Every washroom suffers from an excess of moisture, especially in commercial settings where there is high foot traffic and constant usage. Naturally, bathrooms create steam and if not removed will cause condensation on the walls and other surfaces, potentially leading to issues with mould, mildew, and even the breakdown of surfaces. The best and easiest way to address this issue is to remove the steam, while it is still steam and give the moisture a place to go.
A well-placed extractor fan is found in most commercial and domestic washrooms and is crucial to maintaining interior design, health and safety and the overall practicality of the space. Depending on the building type, structure and industry, there are a range of fans to choose from, each providing different features and benefits.
Benefits of a washroom extractor fan
- Improved air quality: washroom fans circulate air, which can improve health and well-being. They can also reduce odours and keep the room fresher for longer.
- Reduced condensation: by removing moisture-laden air from the bathroom before it can condense into liquid, fans can help prevent mould and mildew, which can damage bathroom fittings, walls, ceilings, fixtures, doors, and furniture.
- Extended lifespan: by reducing condensation and preventing mould, an extractor fan can extend the lifespan of your bathroom and any fixtures and fittings.
- More comfortable occupants: proper ventilation can make occupants more comfortable and ensure employees, clients and visitors have an enjoyable washroom experience.
Centrifugal fans
The most common types of extractor fans include centrifugal fans, which are ideal for larger washrooms or multi-storey buildings. These fans use a rotating impeller to generate pressure and move air through longer duct systems.
Advantages include:
- Can handle longer duct runs
- Ideal for larger spaces or multi-storey buildings
- Good at removing both odours and moisture.
Axial fans
Axial fans, on the other hand, are simpler and more cost-effective, using blades to move air along the axis of the fan, making them suitable for smaller washrooms or spaces with short duct runs.
Advantages include:
- Suitable for short duct runs
- Simple to install and maintain
- Cost-effective
Inline extractor fans
Installed within the ductwork rather than on the wall or ceiling, inline extractor fans offer the advantage of quieter operation and greater efficiency, particularly in larger spaces or when the fan needs to be concealed within the duct system. These fans are ideal for larger commercial washrooms such as offices, warehouses or schools, where quiet operation is a priority, or where space is limited for wall-mounted fans.
Advantages include:
- Can be installed discreetly in the ductwork
- Reduced noise
- More effective for longer duct runs
- Better for applications where the fan needs to be concealed
Window mounted fans
Window-mounted extractor fans are a straightforward solution for smaller spaces, typically installed directly into a window, providing a quick way to vent air to the outside without the need for wall-mounted units.
Advantages include:
- Easy installation, especially for buildings with limited space or where external wall installation is not possible
- Suitable for smaller washrooms
Humidity-sensor fans
These fans automatically detect increased humidity and activate when necessary, ensuring energy efficiency and preventing excess moisture buildup. Humidity-sensing extractor fans are another popular option, particularly in washrooms where moisture control is crucial such as high-traffic areas or spaces with high water usage e.g. gyms or spas.
Advantages include:
- Automatically adjusts to the level of humidity in the room, ensuring energy efficiency
- Ideal for washrooms where moisture control is a priority
- Helps to maintain health and safety regulations
Heat recovery ventilation
HRV systems use an exchanger to recover heat from outgoing air and transfer it to incoming fresh air. These systems are typically part of larger HVAC systems but can include specific extraction points for washrooms. These units recycle heat from outgoing air to pre-warm incoming fresh air, making them particularly suitable for large commercial buildings focused on energy conservation or trying to improve their energy efficiency.
Advantages include:
- Energy-efficient
- Reduces heating costs
- Provides continuous fresh air circulation
- Maintains temperature control
Ceiling or surface-mounted fans
Predominantly used to save wall space and blend seamlessly with the washroom's design, these fans can be combined with ceiling ducting for effective ventilation and are perfect for washrooms where wall space is limited, or aesthetics are an important consideration.
Advantages include:
- Can be installed to blend into the aesthetics of the washroom
- Easy to maintain and replace
Washroom refurbishments across the UK
Sometimes washrooms can become tired and may need a bit of TLC. That's where inspired washrooms come in. We offer washroom refurbishments and fit out's for a range of commercial businesses across the UK including schools, offices, hotels, gyms and industrial facilities.
If you own a commercial space or are part of a team who are looking for a washroom upgrade, get in touch with our team or visit our service pages for more information.