Bathroom Ventilation – A Comprehensive Guide

Proper bathroom ventilation is not just a matter of comfort; it’s crucial for maintaining a healthy and functional space. The bathroom, being a high-moisture environment, is prone to issues such as mould, mildew, and even structural damage if not adequately ventilated. Beyond the unpleasant odours that can linger, excess moisture can lead to deterioration of fixtures, peeling paint, and compromised indoor air quality. In this guide we will provide you with the tools to find the perfect ventilation fan or system for your bathroom.

The Different Types of Bathroom Ventilation

Ceiling Mounted

Generally the most popular & conventional – with lots of options to choose from.

Key Considerations

  • Typically an easy DIY installation.
  • Wide range of options available.
  • Options with built in lights available, as well as 3 in 1 units (fan, heat and light).

Inline System

bathroom inline fan example

With a visible vent in the ceiling – however motor is within roof space.

Key Considerations

  • Well suited to larger bathrooms or installations that require more ducting (4m+).
  • Wide variety of intake vent options (we have over 60 to choose from).
  • Motor in the roof means it can often be quieter than directly above.
  • High performance motors mean improved extraction rates.
  • The ability to have multiple intake points.

Wall Mounted

Go through a wall – often the go to method if you have limited roofspace.

Key Considerations

  • Space saving – generally units are very compact.
  • Great option if you have no ceiling cavity or limited access.
  • Extracts directly through the wall so moisture laden air goes outside.

Window Mounted

Involves cutting a hole in your glass, or more commonly replacing an old unit

Key Considerations

  • Great retrofit option if you are replacing an old window fan.
  • May not be the most practical option for a new installation – a glazier is needed to put a hole in the glass.

Extraction Rate is Key

Determining the extraction rate for a bathroom fan is crucial for ensuring effective ventilation and proper moisture control in the space. At Pure Ventilation we display the extraction rate of our fans in cubic meters per hour (m3/hr). This indicates the volume of air that can removed from your bathroom each hour.

To determine the appropriate extraction rate for your bathroom fan, you should consider the size of the bathroom, the level of moisture generated, and any specific ventilation requirements. As a general rule of thumb, for a bathroom with a shower we recommend 15 air changes as a base level.

Factors such as ceiling height, the presence of a shower or bathtub, and the frequency of use may necessitate a higher extraction rate. We have put together a simple calculator to help – all you will need to do is measure your bathroom (length x width x height).

This step is critical – An exhaust fan that is too small will not effectively ventilate a big room, whilst something oversized will be too noisy and even uncomfortable if it is literally turning over the volume of air in the space too rapidly.

Use our exhaust fan calculator

Do I need to duct my bathroom fan?

We have a dedicated article on this topic – which you can find below. Essentially, best practice is to direct the moisture laden air you are removing from your bathroom outside, rather than directing it up into the roofspace. Modern building practices with a heavy focus around energy efficiency and sustainability mean that roofspaces are often airtight, in this instance it is imperative that your ventilation fan is ducted to the outside.

We offer a huge range of accessories to go with exhaust fans, including ducting and vents. Our range of vents features options for under an eave, through a wall or through the roof.

Read Article Here
inline fan kit

What is the quietest option?

A quiet fan ensures that you can enjoy your time in the bathroom without unnecessary noise, allowing you to fully relax and enjoy your privacy.

Most of our products are tested for noise, with a published dB(A) rating. dB(A) stands for decibels adjusted, a unit used to measure sound levels perceived by the human ear.

Whilst any extraction fan will come with an element of audible noise, there are some solutions that may be a preference for those who value low noise.

For example, Inline fans are great for this, as the motor is situated in the roof cavity and connected to an intake vent via ducting. The TT Silent Mixflow combines great air capacity and quiet operation, offering 555 m3/hr while still maintaining a low noise level of 33 dB(A). For comparison, most fans of similar capacity would produce between 45-50. This audible noise is further minimised once the product is installed with your roof cavity.

What makes this fan so quiet?

fanco tt silent cross section

Bathroom kits featuring this fan

550 m3/hr

(1) Original price was: $509.00.Current price is: $459.00.

550 m3/hr

Original price was: $549.00.Current price is: $499.00.

The above is our premium offering – if you are looking for our recommendation in terms of a ceiling mounted unit – we often recommend the Fanco Hybrid range. With an output of 482 m3/hr the fan operates at only 36dB(A).

This guide was last updated in June 2024.

hybrid in black modern bathroom exhaust fan