Extractor fans are a crucial system in any space that requires ventilation. These efficient devices extract moisture, smoke and odours from the air to create a clean and hospitable environment. However, some fans have a large structure which can take up too much space. 

The best way to avoid this problem is by going for in ceiling extractor fans. These fit seamlessly into your space without compromising their functionality. If you’re interested in this model, here’s everything to know about ceiling extractor or ceiling exhaust fans.

What Are The Best Ceiling Extractor Fans?

Finding the right fit for your bathroom can make a significant difference. But with so much variety, it’s difficult to narrow down your ideal extractor fan. If you’re looking for a high-quality extractor system, visit Meteor Electrical. 

Meteor carries a wide range of extractor products that keep your home humidity-free without taking up too much electricity. These units can easily integrate into your ceiling for a seamless look. 

Here are some of the best extractor fans Meteor has to offer. 

iCon Eco Extractor Fan

This incredible extractor fan is stylish and functional, ideal for many installations. Despite the compact size, the iCon Eco fans deliver powerful extraction qualities that work well for bathroom and shower rooms. 

With an air extraction rate of 18 litres per second, this fan creates a hospitable environment in your bathroom. You can install this into the ceiling for a clean finish that extracts moisture from above. 

Xpelair Simply Silent Extractor Fan

One of the best options at Meteor includes the Xpelair Simply Silent Extractor Fan. This powerful extractor device features an over-run timer for better operation and is compatible with a sensor device. 

You can toggle the timer between seconds to 30 minutes. The Xpelair fan is highly efficient and uses Ghost Air Movement technology for silent running. 

This is an excellent option for almost any bathroom as it works at an exchange rate of 15L/s or 21L/s. This device allows you to enjoy powerful air circulation with excess energy charges. 

Xpelair Silent Contour Extractor Fan

The Xpelair Contour extractor fan is an excellent option for an integrated system. This fan has a smooth base plate that hides all the mechanisms and components for a clean look. The minimalist design makes it ideal for any kind of installation. 

You can also fit it in multiple ways. Whether you want a wall mount or ceiling fit, there is so much you can do with this Xpelair system. Apart from the sleek design, this fan also boasts a powerful extraction ability allowing you to choose between two-speed options. 

Ceiling Extractor Fans With Lights

Consumers can also install ceiling extractor fans with a light bulb. These come in a 3-in-1 style offering extraction, lighting and heating. 

You can also find a single light variety with an extractor fan. These options come in various designs and functionality, so you have a lot of choices depending on your needs. 

You can also add an energy-efficient LED bulb to maximise the functionality of your extractor. Some extractor fan/light models also come with remote control. 

These 3-in-1 fans come with additional features, such as a built-in heat lamp that is a great addition to bathrooms. Heat lamps emit heat energy when you stand directly below them, making them a great choice for the winter season. 

The process for selecting a ceiling extractor/light combo is the same as any other extractor fan. If you’re replacing an old extractor unit, you will need to remove the fan and measure the hole’s size. For new installations, you can easily cut a hole according to the fan’s size. 

How Are Ceiling Extractor Fans Installed?

As the name suggests, ceiling extractor fans are mounted onto the ceiling either above the shower area or in the middle of the bathroom. These devices extract air upwards through the ceiling and expel it into the duct or roof cavity to be released outside. To use them effectively, ensure the installation meets bathroom codes and standards. 

Ceiling mounted fans are one of the most common space ventilating methods. If you go with ceiling extractor fans, consider the airflow required. This is usually based on the bathroom’s size and how frequently it is used. 

Next, you should also look at the hole size for easier installation. Checking the size is extremely crucial if you’re replacing an existing fan. Lastly, the fan needs to connect to a duct, so ensure this equipment has space. 

Here are some more factors to consider when choosing a bathroom ceiling extractor fan:

• Are you replacing an old fan or installing a new unit? If you want to replace an older model, match the new fan to the existing hole size. The hole size is not a significant issue for a new installation, as you will cut one specific to the new extractor fan. 
• Leave space for ductwork to ensure your ceiling fan works. Modern ceiling extractor fans require ducting that leads outside. However, you can vent the fan into this cavity if you have extra roof space. You should keep the ducting short and direct for this extractor fan.
• If you’re installing shower ceiling extractor fans right above a shower cubicle, there are a few things to consider. Make sure to select the appropriate IP rating for safety reasons. Still, it’s best to choose an inline fan for the area, as condensation can form on the ceiling fan and drip down. 

