The purpose of a bathroom extractor fan is to improve air quality and remove excess moisture, odors, and pollutants from the bathroom. When you use the shower, bathtub, or sink, moisture can accumulate in the air. If not properly ventilated, this excess moisture can lead to problems such as mold and mildew growth, which can damage surfaces and cause health issues.
The bathroom extractor fan helps in the following ways:
Moisture Control: The fan helps to reduce humidity levels by drawing out moist air from the bathroom, preventing condensation on walls, mirrors, and other surfaces.
Odor Removal: It eliminates unpleasant odors, improving the overall air quality in the bathroom.
Mold and Mildew Prevention: By reducing moisture, the fan discourages the growth of mold and mildew, which can be harmful to health and difficult to remove.
Improved Air Circulation: The fan promotes better air circulation, ensuring fresh air is brought into the bathroom while expelling stale air.
Preventing Stains and Damage: Removing excess moisture helps to prevent water stains, peeling wallpaper, and other water-related damage.
Regarding ventilation when using a bathroom extractor fan, it's generally a good idea to provide some source of fresh air intake. When the fan is operating, it creates negative pressure in the bathroom, which means it pulls air from the surrounding areas into the bathroom to replace the expelled air. If there is no adequate fresh air supply, it may lead to problems like a backdraft, where air from other parts of the house is drawn into the bathroom through vents or openings.
In most cases, houses are designed with natural ventilation in mind, and there are usually small gaps or vents around windows or doors that allow fresh air to enter the bathroom. However, if you notice that the bathroom door is difficult to open or feels "stuck" when the extractor fan is running, it might indicate insufficient fresh air supply. In such cases, you can crack open a window or slightly open the bathroom door to provide adequate ventilation while the extractor fan is in use.
Using a bathroom extractor fan with proper ventilation helps maintain a healthy and comfortable environment in the bathroom, preventing issues related to excessive moisture and poor air quality.