Kitchen Guides
Buyer's Guide: 4 Things You Should Know About Exhaust Fans
There is more to an exhaust fan than what meets the eye. Here are what to know before you buy one
Proper ventilation of bathrooms and the kitchen is essential to maintaining a healthy home. Most homes these days do not have provisions for natural ventilation, which is where exhaust fans come very handy. Here is all you need to know about them. Read on.
iLIVING Variable Speed Shutter Exhaust Fan, Wall-Mounted, 24"
1. What should we consider when buying and installing an exhaust fan in the bathroom?
- The size of the exhaust fan is the main criterion for selecting an exhaust fan for the bathroom (or kitchen). The airflow or amount of air exchanged per minute by the exhaust fan is measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute). Generally 1 CFM of airflow is required for each square foot of the bathroom. So, if your bathroom is less than 50 square feet then go for a 50 CFM exhaust fan and for larger bathrooms calculate the CFM according to their square-feet area.
- The preferred location of the exhaust fan is near the shower area or the bathtub of the bathroom.
Kitchen
- The exhaust fan is installed in kitchens to remove heat and other kitchen fumes that are produced while cooking.
- Steam is produced while cooking, which creates a humid indoor environment. The exhaust fan replaces the humid air with fresh air, which prevents the growth of mould and mildew that otherwise might also cause various allergies, asthma or serious respiratory infections.
2. Is it better to install a chimney or an exhaust fan in the kitchen?
- A chimney is better for the kitchen because the exhaust fan can only expel smoke, heat and foul odours to the outdoors while the kitchen chimney can trap other kitchen pollutants, such as carbon, small food particles, grease and other gases that are produced in the kitchen.
- Since the chimney is always positioned directly above the cooktop, the smoke and grease particles are sucked directly at the source. Therefore, the kitchen becomes easier to maintain and clean.
3. What are the different types of exhaust fans available in the market?
Exhaust fans can be installed on the window, wall or ceiling. They are available in the following types:
Exhaust fans can be installed on the window, wall or ceiling. They are available in the following types:
- Wall-mounted exhaust fans are incorporated within a cut-out in the external wall or can be integrated within the design of the window. These exhaust fans are very effective as they expel stale air directly outdoors.
- If the external wall or the window does not have a cut-out for the exhaust fan, then opt for a ceiling-mounted exhaust fan. They are installed within the false ceiling, just as in this image, and need to be connected to a duct so as to expel the indoor air outdoors. Some ceiling-mounted exhaust fans come with a light fixture which works as an additional light point.
- Exhaust fans are available in plastic, metal and premium quality SS finish. Avoid using metal finish exhaust fans if your home is in a coastal area, as the metal might become prone to rusting.
- Consider an exhaust fan that does not produce too much noise and ranges between 0.5 to 1.2 sones (a scale that measures loudness).
4. How should we clean an exhaust fan?
It is essential to clean the exhaust fan periodically otherwise it may become ineffective and noisy.
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What measures have you taken to ventilate your kitchen and bathroom efficiently? Share in Comments below.
It is essential to clean the exhaust fan periodically otherwise it may become ineffective and noisy.
- Some exhaust fans come with a mesh. Remove the mesh and clean it with a solution of 1 part ammonia and 2 parts of water. Scrub gently, followed by a dry wipe.
- The blades of an exhaust fan attract a lot of oil stains, grease and dirt on them. Prepare a solution of ammonia, baking soda and hot water to clean the blades.
- For elaborate cleaning, it is essential to unscrew the exhaust fan, remove the blade assembly, scrub and clean all the blades separately, wipe it properly and refix it.
Which Chimney Is Right for Your Kitchen?
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Tell us:
What measures have you taken to ventilate your kitchen and bathroom efficiently? Share in Comments below.
- The bathroom has very high levels of moisture and humidity. An excess of humidity may cause fogging on the bathroom mirror. Also, excess humidity needs to be controlled so as to prevent damage to wood and other building materials. An exhaust fan expels moist and humid air and improves the indoor air quality
- An exhaust fan is an effective way to remove any foul odours that might be present in the bathroom.
- Mould and mildew grow in a moist environment, hence exhaust fans prevent the growth of these biological pollutants.
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