Extractor fans are a fanatics addition to any space. These devices work well in domestic bathrooms and kitchens by keeping moisture, humidity and smoke at bay. In commercial areas, extractor fans keep the space hospitable and functional. 

However, despite their efficiency, not all extractor fans are accessible to every consumer. To solve this problem, manufacturers have designed various affordable extractor fans that work just as well. Here’s how you can find them.

What Are Extractor Fans?

If you’re new to extractor fans, you might be wondering how they work and just how efficient they are.

To get started, you must look at all the components that make up a good ventilation fan. An extractor fan is a variation of an electric fan, and these extractor fans are mainly used in bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms. 

Extractor fans are most commonly used in such locations because they extract odours, smoke, and moisture from the areas. There are three main extractor fans: axial, centrifugal, and inline. 

The great thing about extractor fans is that they use little energy ranging around 5-36W. Even the most powerful options make good use of electricity to provide comfort and convenience. 

Still, keep in mind that an extractor fan's electricity consumption depends on the product's brand and model. However, the highest wattage is typically under 40 watts, so you won’t have to worry about high energy bills. 

 If you’re thinking of large-scale installations, you can find commercial extractor fans. These have a higher air exchange capacity, making them perfect for commercial kitchens and industrial use. 

Some standard features of extractor fans include their size, voltage, noise level, and the fan’s ability to regulate temperature or humidity changes. Consider these factors when looking for the most powerful bathroom extractor fan. 

Are Extractor Fans Economical To Run?

To use your extractor fans economically, consider how much energy they consume. Fortunately, not all extractor devices consume a lot of energy, so you can enjoy their efficiency without driving up energy costs. 

Extractor fans come with two operating modes, determining how you use them. These are:

Passive Extractor Fans: These fans run at low speed, which means they use less power. They provide passive ventilation, which might be less effective if it’s more energy efficient in the long run. This system allows you to run the extractor for 24 hours without worrying about high energy bills. 

Active Extractor Fans: Active fans run at high speed, using much more power. These extractors offer constant ventilation, which might not be efficient, but it's far more consistent. 

One thing to note about active fans is that constant running slightly impacts their lifespan. So consider this factor when thinking about operating costs. 

It’s essential for consumers to decide between an active or passive fan as this gives a basic idea of how much you’ll spend on extractor fan costs. 

So, How Much Energy Do Extractor Fans Consume?

Every extractor fan has energy costs, but you can look at the averages to get an idea of how much you’ll spend. 

The power consumption of an average bathroom extractor can start from 4 watts and reach up to 38 watts or more. In general, the more powerful your extractor fan, the higher the consumption costs. 

To understand your costs, you can divide the fan’s wattage by one thousand. This will give you can value in KWh, which is a general look at how much your costs will be. 

Factors That Affect Your Fan’s Energy Consumption

There are several factors that can fluctuate the operating costs of your fan. The amount of energy an extractor uses depends on:

• The type and number of speeds available on your extractor fan. 
• The energy consumed by the motor and the fan’s size.
• The room’s air volume
• The duration of the fan’s operation
• The fan’s efficiency level

How Do You Keep Costs Low?

Even though most extractor fans have low running costs, they can add up over time. Here are some ways to ensure your energy bill stays low without compromising on ventilation. 

• Don’t always run your fan at high speed. Adjust the extractor fan’s speed depending on how much ventilation you need. 
• If the fan has a higher extraction than is needed, it can negatively impact the room’s temperature. 
• Never run an extractor fan for more than two hours. This is enough time to ventilation a bathroom or kitchen space. 
• You don’t need to constantly run the extractor for some residential properties. 

What Are The Three Types of Extractor Fans?

Not all extractor fans are built the same, so you must look at all the different things to find the right one for your bathroom. Here are the three common types of extractor fans. 

Axial Extractor Fans

Axial extractor fans work by moving the air upwards, creating an air pressure difference that forces air to flow through the fan. Due to its smaller size and silent noise feature, axial fans are commonly used in toilets, bathrooms, and other smaller rooms. 

