

yaubelle

Thanks so much for all your replies.

It's all very helpful and given me lots to think about as I knew nothing about bathroom fans.

cyclonebri1

Ken68 wrote: »

Can only go by my experience cyclone, there was mould, now there is none.
Though agree, maybe both is best .

Yes, but in order of priority.
The use of a dehumidifier is fine, but much more expensive to run than an extractor, it should be looked on as the finishing touch to the air quality rather than the prime moisture reducer. Far better to quickly change the wet air and replace with fresh rather than treat existing.
Doesn't evacuate smells either;)

If you had mould before then your extraction system, which should always be the 1st priority, isn't fully effective/used correctly/adequately sized.

Hope you can see I'm coming at this from a :money::money: point of view.:)

madjay

you need to size the fan first before you go looking for a type,



try this calculator

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Technical/Ventilation/Ventilation4.html