Do Kitchen Extractor Fans Really Work?

Absolutely. Kitchen extractor fans will diligently remove any humid air it finds. Most modern extractor fans have sensors within them that allows them to understand when a room does not require any more extraction. This means you don’t have to worry about knowing when to turn it on or off.

Of course, kitchens can be large rooms in some houses or buildings, so ensuring your extractor fan is up to standard is key. If your extractor fan is not working, or not as effective as it once was, it could be down to…

• It is old.
• It needs maintenance.
• There may be a build-up in the ducting that has caused blockage.

In these circumstances, a replacement or quick inspection can rectify any performance issues. That being said, using a kitchen extractor fan by itself may take a long time to remove all the humidity, unless it is an industrial grade extractor.

Can I make my kitchen extractor fan work quicker?

Yes. To get the most out of your kitchen extractor fan, and ensure that it does its job quickly, you can take the following steps.

• Close the doors that lead away from the kitchen. By doing this, you are containing the humid air in the kitchen for it to extract.

• Open one or more windows. Or a patio/back door if it is in the kitchen, the increased airflow not only provides another exit for humid air to take, but your kitchen is also having fresh air delivered inside it.

• Use your cooker hood. Although this step is generally required when cooking, you can also use it from time to time to speed up the removal of humidity. If the humidity or steam has come as a result of your cooking, the cooker hood should already be on.

Can I ventilate without extractor fans?

Yes. But this process will take longer, as you don’t know when the adequate level of humidity has been removed from the room, whereas an extractor fan will simply stop when it gets to the right level.

If you want to ventilate naturally, leaving a window open would be your best option. However, this can come with issues in itself, including…

• Heat is escaping at a higher rate than using an extractor fan with the window closed.

• An open window can be a risk to the security of the home, especially if it is left open all night.

• Bugs can easily enter your home with a window that is constantly open.

• Rain can enter your home through the window, and unaddressed wet surfaces can become a breeding ground for mould.

What happens if I get mould in my kitchen?