Extractor Fans: Small Change, Big Difference

Bathrooms and kitchens are the moisture factories of the home. Showers, baths, boiling pans, kettles, washing machines — they all release water vapour into the air. If that moisture isn’t removed quickly and properly, it spreads through the house and settles on cold walls and windows. That’s when you get condensation and mould.

A good extractor fan is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to prevent damp… yet most houses have fans that barely work.

The Problem with Most Existing Fans

We see the same issues again and again:

• Fans that don’t run long enough

• Fans wired to the light switch with no overrun

• Weak fans that can’t move enough air

• No backdraft shutters, so cold air blows in

• Blocked, crushed, or uninsulated ducting

• Fans that haven’t been cleaned in years

• Wrong type of fan for the room

Many fans simply aren’t doing anything. They spin, they make a noise… but they don’t extract moisture properly.

Why Upgrading Your Fan Matters

A high-quality fan that’s installed and set up correctly will:

✓ Remove steam before it spreads Stopping condensation at the source.

✓ Reduce mould in bathrooms and bedrooms Humidity from a shower can circulate around the whole home — a good fan stops it.

✓ Protect paint, plaster, grout and silicone Moisture slowly destroys surfaces and encourages mould growth.

✓ Improve indoor air quality Less humidity means less mould, fewer dust mites, and cleaner, fresher air.

✓ Prevent that musty “damp house” smell Proper extraction makes a noticeable difference.

Types of Extractor Fans We Install

We choose humidistat fans based on the property, not on what’s cheapest or easiest:

• Humidity-Sensing Fans These switch on automatically when humidity rises — ideal for bathrooms.

• Constant-Run Fans Quiet, low-energy fans that run continuously and boost when needed.

• High-Power Kitchen Extract Systems Designed to handle cooking moisture and odours properly.

• Inline Fans (Loft-Mounted) A powerful, quiet option for bathrooms where wall fans aren’t suitable.

Each type has its place — the important thing is choosing the right one and installing it correctly.

Our Installation Process

When Condentrol installs a fan, we don’t just screw it to the wall and hope for the best. We check:

• Duct length and condition

• Airflow route

• Backdraft prevention

• External vent condition

• Electrical connection and overrun timer

• Humidity settings

• Whether insulation is needed in the loft ducting

A properly installed fan can make more difference than most people realise.

Fans vs Dehumidifiers

A dehumidifier only tackles the moisture after it enters the room. A good fan stops it getting into the home in the first place. One prevents the problem. One cleans up after it. You can guess which one we recommend.

When We Recommend Fan Upgrades

We typically upgrade extractor fans when:

• Bathrooms steam up quickly

• Mould forms on ceilings or window reveals

• Bedrooms suffer with condensation

• Kitchen moisture spreads into hallways and stairs

• The existing fan is either ineffective or incorrectly installed

• We’re installing a PIV system and need proper extraction to match

Fans are a small part of the bigger picture — but they’re one of the most important pieces.