What to Look for in an Extractor Fan

Extractor fans are commonly used in both the kitchen and the bathroom, though for slightly different purposes. In the bathroom, the fan removes humid air to prevent mildew and mould from growing. In the kitchen, it’s more commonly used to eliminate food odours, steam, and smoke from food.

When you purchase an extractor fan, there are some things to consider as you choose the best one for your needs.

What Will It Be Used for?

The fan you need depends on where you’ll place it. If you’re planning to remove fumes from a lab or garage, this will require different power than one that removes humid air after a shower. Consider where you will place the fan and determine what it will remove from the air.

How Strong is It?

Stronger fans will remove the smoke or steam from the air faster, but there’s no need to go too far. In the bathroom, you can easily use a fan that extracts 20-21 litres of air per second. However, in the kitchen, you may need more than that to keep the fire alarm from going off when you accidentally burn the eggs.

How Will It Turn On?

Often, the fan is connected to the light switch in the bathroom, so it automatically goes on when you go in. The other option is to have it on a separate switch which is very common for an extractor hood in the kitchen. You don’t always need it on, so it’s helpful to have a switch to turn the extractor on and off as needed.

Do You Need Other Parts?

An extractor fan will usually need to connect to the outdoors and it may be set into a hood or vent. There are quite a few accessories that can make the extractor fan easier to use and more efficient, so before you make a purchase, figure out what you need exactly and take the time to talk to the vendor about the best choices for installing the fan. Some will come with the extractor hood, while others will come separately. All of this will need to figure into your plans.

How Much Will It Cost?

The cost is also a factor in most cases. You likely have a budget that you need to adhere to and that will affect which fan you choose. Remember to factor in the installation and any accessories you plan to add, as this will raise the budget.

If you’re looking for a quality extractor fan, contact Bells Kitchens and Bathrooms to learn more about what we have to offer.