Bathroom extractor fans

ci_newman · 15 Jan 2015 at 08:59

After the recent heavy winds, I've decided it's time to change our extractor fan for something a little less draughty. Currently we have a standard extractor with a 3-vane vent but this rattles in even the slightest wind and the vanes regularly get stuck "up" so we have a horrible cold draught.

I've seen mention of extractors with internal shutters that only open when the extractor fan is turned on but struggling to find any specific models.

Has anyone got any recommendations on making my bathroom quieter and warmer?

Simon · 15 Jan 2015 at 23:08

Icon15s

BigJon · 16 Jan 2015 at 19:57

We have an icon15, its perfect as it keeps the drafts out, but it's not strong, so the bathroom steams up, then clears eventually. I have the IR/PIR, Timer & Humidity Module as well.

Traffic_Warden · 16 Jan 2015 at 20:02

What vent do you have on the outside of the ducting?

BigJon · 17 Jan 2015 at 19:25

I have a Stainless Steel flap vent, which goes direct through the wall in a solid plastic pipe.

I got the flap from http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p10563, I think I can link to them, not really a competitor.

Minstadave · 17 Jan 2015 at 19:59

BigJon said:
I have a Stainless Steel flap vent, which goes direct through the wall in a solid plastic pipe.

I got the flap from http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p10563, I think I can link to them, not really a competitor.

Imagine that is really noisy on a windy day.

Kemik · 17 Jan 2015 at 20:34

BigJon said:
We have an icon15, its perfect as it keeps the drafts out, but it's not strong, so the bathroom steams up, then clears eventually. I have the IR/PIR, Timer & Humidity Module as well.

I experience this too. Might be changing it to something else.

ci_newman · 17 Jan 2015 at 23:08

Traffic_Warden said:
What vent do you have on the outside of the ducting?

BigJon said:
I have a Stainless Steel flap vent, which goes direct through the wall in a solid plastic pipe.

I got the flap from http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p10563, I think I can link to them, not really a competitor.

We just have a plastic one of those

Traffic_Warden · 18 Jan 2015 at 10:48

Ok, What you are best doing is either changing the flappy grille with a fixed one, which just has a few fins inside, then a metal mesh to stop bugs etc. Then have a fan with the back draft shutter on (icon 15 would be acceptable IMO, I have one myself and works ok with the finned type grille on the outside).

If that setup does not get rid of the steam well, I would suggest opening the window (if there is one in the bathroom) just a tiny bit, to get a bit of circulation. It's the same sort of setup to a car, if you have re-circulation on you'll start to steam up on a cold day. If you open the vent to a air source then everything will flow better.

Tesla · 18 Jan 2015 at 18:15

You can get inline shutters to help with back drafts.