You can install this variety into walls and have direct access to the outside. These types of extractor fans carry air over shorter distances, so they must be positioned near or close to the outside. 

Centrifugal Extract Fans

Centrifugal extractor fans are manufactured for rooms that don’t have exterior walls. Due to its design, centrifugal extractor fans can move high volumes of air at a longer distance. 

This extractor fan works by spinning air outwards with the help of centrifugal force. The air gets rid of moisture due to the fan wheel being mounted onto a rod. 

The centrifugal force is created when the wheel propels the movement of fan blades. These fans have a much higher extraction rate than axial fans; however, centrifugal fans are far noisier. 

Since they have a high extraction rate, centrifugal fans are typically used in large bathrooms, kitchens, and storage or utility rooms. 

Inline Extractor Fans

Inline extractor fans are often placed in ceilings above the room and run silently. These fans are perfect for bathrooms that require long ducting. You can also install inline fans in rooms without an external wall or areas where noise pollution is an issue. 

Inline fans remove humidity and moisture from the bathroom and other areas in a streamlined process. The inline extractor fans suck in air from such humid areas and blow it out through a vent. 

This vent in the inline extractor fans is placed either behind the inline extractor fans or above the ceiling. Inline fans work similarly to a kitchen exhaust hood. The difference is that the extractor fan removes moisture instead of smoke. 

How To Choose The Best Extractor Fan?

Even in one category of extractor fan, there are several options to choose from. Here are some essential factors to consider when choosing an extractor fan. 

Think About How You Want Your Fan To Operate

All extractor fans come with multiple operating modes depending on your needs. Most fans can be turned on manually through a cord switch or remote control. Some fans also use a timer to turn off after a set period. 

If you want even more control over a bathroom extractor fan, look for one with a PIR sensor. These devices operate as soon as someone enters the bathroom. 

Alternatively, some advanced extractor fans have humidity sensors that operate according to the moisture level of the bathroom air. 

Consider The Air Exchange Rate

The best way to ensure you have a powerful bathroom extractor is by measuring its’ air exchange rate. This rate is measured in either metres cubed per hour or litres per second (L/s). 

The extraction rate is crucial as it shows how much air is removed when the fan is operational. Most building regulations look for an extractor fan with a rate of 15L/s for domestic bathrooms. Larger or frequently used bathrooms may require a higher rate. 

Think About The Noise Level

Some extractor fans are very noisy when operating, which might become a significant issue for some consumers. High noise levels can also become loud enough to disturb neighbours. 

Often you won’t be able to detect this problem unless the fan is running. If you’re sensitive to noise levels, check the fan’s decibel level before purchasing. These many extractor fans with a low-noise feature that ensure silent running. 

Most manufacturers allow you to test the model before purchasing; however, it that’s not the case, they provide information on the decibel level to give you a better idea. 

Consider A Heat Recovery Option

Some extractor fans are prone to overheating, damaging their components and reducing their lifespan. To avoid this issue, some of the best extractor fans come with a heat recovery option. 

These devices extract stale air from kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms and pass it through a heat exchanger. When fresh air is brought in, it is filtered through the exchange, recycling the heat. 

What Are The Best Cheap Extractor Fans?

With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow down the right extractor fan for you. If you’re looking for high-quality extractor fans, visit Meteor Electrical. 

Meteor carries a wide range of extractor products that keep your home humidity-free without taking up too much electricity. These systems are also economical, so you can keep them running without worrying about energy costs. Here are some of the best extractor fans Meteor has to offer. 

Xpelair Single Speed Extractor

The most economical option for extractor fans is this Xpelair Single Speed model. This extractor fan boasts a wattage of 12W which means you don’t have to spend too much on energy costs. 

Despite the lower energy consumption, you can expect an extraction rate of 21L/s with this fan. This Xpelair model is compact, making it ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, utility rooms, etc. 

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 also 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. 

iCon Eco Extractor Fan

This incredible extractor fan is stylish and functional, making it 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.