Being inspired by what Manrose advises regarding the siting of the fans and the problems created by the lack of ventilation, we have compiled some ideas and listed them below(the source can be found at the Manrose Fan Selection page). Read below about:
- The problems that can appear due to poor ventilation;
- Help - solving the lack of ventilation in the homes;
- Locate/site your fan correctly in the home;
- Choosing the proper / perfect fan for the best ventilation.
Some of the problems caused by poor ventilation
- Poor ventilation: Stale Air The stale air is usually caused by the cooking smells, people smoking, the odours remaining in the bathroom, a general lack of ventilation around the house as well as by a damp atmosphere. All these problems can cause an certain level of discomfort(which can be avoided!) as well as the risk of respiratory illness and general poor health.
- Poor ventilation: Condensation Problems can occur when the steam from the kitchen / the bathroom finds cooler surfaces around the house on which to condense. When we attempt to conserve the heat by sealing the windows - and therefore reducing the natural ventilation - we actually make this problem even worse. Condensation can cause some considerable problems from peeling wallpaper and mould growth to severe structural damage such as wood rot and damp.
Help in Solving the Problem Caused by the Lack of Ventilation
The Current Building Regulations
The Building Regulations Document F1 (2006 Edition) outlines the importance of ventilation and stipulates that mechanical ventilation must be installed in kitchens, bath/shower rooms and toilets. All the Manrose fans comply with or exceed current Building Regulations and are capable of extracting no less than 60 litres per second from kitchens and no less than 15 litres per second from bath/shower rooms. This means that the humidity is removed at source before it can reach the cooler part of the dwelling and cause damage.
Specific requirements of The Building Regulations Document F1 (2006 Edition) on ventilation
- The Building Regulations about the Bathrooms/Shower Rooms: The Regulations require a fan capable of minimum extract capacity of 15 litres per second 54m3/hr (32CFM) when installed.
- The Building Regulations about the Toilets (Separate from a Bathroom): The Regulations require a fan capable of a minimum extract capacity of 6 litres per second 21m3/hr (12CFM) when installed. N.B. If a room does not contain an openable window the fan should be fitted with a 15 minute over-run timer.
- The Building Regulations about the Kitchens: The Regulations require a fan capable of extracting 60 litres per second 216m3/hr (127CFM) when installed.
- The Building Regulations about the Utility Rooms: The Regulations require a fan capable of extracting 30 litres per second per second 108m3/hr (63CFM) when installed.
Where should we site the Manrose extractor fan?
- A fan should always be sited in the furthest window or wall from the main source of air replacement to avoid short-circuiting the airflow. It should 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 the room contains a fuel burning device (such as a gas boiler) with a non-balanced flue, it is essential that there is enough replacement air to prevent fumes being drawn down the flue when the fan is extracting to its utmost capacity.
- The IEE Regulations (U.K.) require that a conventional mains voltage fan in a bathroom or shower must be located where it cannot be touched by a person using the bath or shower and well away from any water spray.
- Alternatively, the new Manrose range of 12 volt S.E.L.V. (Safety Extra Low Voltage) fans are specifically designed for the safe ventilation of toilets, bathrooms and shower rooms and can be fitted within the splash area with absolutely no risk of electric shock.
Tips for Choosing the Right Manrose Fan
- The Manrose Axial Fans are designed to move air over short distances i.e. window fixing or through mounting and are not suitable for ducting over 2 metres in length. Available in 4", 5", 6", 9" and 12" sizes.
- The Manrose Centrifugal Fans are designed to move air over longer distances and will perform well against the pressure caused by long lengths of ducting and resistance by grilles. Note: When ducting vertically it is recommended that a condensation trap is used.
- The Manrose Humidistat Controls - Manrose has a complete range of integral Humidistat Controls on all their fans, they are also available with a pullcord the bathroom and off as it falls. It will continue to monitor the humidity 24 hours per day, thus preventing mould growth on walls and ceilings and drastically reduces condensation problems.
Models of Manrose Fans
- Manrose Standard Fans: For remote switching through wall light or separate switch;
- Manrose Timer models: with built-in adjustable time delay operated by the light switch;
- Manrose Pullcord models: with built-in pullcord switch;
- Manrose Humidity controlled models: with built-in adjustable sensor which operates the fan automatically;
- Manrose P.I.R. model: sensitive to movement Switches on when room is entered and off when room is vacated.
