They provide a vital function in your bathroom, but is an extractor fan expensive to run? We found out...
Extractor fans are an important part of any bathroom (and especially so in windowless bathrooms), helping to remove moisture and prevent the build-up of mould and damp. However, many people are concerned about the cost of running these fans.
The good news is that bathroom extractor fans are relatively inexpensive to run. The average cost of running a bathroom extractor fan in the UK is around £3 per year. This is based on the assumption that the fan is used for 30 minutes each day.
Of course, the exact cost of running a bathroom extractor fan will vary depending on a number of factors, including the wattage of the fan, the number of hours it is run each day and the cost of electricity. However, even if you have a high-powered fan that is run for several hours each day, the cost of running it is still likely to be relatively low.
How can I reduce the running cost of my bathroom extractor fan?
There are a number of things you can do to reduce the cost of running your bathroom extractor fan. These include:
- Using a timer to turn the fan off after a set period of time
- Only running the fan when it is needed. For example, you don't need to run the fan after running the sink to wash your hands
- Choosing a fan with a high energy efficiency rating
- Pick a fan with a moisture sensor. This allows the fan to measure the levels of moisture in the air and turns off once it reaches a preset level
By following these quick and easy tips, you can save money on your electricity bills and help to protect your home from mould and damp.
How long should you switch on your fan?
If your fan does not come with built-in features such as a timer or a moisture sensor, you can use the following guidelines to determine when to switch your fan on and off.
As a general rule of thumb, be sure to turn on your fan whenever you hop in for a shower. That way, moisture generated from the shower is immediately blown out of the room and you won’t have to leave the fan turned on for long afterwards.
For an average-sized bathroom with a properly sized fan, you should aim to leave your fan turned on for about 30 minutes after a shower session. If the climate outside is especially hot or cold, this timing could be shorter or longer, so be sure to check with the manufacturer on their recommended usage timings.
Getting the right time is key in preventing damage to your fan, as heat damage along with mould and moisture can irreversibly damage the inner electrical components of your fan or even cause health problems with dirty air being blown around.
Further advice on reducing extractor fan costs
Here are some additional tips for reducing the cost of running your bathroom extractor fan:
- Make sure the fan is properly installed. If the fan is not installed correctly, it may not be as efficient and could use more energy
- Clean the fan regularly. A dirty fan will be less efficient and could use more energy
- Consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient fan. Newer fans are often more energy-efficient than older models
More information on bathroom extractor fans
At Victoria Plum, we're full of handy advice on bathrooms. And, when it comes to bathroom ventilation, there's no exception. If you're interested to learn more, we'd highly recommend reading our complete guide to bathroom ventilation.
If you're interested in fitting an extractor fan, it's worth finding out more about bathroom electricals and safety before finding out more about how extractor fans work.
And finally, if you're working with a bathroom in a basement or internal part of a property, find out what your options are when a bathroom has no windows and discover whether a bathroom needs windows at all.
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