Types Of Fans For Hoods In The Bathroom, How To Choose The Best

2023 Author: Philip Bishop | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-24 22:24

• The principle of operation and the device of the fan
• Types of bathroom fans
• Pros and cons of exhaust fans
• How to choose a bathroom fan?
• Rules for self-installation of the fan

The bathroom is the place in the house where it is almost impossible to prevent moisture. While taking a shower, the bathroom quickly fills with steam, and due to the fact that the room is usually small, condensation begins to accumulate on the walls. Such an excess of moisture in the future can lead to damage to the finish. In this regard, most consumers install an additional fan. Let's consider in detail how to choose an inexpensive but reliable fan for an apartment and other premises.

The principle of operation and the device of the fan

The design of the bathroom hood has a simple device: it consists of a fan and an air outlet. The latter is connected to the common exhaust riser of the house, due to which forced air circulation occurs, and the moisture gradually evaporates. Today, there are two types of internal fan design:

• Electric fan (simple). These products are equipped with a built-in or external switch. The consumer independently turns on the device, after which he begins his work. Very often, such a fan is connected to a switch, and then when the light in the bathroom is turned on, the fan also starts working. Such a move is convenient for saving energy, however, there is a high probability that all the moisture will not come out during the time you take a bath.
• Automatic fan. Devices of this type are equipped with additional sensors. An automatic fan with a humidity sensor will turn on itself when it senses an excess of moisture, and turn itself off - when the condensation has completely disappeared. More modern models of automatic fans are equipped with a motion sensor: when moving objects appear, the fan is activated. Also, this type of fan can include a timer setting function, and then the fan will only run for a specified amount of time.

Also, some fans have a check valve. Such a bonus is good for owners of apartments in high-rise buildings, because the operation of the check valve allows foreign odors from neighboring apartments not to enter the room.

Types of bathroom fans

Exhaust fans have their own classification. They can be classified by type of installation and by type of operation. Consider which fan is best for the bathroom. According to the installation method, fans are:

• Ceiling. This type of fan provides for fixing the device to the ceiling. These fans are recommended for use in large bathrooms due to the fact that they perfectly cope with the circulation of volumetric air masses. They are easy to install and have a low cost.
• Wall mounted. The most popular type of exhaust fans today. Such a device is installed on the wall in the hole that leads to the air outlet. Most of these fans are overhead.

According to the internal design and application features, fans are divided into:

Axial. The design of such a fan includes a wheel with cantilever blades, which is located in a cylindrical housing. The wheel itself is located on the axis of the electric motor. When the fan rotates, air is captured by the blades and moves axially, however, there is no mass movement in the radial direction

A collector is installed at the inlet to the hood, which increases the aerodynamics of the device. This type of fan is quite efficient in comparison with other types of devices. The fan is mounted only on the wall. This is the most popular fan option today, although it is quite noisy.

• Radial. In the design of such a fan there is a blade wheel, which is located in a spiral casing. When the wheel rotates, air masses enter between the blades, and follow in a radial direction into the casing, and then enter the discharge hole. The blades in such fans can be directed forward or backward. Radial fans can carry air loads more easily and are much quieter than axial designs.
• Centrifugal. These are models that appeared several decades ago and gained popularity due to their simplicity and ease of use. Such fans are also called duct fans, they are used in those premises where the area exceeds 15 sq.m. This type of fans is installed under the ceiling, which requires a rigid and high-quality air duct. The ventilation system is supposed to be flowing. The noise level in such models is quite low, despite the high power.
• Rooftop. These types of fans are installed on the roofs of multi-storey buildings. In their structure, they have an electric motor and automatic adjustment. The fan draws in air from the room and brings it out to the roof. This type of device has many advantages: power, low operating noise and the ability to connect the entire living space to the ventilation system. It will easily remove all moisture from the bathroom. However, roof fans are expensive and difficult to install.

Do not forget that the fan is not an interior decor, but a serious element that allows you to remove moisture from the room, so when choosing a device, immediately decide on the internal structure of the product.

Pros and cons of exhaust fans

In most apartments, the provided house ventilation does not completely cope with the circulation of air masses, therefore it is preferable to install an exhaust fan in the bathroom. The main advantages of such a device will be:

• The compactness of the fans allows them to be installed even in the smallest bathroom.
• Most models are sold complete with a protective mesh, which in turn will help prevent insects and other foreign objects from entering the structure.
• The motor of the device does not require frequent maintenance and can be easily disassembled for subsequent cleaning
• Each fan can be equipped with additional functions: humidity sensors, motion sensors and a timer.
• Fans are lightweight and usually made of plastic.
• Some models are characterized by low noise levels.
• Some types of products can save energy.
• Ease of installation. Even a beginner can install the fan.

There are also some downsides to using exhaust fans:

• Axial types of products have an increased noise level.
• If installed incorrectly, air may not circulate correctly.
• Radial models are not suitable for apartments.

There are many more advantages to using exhaust fans for the bathroom than disadvantages, because they are an excellent tool for extracting air and cleaning it.

How to choose a bathroom fan?

Once the decision on choosing a fan has been made, it is necessary to take into account the main parameters that are worth paying attention to:

1. Power. The more people live in the apartment, the more powerful the unit should be chosen. After all, if several people in a row take a shower in one evening, the fan will have to remove moisture for a long time.
2. Bathroom area. If the room is large, a low-power device will not cope with the circulation of such an amount of air.
3. Performance. Calculated from the two previous factors. The volume of the room must be multiplied by the number of people, and then multiplied by another 2. The result obtained must be compared with the characteristics in the instructions for the fan.
4. Security level. The device must have a special mark, which informs that the product is reliably protected from water ingress, as a result of which there should be no emergencies.
5. Noise level. Popular axial fans do not have low noise levels, so decide right away if you are ready to tolerate the loud sound coming from the bathroom.
6. Profitability. If there is an item for saving energy in the plans, it is worth giving preference to a device with the function of adjusting the power of work or forced shutdown.
7. Cost. Of course, it is better to give preference to well-known, long-established brands, however, it is worth considering the fact that such models will be more expensive in price than products of little-known companies.

The high cost does not always indicate the reliability and functionality of the device. Before choosing a fan, study all the offers and compare their characteristics. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the tips on how to properly organize ventilation in the room.

Rules for self-installation of the fan

The installation of the exhaust fan is quite simple. To do this, you need tools and materials such as: a grinder, a perforator, self-tapping screws, indicator and conventional screwdrivers, a terminal connector, an electric cable.

In case of independent connection of the device, it is necessary to lay a line from the junction box to the fan switch, and then to the device itself. If there are features in the connection diagram of the selected model, they are always indicated in the instructions.

The installation of the fan in stages is as follows:

1. Measurement of the diameter of the device nozzle and the ventilation duct. Maximum fit to size will ensure efficient device performance.
2. Laying power lines to the fan and connecting it.
3. Removing the ventilation grill and fitting the fan into the duct opening using the recommended materials: glue, fasteners.
4. Installing the mesh and grating, fixing it with self-tapping screws or silicone.
5. Fan performance check.

When connecting the fan on your own, observe the electrical safety rules. Remember to turn off the power when laying lines from the appliance to the switch. Use only terminal blocks to connect wires, it is convenient and safe.

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