As homeowners, we all want to create a comfortable and healthy living environment for ourselves and our families. However, this can be a challenge in homes that suffer from condensation, damp, and mould. And let me tell you, if you really suffered over this last winter, you certainly weren't the only one.
Coupled with rising inflation since multiple lockdowns and the energy crisis, many people in the UK were reluctant to turn their heating on, or were at the very least using it more frugally. And what heat we did get in our homes, we did our darn best to keep hold of that heat. By closing windows and doors, and putting draught excluders to work, we certainly kept hold of the heat in the home. Inadvertently our homes held onto the moisture, too. We had many calls last winter, more than any other winter so far.
This moisture laden air is usually produced in kitchens and bathrooms, where we're cooking and washing. If we don't offer methods of ventilation to clear that air away, it'll hover around the home. As it does, it will deposit water droplets on the cold surfaces it comes into contact with, otherwise known as condensation.
Have you ever noticed the water droplets on your windows when you wake up in the morning? Or the wet feel of the bathroom after a hot, steamy bath? That my friends, is caused by condensation. These issues can not only damage our homes but also affect our health. Fortunately, in line extractor fans can provide an effective solution to these problems.
In this article, we will explore in line extractor fans, their advantages, and how they can prevent condensation, damp, and mould. Let's dive in!
What are In Line Extractor Fans?
In line extractor fans are specifically designed to do what a fan is meant to do - with little regard to the physical shape and size. Relieved of those design constraints, in line fans can pull more air whilst being quieter than their wall mounted extractor fan, and ceiling mounted extractor fan counterparts. They are generally installed in the loft space, behind cooker hoods and above kitchen units.
Advantages of In Line Extractor Fans
More Oomph
As already mentioned, In line extractor fans are far more powerful at removing moisture laden air than traditional extractor fans. Shaped like a jet engine, and usually much larger than tradition low-profile fans, these things blow their competitors away (pun intended, very sorry).
Quieter Operation
In line extractor fans are also quieter than traditional extractor fans. Pulling air is so much easier for them, so the fan has to work less harder. Not only that, but being placed further away han the intake vent, as opposed to traditional extractor fans, this distance also helps reduce noise levels. Thirdly, in-line extractor fans can easily be mounted on rubber feet, reducing vibration through the building. This is much harder (impossible?) to do with traditional extractor fans. This noise reduction can be particularly beneficial when near bedrooms or other areas where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum.
Good value for money
In line extractor fans are also cost-effective. While they may be more expensive than traditional extractor fans they're not an awful lot more.. And let's be honest, the strong proportion of the cost is going to the labour part, not the materials part. If you're getting the job done, and the scenario allows for an in-line extractor fan, get the job done properly. Get the real McCoy. The king of its class.
Versatile and more interchangeable
In line fans can be used as bathroom extractor fans (in place of a ceiling mounted fan), as a kitchen extractor fan (in place of a wall mounted fan), and even used as part of a PIV system, provided the correct filtration is used at the intake. Being less tied to the fabric of the building, where the cable comes through the ceiling or out the wall, they are generally easier to replace and refix to the fabric of the building ( trying to mount fans to crumbling plasterboard and brickwork can make a grown man cry!)
How In Line Extractor Fans Help Stop Condensation, Damp & Mould
Condensation, damp, and mould are common problems in homes, especially during the colder months. These issues can not only damage our homes but also affect our health. In line extractor fans can help to prevent these problems by providing effective ventilation and reducing moisture levels in the home.
Removing Moisture Laden Air
In line extractor fans work by extracting moisture laden air at the source, generally in kitchens and bathrooms. By taking this moisture laden straight outside before it gets a chance to float around the property, we'll be able to reduce the humidity levels in the home. This can help to prevent condensation from forming on windows and walls, which can lead to damp and mould growth.
Removing Stale Air
In line extractor fans in general, also helps to remove stale air from the home, which in itself will allow fresh air from outside to come in and replace it. Stale air can be a breeding ground for mould spores. By removing this air, the risk of mould growth is reduced, and the air quality in the home is improved. You don't necessarily only want the fan on when you're having a bath or cooking. If we're honest, we run ours 24/7 to keep on top of our property's ventilation.
Where have we fitted an in-line fan?
Many places!
Princes Park, just off Heron Way. Lordswood on Kingston Crescent, a property in Walderslade Woods, on our own property in Lordswood!, In a listed building in Detling, Just off Lonsdale Drive in Wigmore, Just off Station Road in Strood, in a property in Ashford and a property in Chelmsford! And many more to come!
Before you go any further - electrical work in the bathroom requires certification and notification to your local building control.
If you require assistance with your domestic ventilation, please feel free to call your friendly local NICEIC registered experts on
Why In-line fans are the king of their class
