Commercial spaces often have a lot of fumes, smoke and steam, which is why it’s crucial to invest in an extractor fan designed for these spaces. 

Commercial extractor fans have a robust system that efficiently extracts smoke and moisture from the air. Here’s everything you need to know about commercial extractor fans.

What Are Commercial Extractor Fans?

Before you purchase a commercial-grade ventilation system, it’s crucial to understand how they work, as this will help you find the best one. 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 several types of extractor fans, including axial, centrifugal, mixed flow and inline. 

The great thing about extractor fans is that they use little energy. 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.  

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

If you want to minimise your energy use, there are specially designed small extractor fans with low voltage features that reduce excess energy use. Despite their compact size, these extractor fans provide excellent air extraction qualities. 

Most households use larger extractor fans because they work best for bigger rooms with excessive moisture. Larger extractor fans also work best if smoke is a significant concern for the consumer. 

However, one important thing to remember is that the larger the extractor fan, the noisier the fan will be. Still, several commercial extractor fans have little to no noise levels. Consider this factor before purchasing and installing a large extractor fan.  

Using Extractor Fans In Commercial Kitchens

One of the most common areas where you will find commercial extractor fans is in large kitchens. Commercial kitchens produce a lot of smoke and steam, which must be filtered out to create a comfortable working space.  

While many building owners prefer using a cooker hood, these can make a lot of noise. It’s best to opt for silent extractor fans as they are efficient enough to remove moisture without creating noise pollution.

Kitchen extractors fans are great at removing steam, smoke and harmful chemicals that can make cooking difficult. Too much of these can decrease your comfort level and make working difficult. This device is crucial for creating a hospitable environment in your kitchen. 

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. 

Where To Install The Extractor Fan

One of the first things you must consider is the location of the extractor fan. Most commercial fans are designed for three types of installations: inline (in the duct), on the roof or the wall. The location is important as it affects the airflow in your space. 

Additionally, your installation costs are also dependent upon where you install them. Another thing to consider when placing an exhaust fan is the space available and building fire codes. 

Check For Resistance In the System

Static pressure refers to the air travelling through the extractor fan system. Often this is also known as friction loss or extractor system air resistance. 

In short, if you’re looking at static pressure, you’re checking the balance between air intake and extraction. Your exhaust fan should maintain an optimal status pressure to prevent poor air extraction and energy waste. 

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 commercial 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 Different Types of Commercial Extractor Fans?

There are two common types of commercial extractor fans to choose from. Here’s how these devices work.  

Ducted Kitchen Extractor Fan

This variant of commercial exhaust fan takes in air from the kitchen through a duct and releases it outside through this same component. If you opt for this system, you will need ductwork and piping through the kitchen outside the property. 

Ducted fans are great at extracting all the moisture inside the kitchen to give you clean and filtered air. Make sure to opt for a professional installation for this kind of extractor fan. 

Ductless Kitchen Extractor Fan

This type of extractor fan is another great option for commercial kitchens. Instead of filtering the air inside the kitchen to the outside, ductless extractor fans draw the inside air through a carbon filter. 

In this process, the air particles inside the kitchen are cleaned and cycled back into your space. Another great feature of ductless fans is that they’re easy to install in any location. 

To maintain these extractor fans, you need to conduct servicing annually. This is because the filters need to be replaced regularly to ensure proper operation. 

One drawback of ductless extractor fans is that they consume a lot of energy. This also makes them noisier than the ducted version. 

What Are The Best Commercial 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. Here are some of the best extractor fans Meteor has to offer. 

1.     Xpelair Centrifugal Extractor Fan

If you’re looking for a powerful option that works well in various locations, choose the Xpelair centrifugal extractor fan. This device is engineered with quality materials and an adjustable mounting bracket for easier installation. 

With a robust extraction process, you can install this device in kitchens and bathrooms and even use it for commercial ventilation. Designed with a zinc-coated corrosion material, you can keep using this extractor fan for a long time.  

1.     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 smaller commercial spaces 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. 

For more extractor fan options, visit Meteor Electrical today.