Bathroom Ventilation Systems

We have recently encountered this problem and there was a question from many of our customers: do I need a bathroom fan with a humidistat function, or will a fan with a timer do? You could say that it all depends on what you need the fan for, what are the conditions the bathroom is in, what is the weather, what you use the bathroom for, etc. But in general, for the majority of people, a bathroom fan with a timer is more recommended than a fan with a humidistat. Unless there are special conditions with extreme humidity being constantly in the bathroom, all you need is a timer fan. Let us explain why. How Does a Humidistat Fan Work? What does this "humidistat module" do in a ventilation fan? Whether it is from Manrose, Vent-Axia, Envirovent, or Airflow, most of the bathroom fans come both in a basic version and in the version with a timer, humidistat, or even with timer and humidistat together (of course, the price is also higher). A humidistat is a sensor within a certain module in the fan that detects the level of humidity in the air, and then switches ON or OFF the fan. The humidistat can be set and adjusted as needed so that when there's a lot of humidity in the air, the fan will automatically be ON until the humidity is eliminated. How Does a Timer Fan Work? A timer bathroom fan is pretty straightforward and simple: you can set the time delay for the fan to continue to run once someone has used the bathroom and left (switching off the light). In other words, the fan will continue running for a period of 30 seconds - 3-4 minutes (according to your settings) after someone has taken a shower or has used the bathroom for more than 2-3 minutes. This is the most common use of the bathroom fan, and most bathrooms are not completely and properly ventilated unless a ventilation fan with a timer is installed. Why are the Timer Fans Better? Airflow Quietair 100 with a humidistat sensor incorporated Again, we don't prefer or replace a humidistat fan with a timer fan, but in general use, people rather need a bathroom fan with a timer than one with a humidistat. If your bathroom is in an area with a lot of humidity, it is good to get a humidity timer and set it on a not-so-sensitive setting. If the humidity level in your bathroom is always up and ventilation is needed all the time, a fan with humidistat is a must. But if you don't have huge problems with the humidity and all you need is a fan that would ventilate the air and make sure you have fresh air while the humidity and odors are eliminated a regular timer fan is the best solution. If you are planning to leave your house for a while and you know that the humidity can be up while away, you definitely need a bathroom fan with a humidistat. But if you're at home or your family is regularly using the bathroom during the day, you don't need a humidistat fan but a fan with a timer. Tip: Don't Fiddle Too Much with the Humidistat A humidistat is a very sensitive module within the fan, and not everyone understands how it works. The mere fact that you see that the humidistat doesn't turn the fan ON when you think that the humidity is high doesn't mean that you need to regulate it and adjust it all the time. Unless there are special humidity conditions in the bathroom, setting your humidistat on 60% or so should solve all the problems (see the manufacturer's specs and ask your electrician for more precise advice). But tinkering with the humidistat may cause it to be damaged - you simply have to "trust it", that it will work whenever the level of humidity is higher! Do You Have a Similar Experience? Did you install a humidistat fan? What is your experience with it? Maybe you want to share something you've learned while setting up, using, maintaining, and taking care of your humidistat fan (or timer fan) - please do so in the comments. You can read more technical details on how the humidistat works here, here, and here. To purchase bathroom fans with a timer, please visit the Ventilation Systems at Sparks Direct.

In our > 20 years of experience in selling electrical products for both domestic and commercial use, we have encountered a lot of questions from our customers both online and in our shop. Many of these questions are related to the choosing of the right bathroom ventilation fan. What does one need to know about the bathroom fan which he needs to install at home? What features he needs to make sure it has, so that he would have the latest in technology and in aspect? We asked our consultants on the counter here in our showroom in Archway and we checked the questions you have asked us online, and we compiled a list of such questions below. The Size of the Bathroom Fan The size of the bathroom or toilet fan matters. In general, for the domestic use people need mainly the 4 inch fan, 100 mm diameter (the extracting diameter / duct). The front lid / the grill is in general max. 158 x 158 mm - small, not taking too much space in the bathroom. The Fan Must have a Timer Many times we forget to turn off the light in the bathroom, and it is the same with the fan - it is better to make sure that the bathroom fan turns itself off in 2-3 minutes after you leave the bathroom. The timer module is many times incorporated into the fan, and it can be set up to the time lag desired. How Quiet is the Fan? It is very important to have a quiet fan, so quiet that you cannot even hear it! Some fans are so loud that you hate being in the bathroom with them running in the background :( while others like Airflow QT100T and Envirovent SIL100T are as quiet as 26.5dB(A) at 3m - you can barely hear the fan extracting the air! How Far is the Ducting? If the ducting needs to be longer than 3 meters, you will need a different fan with a stronger power of extraction. But in general, for domestic or regular office bathroom/toilet needs with ducting up to 3m (the length of the ducting until the outside / the central ventilation system). Ducting can also be purchased via Sparks. What is the Cheapest 100mm Toilet Fan? Many customers ask this question, and on our website, we have the PRO100T from Envirovent (100mm diameter, with a timer included). It is not the quietest among them all, but it is definitely the cheapest and most popular one! For those who are looking to invest in a quiet fan with a stylish look, the SIL100T and QT100T are the first choices. Extra: Dust Free Grill Dust tends to accumulate on the grill of the fan, and with time and use the fan needs to be gently wiped with a clean cloth (see the instructions included in the package). If you are looking for a fan that has a dust-free grill (no dust accumulating as time goes by) check out the Envirovent SILD10TW. It always stays clean! Was the above information useful? Do you have any other questions regarding the Bathroom Fans? Let us know in the comments.

