Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

Original poster

using extractor fans

10 replies

flowerfairy19 · 13/12/2012 23:26

hi everyone,
slightly dull question, but wondered if anyone could help - we have just had extractor fans fitted in the kitchen and bathroom to help with the condensation, and as we've not used them before wondered if it is best to use them with the window open or closed while they are on ?
if they are sucking the air out of the room, how is the air replaced if the windows are shut, is it safer and more efficient to have the window open a bit? sorry if its a silly question!

OP posts:
PigletJohn · 14/12/2012 10:19

Window closed.

Door also closed.

They will suck in warm air from the house through the gap under the door.

BTW a typical extractor will run for 50 hours on one kWh of electricity costing about 14p so don't be scared to turn it on and leave it running until the window is mist-free.

If you ever have an old worn-out fan that is noisy, just buy a new one. They're not expensive. Preferably with a ball-bearing motor.

Original poster
flowerfairy19 · 14/12/2012 11:12

hello - thanks for your reply :)
our fans are 12w - so they are cheap to use i think.
i know this sounds daft, but i was worried about having them on for too long when the windows are closed because they are presumably sucking the oxygen out of the house!!!? ? and on a cold or wet day i wont be opening the windows again to replace the air.
any thoughts?

OP posts:
MousyMouse · 14/12/2012 11:16

don't worry about the oxygen (unless you are in a certified airtight house). there are plenty of gaps everywhere in the house to let air in.

Original poster
flowerfairy19 · 14/12/2012 11:27

thanks - sorry, daft i know!
our house has double glazed doors and windows - its not 'certified airtight' though.
im guessing every time we open the doors to go in or out we are letting enough air in?
i just got a random worry about there not being enough air in the house if these new fans were sucking a lot of oxygen out!!

OP posts:
Original poster
flowerfairy19 · 14/12/2012 11:28

ps i want to use them quite a lot, as we did have a problem with condensation before.

OP posts:
MousyMouse · 14/12/2012 11:32

just air the house a couple of times a day (also helps drawing moisture out) and you will be fine.

PigletJohn · 14/12/2012 12:03

Using the fans in the bathroom and kitchen with the doors and windows shut will draw the water vapour out and prevent it diffusing throughout the house. There is not the slightest chance that it will draw oxygen out of your home.

The main cause of condensation, damp and mould in UK homes is people draping wet washing around or over radiators.

Original poster
flowerfairy19 · 14/12/2012 12:17

thanks for your replies...

pigletjohn - "There is not the slightest chance that it will draw oxygen out of your home"
sorry to be thick but how do they work? - do they just take the moisture - i thought they would suck air out as well Confused !!!

OP posts:
PigletJohn · 14/12/2012 12:25

They do suck air out, but you do not live in a dusbmarine. Air movrd in and out of the house through draughts, keyholes, gaps beteen floorboards

Original poster
flowerfairy19 · 14/12/2012 12:37

rung xpelair customer services - advised to "shut door, open window 1/2" - 1" to allow air flow for best results".

should have done that in the first place Blush !!!!

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread