Bathroom Extractor Fan Not Working

silentotter

I have an extractor fan mounted in my bathroom ceiling which should switch on when the light is switched on. It has ceased to work at all and I need to get in fixed before the winter sets in.

Would a painter and decorator be able to do it or would I need an electrician? The ceiling needs painting also so if it is a job a decorator can do then he/she could do both.

muckybutt

Any competant diyer should be able to swap a ceiling fan over.

silentotter

That's why I'm asking because there isn't a competent diyer in the house. Which type of fan is best timer or humidistat? Also as there is already a 4 inch fan there in the ceiling I would guess all the ducting is already in place.

The ceiling extractor fan was already in place when I bought the place 8 months ago.

fluffymuffy

The first thing I did when we moved in was to disconnect the bathroom extractor fans. These things suck cold air into the house (through window vents and other cracks) at exactly the same rate they extract the warm moist air. A better option is to invest in a dehumidifier. It dries the towels in no time too.

Myser

Firstly, the type of fan you can install will be dictacted by the wiring to the existing fan.

If it has a permanent live feed and switched live, then you can have a timer and humidistat function installed with the fan.

Some of the models have a start delay so that the fan does not come on during short visits to the bathroom e.g. at night etc.

Some fans also have an automatic backdraft flap which stops cold air entering the fan. This is in addition to the vent flap outside the property. Airflow fans also have a front shutter which closes.

In terms of brands, here is a starting point:

Greenwood
Xpelair
Vent Axia
Airflow

Models with a start delay timer and humidistat will be expensive. The Airflow range with front shutter are also very costly expecially when you add the options for timers and humidistats.

If you aren't sure about the wiring, it's best to consult someone competent with electrics.

There are now regulations which define zones in a bathroom that dictate where you can install certain types of fan.