Domestic ventilation is a big deal. Roughly speaking, ventilation is required for: bringing in fresh air from outdoors the dilution and removal of airborne pollutants such as mould and odour ensuring that the humidity levels in a space don't get too high In October 2010, the building regulations were updated to include the latest version of "Part F," which covers the ventilation requirements for new and existing properties. They are hard to decode, but we can offer some help in the form of electrical products. What Does Part F Specify? If you were wondering what does Part F of Building Regulations specify, here it is in a nutshell: a ventilation system needs to be supplied in order to reduce mould and other pollutants that could prove hazardous to the health of the building's inhabitants. Basically, a ventilation system needs to: extract pollutants and water vapour before those things are generally widespread rapidly dilute those things when necessary make available over long periods a minimum supply of outdoor air be installed in such a way that aids later maintenance In addition, Part F mandates that dwellings must be airtight (to a certain degree) to reduce domestic emissions. The specifications for new and existing buildings can be found in the Approved Document. They are complicated, and include guidelines on concepts like Specific Fan Power and trickle ventilation, but there is an easy way to meet these standards! Airflow's Loovent Eco Extractor Fans The Loovent Eco series exceeds these requirements. These are dMEV (Domestic Mechanical Extract Ventilation) fans for whole house ventilation (also known as background ventilation), but also feature a "boost mode" to provide extra ventilation when it is needed. These fans are high-powered enough to meet the specifications set out in Part F: in bathrooms, a 7 or 9 litres-per-second mode can be set, or in kitchens a 13 litre/sec speed may be more appropriate. The boost function offers up to 30 litre/sec. Loovent Eco fans have a specific fan power (the electric power needed to drive a fan relative to the amount of air that is circulated through it) of just 0.3 w/l/s, less than the required 0.5 w/l/s. What's more, we offer models in our online store that include a adjustable humidistat, timer, and/or a PIR motion sensor for energy-saving purposes in line with Part L of those same building regulations. These models are compact, easy to install, and dare we say... stylish? Practically noiseless and highly efficient, the Loovent Eco series of dMEV fans are the clear choice for domestic whole-house ventilation for Part F-compliant buildings.

When it comes to domestic ventilation, we all need help; thanks to Manrose, we now have a guide on, How to Choose a Ventilation Fan at Home. We read their guide and we would like to present the main points recommended by this ventilation fans manufacturer as it relates to ventilation at home. Ventilation is absolutely necessary, and it is good to know the following matters related to ventilation at home:What are the Problems caused by Poor or No Ventilation?What do Regulations say about Ventilation at Home?Where should we Install a Ventilation Fan at home?What Ventilation Fan is Required for the Minimum Air Changes Required per Hour?How to Choose the Right Ventilation Fan at HomeWhat options are there for Ventilation at Home?What are the Problems caused by Poor or No Ventilation?If the ventilation fans are not working or nonexistent, or if there is poor ventilation in a home, there are a few problems that may arise. First, there is the stale air which we all hate. Stale air can be caused by things such as cooking smells, odours remaining in the bathroom, a general lack of ventilation around the house, smoking, and a damp atmosphere. Stale air is not good for health and is very unpleasant to breathe.Stale air can cause a certain level of discomfort and poses a risk of respiratory illness and general poor health. Condensation is another problem caused by poor ventilation at home. When the steam from the kitchen or the bathroom spreads in the house and finds cooler surfaces around the house, there is condensation. We may try to conserve heat by sealing the windows and keeping them closed, therefore reducing natural ventilation; this causes more condensation. The consequences of condensation in a home include mould growth, peeling wallpaper, and even severe structural damage such as wood rot or dampness. What do Regulations say about Ventilation at Home?According to the Building Regulations Document F1 (2006 Edition), we know the importance of ventilation. Furthermore, these regulations stipulate that mechanical ventilation must be installed in kitchens, bathrooms (or showers), and toilets. The ventilation fans installed need to meet or exceed the current Building Regulations so that humidity is removed at the source before it can reach the cooler part of the dwelling. In particular, what is recommended and even required by the Building Regs are as follows:Intermittent fans - they operate on an "as required" basis and are turned on or off with the light switch or via other control (such as a pull cord switch). These are the regular fans installed on the wall or ceiling that provide high extraction for a short period of time when turned on. In the bathroom or shower room, the regulations require a fan capable of extracting min. 15 litres per second when installed. In a toilet, separate from a bathroom, the regulations require a fan capable of extracting a minimum of 6 litres per second when installed. In the kitchen, the regulations require a fan capable of extracting min. 60 litres per second when installed. And in the utility rooms, the regulations require a fan capable of extracting min. 30 litres per second when installed. Continuous Fans - they work all