What Is the Difference Between Bathroom Fan and Exhaust Fan

There is no difference between the two. An exhaust fan is just another name for an extractor fan which can be placed in bathrooms, kitchens, and other rooms. That being said, like with many appliances, extractor fans have been manufactured by multiple brands.

This means that some extractor fans will have different features compared to each other, in addition to dfiferences in performance between manufacturers and the models they create. However, in principle, they all operate on the same basis.

The basis that they operate on is to promote ventilation by removing humidity, odours, and stale air from the room it is installed in. As a result, you are at a reduced risk of mould developing, along with not being in an unpleasant environment, breathing air that is clearly not fresh.

Going forward, we will be referring to ‘exhaust fans’ as extractor fans, or bathroom extractor fans.

Where is the best place to have an extractor fan?

In a standard sized home, there are 4 areas in which an extractor fan should be placed to avoid any issues regarding humidity that can lead to mould. These are…

• The bathroom: As a result of hot showers, or even having a long self-care routine that involves using hot water constantly, steam can easily build up in a bathroom. If left to settle and not ventilated, this will eventually become condensation and then mould. Using an extractor fan will help to mitigate this, also helps to remove smells from the bathroom in a faster manner.

• The kitchen: Kitchens also have the capacity to generate steam due to cooking. But in this instance, it can easily be captured by a cooker hood. That being said, the residual heat in the atmosphere can contribute to humidity, hence why having an extractor fan is not only helpful but necessary.

• The utility room: If you use your utility room to wash and dry your clothes, having an extractor fan in here is a good idea. An extractor fan in your utility room will help to reduce the humidity that will build in the atmosphere as a result of your clothes drying.
• The attic: Heat rises, so in a lot of cases, your attic may bear the brunt of humidity. It may be worth considering installing an extractor fan in your attic, especially if there is a history of humidity or mould in that area.

Can I make my extractor fan better?

Yes. There are a few ways you can increase the efficiency of your extractor fan which we will share below.

• Get a replacement. If your extractor fan is very old, or on its way out, replacing it sooner rather than later is the best way to prevent any issues down the line.

• Change the settings. Most extractor fans have a selection of settings that you can customise to your preference. If one setting isn’t doing it for you, try another.

• Open a window. Although this may seem like a basic option, it is actually one of the most beneficial actions you can take. Whilst the extractor fan is operating, opening a window allows any humidity to leave at a faster rate than if it was only going through the extractor. For the best results, open the window whilst showering/cooking etc.

Does an extractor fan need maintenance?

Extractor fans are built to last, as long as they are installed correctly, with the right components. Maintenance of an extractor fan isn’t necessary to do frequently, once every few months may be more than enough.

However, in some instances, like if the efficiency of the fan has reduced, maintenance may be required from a professional. You can get maintenance conducted from independent HVAC experts, or the manufacturer of your mechanical ventilation.

Purchase a bathroom extractor fan today