What Are The Important Features of Ceiling Extractor Fans?

Not all extractor fans are designed the same. Here are some important features that improve the efficiency of extractor fans.         

Run On Timer

This excellent feature ensures all moisture is removed from the air. The run on timer keeps the fan running even after it gets switched off. This timer keeps the fan operational until all the moisture has been extracted from the air. 

Most shower extractor fans come with options but with varying time settings. Usually, this will range between 5 to 30 minutes. 

Some building regulations state that an extractor fan should have a run on time of 15 minutes in spaces with no openable window. Consider this feature when choosing a shower extractor fan.

Silent Running

If you find an extractor fan with this setting, you can expect a smooth and quiet running experience. Most fans with this feature only have a noise level of around 14 decibels when working with their minimum rate of  15 litres per second. 

However, it’s important to note that these fans often come with two-speed settings, with the low noise only happening on the lower setting. If this is a significant concern for you, make sure to test the noise level before purchasing. 

Trickle Ventilation

Trickle ventilation allows the fan to provide a constant low level of extraction even when it's not in use. This feature only boosts the fan to maximum power when needed. 

All shower rooms should always have a low level of background air extraction, so this is a perfect option for many. This feature is ideal for a small bathroom without a window or poor air filtration. 

Safety Extra Low Voltage (SELV)

Extractor fans are electrical equipment, meaning most models will be fitted in bathroom zone 2. However, shower spaces often come under zone 1, so you need a low-voltage or SELV extractor model. 

Delayed Start Timer

Not all extractor fans come with a delayed start timer, but it can be beneficial if you have it. This feature slows the fan’s operation within 2 minutes of switching on. So if you make a quick trip to the bathroom at night, your fan won’t make much noise. 

What Sizes Do Ceiling Extractor Fans Come In?

Often consumers choose a powerful extractor based on its size. This feature is one way to determine whether you have an efficient fan. 

When we’re talking about a fan’s size, we’re looking at the diameter of its blade and the spigot that’s placed into the ceiling or wall. This component will determine the ducting’s size and all the other grilles and accessories you will use. 

Most extractor fans are designed in a standard 4-inch size, ideal in almost every domestic property; however, you also go for a 6-inch variety for larger rooms and kitchens. 

Inline and Axial fans also come in a 5-inch option for specific installations. For bigger fans, go for inline models, which can go up to 8 inches. 

The extraction is the most significant difference between these sizes, meaning the larger the blade, the more powerful it is. That said, almost any domestic bathroom can be adequately extracted with a 4-inch fan, so you don’t have to look for bigger options. 

What Size Extractor Fan Do I Need?

With so many options, you might wonder which is right for you. The best way to determine this is by knowing all the installation aspects. Here are a few ways to figure this out.

Room Size: Knowing the size of your rooms gives a general idea of the extraction you need to look for. To successfully extract the moisture, you need to know the volume of your room. You can calculate this by multiplying its length by width and height.

For example, the room might be 4m long x 2.5m wide x 2.8m high. This would give you a volume of 28 cubic metres. This means that one air change in the room for one hour would have an extraction rate of 28 cubic metres per hour. 

Most building regulations require four air changes per hour for efficiency, so multiply this number by 4 to determine your required extraction. To better understand the extraction rate, you can convert this measurement into litres per second. 

The Ducting Length: Most consumers might not know this, but your ducting affects the fan’s extraction rate. The air pressure inside the duct will slow down the air as it’s pushed away from the extractor fan. So keep this in mind when you choose your extractor fan. 

The Bathroom Zone: Bathrooms are divided into zones based on how much water they come into contact with. All electrical equipment, such as light fixtures and bathroom extractor fans, have an IP rating that clearly defines their suitable zone for installation. 

An IP rating defines the resistance against solid items and liquid/moisture. The higher the ingress number, the greater the level of protection. Use this measurement when placing your extractor fans. Zone 1 is the shower and the area vertically 2.25m above the bath. 

If installing an extractor fan in the zone,  look for an appliance with a minimum IP45 rating. If you want a powerful option, get an extractor fan with an IP65 rating. 

Zone 2 is the area from 0.6m from Zone 1. This zone should have an IP rating of at least IP44. Lastly, Zone 3 requires no IP rating as there is no water exposure here. 

With these factors, you determine the ideal size of your extractor fan.