the time to extract excess moisture and stale air at low extraction rates throughout the day, and they have a boost function when humidity levels rise. They are becoming more common, for they ensure better indoor air quality while using less energy than intermittent fans, thus being more cost-effective to run. The Regulations regarding these in terms of air extraction rates are as follows: in the bathroom or shower room - min. 8 litres per second, in the toilet (separate from a bathroom) min. 6 litres per second, in the kitchen - min. 13 litres per second, and in utility rooms - max. 8 litres per second.Buy Manrose 100mm Bathroom FanWhere should we Install a Ventilation Fan at home?The location of the ventilation fan is very important; it is of utmost importance to site the fan correctly. A ventilation fan needs to be always sited in the furthest window or wall from the main source of air replacement in order to avoid short-circuiting the airflow. Also, it needs to be located as high as possible in the window or wall nearest to smells or steam, but not directly above eye-level grills or cooker hoods. If a room in the house contains a gas boiler or any other fuel-burning device with a non-balanced flue, it is imperative that there's enough replacement air to prevent fumes from being drawn down the flue when the fan is extracting to its utmost capacity. Furthermore, according to the IEE Regulations in the UK, conventional mains voltage fans in a bathroom or shower must be located in places where they cannot be touched by a person using the bath or the shower, as well as away from any water spray. SELV fans (Safety Extra Low Voltage Fans, 12V fans) are specifically designed for safe ventilation of toilets, bathrooms, and shower rooms. They can be fitted within the area with splashing water (see their full specs) without any risk of electric shock. Buy Envirovent Design 100 Bathroom FanWhat Ventilation Fan is Required for the Minimum Air Changes Required per Hour?When considering where and what fan to install in a particular room at home, we need to know what is the minimum air changes required per hour. In order to calculate the correct air changes required for a room, you need to know the room volume in cubic metres, which is basically the length x width x height of the room, which needs to be multiplied by the number of air changes required. According to the current Building Regulations, here are the minimum air changes required per hour:Bathroom & Shower Rooms - 3 air changes/hBedrooms - 2 air changes/hCafés - 10 air changes/hCanteens - 8 air changes/hCellars - 3 air changes/hChanging Rooms with Showers - 15 air changes/hConference Rooms - 8 air changes/hGarages - 6 air changes/hHairdressing Salons - 10 air changes/hHalls & Landings - 3 air changes/hHospital Rooms - 4 air changes/hLaundries & Launderettes - 10 air changes/hLiving & Other Domestic Rooms - 3 air changes/hMeeting Rooms - 4 air changes/hOffices - 6 air changes/hRestaurants & Bars - 6 air changes/hSchool Rooms - 2 air changes/hShops - 8 air changes/hSports Facilities - 6 air changes/hStore Room - 3 air changes/hToilets – Domestic - 3 air changes/hToilets – Public - 10 air changes/hUtility Rooms - 15 air changes/hWorkshops - 6 air changes/hHow to Choose the Right Ventilation Fan at HomeIn light of all the requirements and specifications above, we need to find out in particular how to choose the right ventilation fan at home. When we choose the right ventilation fan, we need to bear in mind the types of air extractor fans and the types of switching/turning on for the fans available. Buy Airflow Quietair Bathroom FanType of Air Extractor Fan for HomeAxial Fans - the axial fans are designed to move air over short distances of up to 2m ducting. For example, you need an axial fan if you install it on the wall, the window, or the ceiling and the exit is straight through or the ducting is under 2m long. The axial fans come in 4-inch (100mm, the most popular ones), 5-inch (125mm), 6-inch (150mm), and larger sizes.Centrifugal Fans - these are designed to move air over longer distances, performing well against the pressure caused by longer lengths of ducting and resistance by grilles. They are not as popular as the axial fans but sometimes are recommended to use. When ducting vertically, it is recommended that a condensation trap is used. Type of Switching On/off for the Ventilation FansStandard ventilation fans: the standard model fans are wired to the wall switch for remote switching through either a wall light or a separate switch. They are the most common ones. Timer ventilation fans: the timer models have a built-in adjustable time delay operated by the light switch. The time delay can be adjusted at installation, and these are suitable for locations where you need some extra ventilation even after the light is turned off. Pull-cord ventilation fans: the pull-cord fans have a pull-cord switch to be turned on/off when needed via this means. Humidity ventilation fans: the humidity models with built-in adjustable sensor turns the fan on when a certain threshold of humidity is sensed. They are automatically turned ON or OFF when the humidity sensor detects the humidity levels. PIR or Microwave Sensor ventilation fans: the PIR models are sensitive to movement. When someone enters the room, the fan turns on, and when presence is not detected, it is turned off.What options are there for Ventilation at Home?On our website, we have a wide range of ventilation systems available, and the three main manufacturers we distribute are Airflow, Manrose, and Envirovent. For further information concerning what ventilation fan you require at home, do not hesitate to contact us. You can also visit the dedicated sections for Airflow Extractor Fans, Manrose Extractor Fans, and Envirovent Extractor Fans.