Ventilation should be a major consideration when designing your new Bathroom, Kitchen or Laundry. These rooms are particularly prone to problems with moisture which can cause a miriad of problems from mould and mildew to structural rot. Moisture from steam will find its way into every crevice and when it cools and turns back into water this is when problems start.
Exhaust fans perform a very vital role in eliminating excess moisture from steam along with any unpleasant odours. Choosing the right one will provide you with fresh, clean and dry air in your bathroom, kitchen or laundry.
Minimum Fan Capacity
When selecting an exhaust fan your first consideration should be the fan capacity. The fan capacity measures how much air is drawn by the fan. The fan you choose should ideally provide about 15-20 air changes per hour for bathrooms, and 6-8 for kitchens and laundries.
To work out the minimum capacity for the fan you need to first work out the volume of the room. Multiply the length x width x height of the room and then multiply the total by the number of air changes required. This will give you the minimum fan capacity.
Positioning an Exhaust Fan
Exhaust fans rely on a balanced airflow to operate at it's most efficient. There must be as much new fresh air entering the room as is being drawn out through the exhaust fan, this can be through a window, door or a vent in the wall. The exhaust fan should be positioned at the opposite end of the room than the fresh in-flowing air source. The cross-ventilation that this creates is essential in clearing vapours and odours. if the fan is located too close to the fresh air source this will lessen the efficiency of the fan as it will not draw the air properly from the far end of the room.
Types of Exhaust Fans
3-in-1 Fan/ Light/ Heater. These are the most versatile exhaust units available, they combine an exhaust fan, light and heat lamps in one neat little package. The heat lamps are perfect for providing instant heat to your bathroom in winter and elimate the existing light fitting create a streamline compact solution.
3-in-1's are available is many styles, from contempory rounded designs to slimline modern square and rectangular designs.
2-in1 Fan/ Heater. For those who wish to keep their existing lighting fixtures, these units are ideal for providing adequate ventilation while adding the heating function for those chilly winter days. As with 3-in-1's these are available rounded, square or rectangular designs.
Fan/ Light. If you dont need the heating option but wish to incorporate the lighting then this is the solution for you. Available in many contempory or modern designs.
Standard Exhaust Fan. For those who just need an exhaust fan to remove steam and odours then this is the type to go for. Simple in design and cost effiective.
Humidity or Motion Sensor Exhaust Fans. Do you constantly forget to switch on the exhaust fan? Then here is your answer. Motion Sensing exhausts fans detect when you walk into the room, while the Humidity Sensing detect rapid increases in moisture levels and automatically switches on.
Venting
It is always a good idea to vent all exhaust fans outside and not into the roof cavity. By venting moisure into the roof cavity you can run the risk of damaging insulation and even causing structural rot. With the use of flexible ducting you can connect the exhaust fan to a vent located in outside wall or in the eaves.