If you’re renovating your bathroom or moving into a new home, you may be wondering if your bathroom requires an extractor fan.
In this guide, we’ll be discussing the legal requirements for certain homes as well as the added benefits extractor fans can offer in bathrooms where they are not a requirement.
Does My Bathroom Legally Require an Extractor Fan?
Legally, if your bathroom doesn’t have a window that can be opened, an extractor fan is necessary in order to prevent excess buildup of mould which can lead to respiratory issues such as asthma as well as damaging to your ceilings and walls.
However, there are some regulations surrounding this.
If your bathroom has a toilet only, you are fine to use a window alone as your source of ventilation. If your home is a new-build with a bath and shower, additional mechanical ventilation is required, such as an extractor fan.
The reason for this is because new-builds are designed to be more airtight, meaning ventilation is typically much lower and therefore requires assistance to remove excess moisture from the bathroom.
What if my Bathroom is Old and I Only have a Window?
Although there are no legal requirements around this, it is still recommended to install an extractor fan for extra ventilation to prevent damp and mould.
What are the Benefits of Installing an Extractor Fan?
Legal responsibilities aside, the benefits of installing an extractor fan are significant.
Reduce Condensation
There’s nothing more annoying than when you or someone else has taken a shower and the mirrors are all steamed up, preventing you from getting ready easily.
Opening a window can help with this, but it often takes time for the condensation to fully clear, which can be frustrating when time is of the essence.
Even wiping the mirror down only offers a temporary solution and often leaves unsightly streaks and marks.
Fortunately, a bathroom extractor fan can quickly resolve this issue by removing moisture whilst the shower is running and afterwards, leaving your mirrors free from condensation.
Prevent Mould
Excess moisture in your bathroom without proper ventilation can lead to issues such as damp and mould.
Mould spores produce allergens and other irritants which can cause symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and rashes, as well as exacerbating respiratory problems such as asthma.
Thankfully, extractor fans can prevent this by reducing the amount of time moisture sits in your bathroom.
Keep Your Bathroom Looking Nice
Damp and mould can cause serious damage to your bathroom tiles, ceiling and grout which can be both unsightly and dangerous if left un-repaired.
In more severe cases, the bathroom may need to be re-plastered and retiled and any fittings replaced– all of which can be very expensive.
Bathroom extractor fans can prevent all of this, helping to keep your bathroom looking nicer for longer and reduce the need for costly renovations.
How Do Extractor Fans Work?
Bathroom extractor fans work by extracting stale and humid oxygen particles from the bathroom and expelling them outside the home.
Fresh air then takes its place, from either an open window or door.
Are There Different Types of Bathroom Extractor Fans?
There are a variety of types of bathroom extractor fans on the market, each with different extraction rates, noise levels and switch type.
For example, bathrooms which produce higher amounts of moisture and don’t have a window will require an extractor fan with a higher extraction rate.
Another factor to consider is where your bathroom is. If you have an en-suite, you may want to consider a quieter extractor fan to prevent any noise disturbing the sleep of others.
You may also want to think about where you would like your extractor fan installed; either through the ceiling, wall or window.
Finally, you should decide on whether you want a pullcord extractor fan, one that has a switch built into the wall or one that automatically turns on with the lights.
Check out our wide range of bathroom extractor fans we have to offer!
Bathroom Extractor Fans at eFans
Are you still unsure if your bathroom requires an extractor fan, or are you looking for some advice from an expert?
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the friendly team at eFans who will be happy to answer any questions you may have!
