What is a Bathroom Fan?

A bathroom fan is a mechanical ventilation device installed in bathrooms to remove excess moisture, odours, and airborne contaminants. It helps maintain indoor air quality, prevent mould growth, and comply with UK Building Regulations, particularly Part F (Ventilation).

Bathroom fans are essential in modern UK homes, especially in properties with limited natural ventilation. They are typically installed in the ceiling or wall and are connected to ducting that expels air outside the building. The fan’s operation can be manual, intermittent, automatic (triggered by humidity sensors), or continuous (low-level operation with boost mode).

Practical Examples:

1. In a newly built UK home, a bathroom fan with a humidity sensor automatically activates when moisture levels rise after a shower, ensuring efficient ventilation.
2. During a retrofit project, an older property is upgraded with a continuous extractor fan to meet Part F requirements, improving energy efficiency and air quality.

Related Terms

1. Part F (Ventilation): UK Building Regulations governing ventilation requirements in residential buildings.
2. Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR): A system that extracts stale air and supplies fresh air while recovering heat, often used in energy-efficient homes.
3. Condensation: The process of water vapour turning into liquid, often leading to mould growth if not properly ventilated.
4. Air Changes per Hour (ACH): A measure of how many times the air in a room is replaced per hour, crucial for ventilation design.
5. Ducting: The piping system used to channel air from the fan to the outside.
6. Humidity Sensor: A device that detects moisture levels and triggers the fan when necessary.
7. Building Regulations Approved Document F: The official document providing guidance on meeting Part F requirements.