Extractor fans

[Britbird]

We suffer with condensation in our bathroom and kitchen even though we leave the window open, don't dry washing indoors, use lids on pans etc. I think we need to install an extractor fan but I have no idea what type. Would it be the same one for a kitchen and a bathroom? Is it an electrician who fits them or a general builder? What do I need to look for?

an electrician will usually fit one. Most people have a small weak one that extracts about 80 cu.m/hr. Better ones can extract about 240 cu.m/hr but are larger so are put in the loft, above the bathroom ceiling, with a duct to take the steam through the eaves, or a hole in a gable wall, or through a special roof tile (needs a roofer).

The larger ones are much quieter, last longer, and more powerful, but more expensive. The small ones need to be run for long periods, especially if you have steamy showers. They should not be fitted directly above a bath or shower tray as the electrical safety requirements are then more stringent and expensive to meet.

Have you got a loft or other space above the ceiling? If not, is there an airing cupboard or something on an external wall where a fan could be concealed?

p.s.

for the kitchen, an extractor hood over the cooker is usually best. Again it is easiest if the cooker is on an external wall, otherwise you will need a duct. Recirculating hoods are sold, and make an attractive kitchen ornament, but serve no useful purpose.

If you are having both, have them done at the same time.

Thanks so much pigletJohn. We have a loft bedroom above the bathroom so I don't think the larger one would work. A friend mentioned she'd got a humidistat that senses when to come on. Do you think this is worth it?

IMO it is more effective to have a timed one that comes on with the light switch, and runs on for 20 minutes afterwards. A humidstat will not keep the bathroom smelling fresh as ait only comes on when the air is damp.

Some of the new efficient ones with ball-bearing motors are quieter than the old cheap designs.

this one is said to be very quiet