Bathroom fan in comparison: against excessive humidity!
Bathroom fans are useful aids for ventilating indoor spaces. They regulate the humidity in the room air. In this way, they help to prevent mould.
In this guide, I will explain what a bathroom fan does, when it makes sense to use it and what is important when it comes to a bathroom fan. I will also introduce you to recommended models.
Recommended bathroom fans
But first let's take a look at where and why it makes sense to use it.
Why a bathroom fan?
As the name suggests, this small fan is primarily installed in bathrooms. However, it is not limited to this: In principle, it can be used in any room with high humidity be of use. These include...
- Kitchen
- Fitness room
- Room with lots of plants
The main task of a bathroom fan is to equalise so-called Moisture peaks. This refers to periods with comparatively high to very high humidity.
It also works in the bathroom and kitchen bad odours by drawing in the air from the room and thus exchanging it.
A moisture peak occurs, for example, when showering, bathing or when cooking a lot. Water vapour is created. The room air is then very humid and water may already be deposited on the window panes or tiles.
This is precisely when the fan comes into play. It reduces the air humidity back to normal. For example, if the fan is connected to the bathroom light switch, it will not run all day, but only as long as you are in the bathroom.
Even better, however, are devices that automatically measure the humidity or have a motion sensor. But more on this later.
How a bathroom fan works
The funny thing about this fan is that it is connected to a ventilation shaft. This means that it draws in the air from the room and transports it outside.
The advantage is that the humidity is not collected as with a dehumidifier, but disposed of. This means you don't have to regularly look after a small water container.
The disadvantage is undoubtedly that an air shaft with a suitable opening is required to which you can attach a bathroom fan. But in most bathrooms that need such a device, such a ventilation shaft is available.
These shafts are often found in bathrooms without windowsfrom which the moisture cannot be removed in any other way. However, there are also bathrooms where the windows are simply too small or where the layout of the floor prevents a proper draught. In these cases, such a fan makes sense.
Differences in the range of functions
As with many products, there are different versions, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages. Last but not least, it is the range of functions that ultimately determines the price of the device.
So let's take a look at the main functions and whether they offer any real added value.
Non-return flap
This function is not to be sneezed at: After all, the appliance is connected to the outside world via a ventilation shaft. There are often non-return flaps in these shafts themselves. Depending on the size and structure of the shaft or shaft system, however, there may be a unpleasant draught come.
A non-return flap counteracts this. It only allows air to pass in one direction - outwards. It also prevents the Reduced heat loss.
Coupling with the light switch
Exactly how the bathroom fan is switched depends not only on the device, but also on its installation. However, models that can be linked to a light switch are not a bad idea.
You probably spend less time in the bathroom than in the living room or bedroom. It is therefore practical if the fan only runs when you are in the room. After all, as long as nobody is using the bathroom, there will be no peak humidity.
However, the connection to the light switch is not the last word in wisdom. What happens if you leave the bathroom after showering, switch off the light, but the humidity is still too high?
Even a fan with Motion detector cannot be solved. Although it makes coupling with a light switch superfluous, it only switches on when you are in the room.
Overrun function
The overrun function solves the problem just mentioned - at least in part. It provides a Longer running time of the fan.
Assuming you leave the bathroom after a hot shower, the appliance will continue to ventilate for some time. This reduces the likelihood of the bathroom fan switching off before the humidity peak has been regulated.
Hygrometer
With a built-in hygrometer the device can measure the humidity and switch itself on or off based on this measured value. This means that the overrun function is effectively superfluous.
In my opinion, bathroom fans with hygrometers are a very clever purchase. They only ventilate when they are actually needed. Appliances without a hygrometer always run the risk of being switched on either too long or too short. This results in unnecessarily high energy consumption or excessive humidity. The latter is known to lead to mould and nobody wants that in their home.
On some models, you can set how high the humidity must be for the bathroom fan to start. So if it provides too dry air ex works or removes too little humidity, you can correct this by changing the setting.
Start-up delay
The start-up delay combats a problem that some bathroom fans unfortunately have: their running speed. It's not that loud per se. If you like to remain completely undisturbed during your morning routine in the bathroom, you might still notice it negatively.
The start-up delay - you've probably already guessed it Offsets the time of switching on a few minutes later. Ideally, you should be out of the bathroom long before the fan starts working.
Depending on the fan, the delay can be set on the appliance. However, it should not be too long, as removing moisture promptly prevents mould growth.
Bathroom fan with remote control
In my opinion, the remote control is a rather over-engineered solution. It can be used to control some models quite precisely. But who wants to think about it at all?
I much prefer an automatic fan. It does its job without asking. That's enough for me.
Speed controller
The number of revolutions per minute has an influence on three things:
- Air circulation per time
- Energy consumption
- Volume
The Air circulation simply refers to the amount of air that the fan moves in the ventilator. The faster the rotor blades turn, the faster the air is transported into the ventilation shaft.
The more revolutions per minute the fan has to perform, the more Energy consumed er. It is important to weigh up energy consumption against the speed at which the moisture peak is removed.
In addition, a faster rotor louder noises do. However, it may well be that you would prefer to hear the fan for a shorter time and louder than quietly but for a longer time. To determine this setting, a bathroom fan requires a speed controller.
Criteria when buying a bathroom fan
We have looked at what bathroom fans are and what they can do. Now we summarise this knowledge in the following purchase criteria:
- Air circulation
- Energy consumption
- Volume
- Automatic on/off switch
- Price
In my opinion, the most important factor is how much air the bathroom fan actually moves. The majority of manufacturers provide precise information on this in cubic metres of air per hour. Values of around 100 cubic metres per hour are not wrong. I wouldn't go much lower than that.
The Energy consumption is also specified by most reputable manufacturers. At this point, I would recommend models that run on a maximum of 15 watts. This puts the appliance as an electrical consumer close to good energy-saving lamps.
The Volume of the device is the third most important purchase criterion. You can be a decisive criterion, depending on taste. If the fan is used in the bathroom, then I would weigh up the volume as a slightly higher factor than if it is used in the kitchen. The tiled walls in the bathroom tend to absorb sound rather poorly, which is why it can sometimes be perceived as louder in the bathroom.
How and when the bathroom fan switches on can be crucial. After all, you want to operate it efficiently and, if possible, not notice it working at all. This can be ensured by an appropriate automatic system that switches the fan on depending on the humidity. Time-delayed switching on and off offers additional comfort.
The Price is of course also important. Fortunately, there is also plenty of choice when it comes to bathroom fans. Practically every price range is represented among the models on offer. Even the models in the very low two-digit range offer a satisfactory range of functions.
This is largely determined by the Design and the Size about the costs. Of course, models with displays and other bells and whistles are also available. With a household item like this, I would still advise keeping it simple. The appliance is expected to work quietly and smoothly for years or decades without attracting attention. Flashing displays on the bathroom fan are rather counterproductive and often overpriced.
Recommended products
The variety of offers, models and functions is huge. The following list should give you an overview and make your decision a little easier.
So here are three recommended bathroom fans that have the most important functions and a good price-performance ratio.
- Awenta
- Super quiet bathroom fan with white front, wall fan Ø 100 ball bearing Mega Silent SBräunendard Escudo - Line System+ (white)
- FANS FOR ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS
This model is kept quite simple, but fulfils its task completely. The very low volume should be emphasised. With approx. 26 dB it should not be a major nuisance in the kitchen or bathroom.
With a power consumption of 4.4 watts this appliance achieves a decent air circulation rate of 95m³/h. With these key data and the low price, in my eyes a Good price-performance ratio achieved.
Another plus point is the comparatively large Choice of colour options. Although chrome or brushed gold-look versions are available, I tend to go for the soft colours. White or ecru are still the classic colours.
What I miss with this model is an automatic overrun or a humidity sensor. If you don't want to do without these things, you can upgrade to the Successor to fall back on. The AWENTA SILENT 100 (H)+(PEB) * has both a Humidity sensoras well as via a Overrun. The latter can be adjusted as required.
This model works quietly, looks appealing and creates a pleasant 7.5 Watt one 90m³/h air circulation. The name emphasises the low volume that 24dB with and 26 dB without a screen. Based on this, the "100 Quiet Style" with screen is around 2 dB quieter than the previously presented device.
In addition to a timer, a hygrometer is built in to measure the humidity. In addition, this product has a Non-return flapwhich prevents air from the ventilation shaft from flowing into the room. Among other things, this can reduce heat loss and thus save a small amount of heating costs.
Overall, this product would be the winner of my list, but I personally feel that the price is a little too high. Yes; this fan has more functions, but the price jump doesn't seem quite reasonable to me.
- Glass front panel, quiet operation
- Colour: White, non-return flap, 10 W
- Installation both horizontally and vertically, ball bearing
- Overall dimensions of the appliance (mm): Height 158 x width 158 x depth 99
- Diameter: 100 mm
In contrast to the other fans presented, the "BFS100" bathroom fan has a Glass front. In my opinion, this makes it look less valuable. The device also has an integrated light.
Also due to the Lighting consumption is significantly higher in comparison 15 watts. A non-return flap is installed in the appliance and the ball bearing ensures quiet operation. According to the manufacturer, it is around 25 dBbut there are also customer reviews that speak of a higher volume.
To summarise, this product is more about looks than additional functions.
FAQs on bathroom fans
A bathroom fan helps to regulate the humidity in the bathroom. After a shower or bath, the humidity can rise sharply, which can lead to condensation and mould growth. The fan extracts the humid air and thus ensures a dry and healthy room climate.
The capacity of a bathroom fan should be adapted to the size of the room. Small bathrooms require fans with a lower air circulation rate (measured in m³/h), while larger rooms require more powerful fans. A general recommendation is a fan with a capacity of 60-100 m³/h for smaller bathrooms and up to 150 m³/h for larger bathrooms.
A bathroom fan should run for around 10-15 minutes after showering or bathing in order to completely remove the moist air. Some fans have an automatic run-on function that keeps the fan running for a certain time after the light has been switched off.
Modern bathroom fans are energy-efficient and often equipped with sensors that automatically react to high humidity. They are designed to extract air effectively with minimal energy consumption. Fans with energy labels and EC motors are particularly energy-efficient.
Some bathroom fans offer additional functions such as humidity sensors that switch the fan on automatically when a certain humidity level is reached. Other models have motion detectors or timers to automate operation. There are also fans with low-noise motors for a more pleasant user experience.
When installing a bathroom fan, it is important to plan the air flow correctly. The fan should be positioned so that it efficiently discharges the moist air to the outside. Local regulations and safety requirements must also be observed, particularly with regard to cabling and connection to the power supply.
Conclusion
To summarise, when choosing the right bathroom fan, I would look for a product that does little work. As mentioned earlier, good fans are the ones you don't notice at all. In short an optimal bathroom fan:
- Eliminate humidity
- be quiet
- have a humidity sensor
- have an automatic start-up and run-on function
- Consume little energy
- look appealing
I very much hope that this article has helped you with your decision. The more informed you are when buying, the better your decision will be.
Admittedly: At first glance, the topic is more extensive than you might think. That's why it's worth taking a few minutes to find the right product for you. Good luck and see you next time at luftzug.org 🙂
