It could also cause another problem depending on where your bathroom is in relation to your neighbour’s property. If your fan is loud and near their bedroom, it may also disturb them, leading to potential friction. This could be a particular issue if their sleep schedule is different to yours, e.g. if one of you works nights. It’s a good idea to look for a fan with an overrun timer. This means it will continue to run for a set period after you switch it off. In most cases, you won’t stay in your bathroom long enough for it to have removed all the humid air before you switch off the extractor.

In a survey carried out by ventilation specialist Vent-Axia, 40% of respondents said that they or their children had been woken in the night by a noisy bathroom fan. Even the cheapest fans are usually very quiet out of the box, but as the motor bearings start to wear – typically after about two years with low-end models – the blades can start to oscillate against the main housing, producing an annoying rattle in the process. A higher-quality fan should last longer, but if you value quietness then at some point you’ll probably need to repair or replace your fan. How do you install a bathroom extractor fan? Humidity extractor fans can be very effective in reducing excess moisture in a room or area. They work by drawing in humid air and expelling it outside, which can help prevent mould growth, reduce the risk of respiratory problems, and improve overall air quality. However, the effectiveness of a humidity extractor fan depends on several factors, such as the size of the fan, the size of the room, and how often the fan is used. It is also important to properly maintain the fan, including regularly cleaning the filters and ensuring that it is installed correctly. Overall, humidity extractor fans can be a useful tool in managing humidity levels, but it is important to do your research and choose a high-quality fan that is appropriate for your specific needs.

Remote Delivery

Two speed options are available of 15 and 21 litres per second. 15 is the lowest extractors fans should be, so you have the option of increasing to 21 if you need more power or have a bigger bathroom. The Xpelair offers two speeds depending on how powerful you’d like it to be. This will vary on bathrooms size, and will have an effect on noise level. The slower the fan needs to work, the quieter it will be. The timer can range from 30 seconds – 30 minutes, again this setting will depend on how hard you need the fan to work. Recorded at 26 dB, it’s on par with the Envirovent and louder than the Awenta, although the Awenta offers extraction of less litres per second. So, if you have a bigger bathroom or condensation is a problem, it might be better you go for a slightly louder model that has more power. If you don’t already have a fan, you’ll need to get in a qualified builder to make the hole and install the wiring. Be aware that there are regulations governing where your fan can be located: if you want to put a fan in Zone 1 (the area within a shower or 2.25m above a bath) or Zone 2 (60cm from Zone 1), it must be a low-voltage SELV fan with a transformer, or an AC-powered model that’s IPX5-certified. Most of our recommendations below are intended for use outside of Zone 2, but the layout of your bathroom may dictate your options. Depending on the schedule of other members of the household, it could also wake you up. If you have a spouse or flat mate that works late shifts and likes to shower when they get in at night, then a noisy fan running at all hours could disturb your sleep.

Even if your fan doesn’t wake anyone, it might simply be an annoying sound. If you’re unwinding in the bath after a long day, the last thing you want is the drone of the extractor fan running. If you’re concerned anyone in your home might forget to turn on the extractor, then definitely consider getting a model that includes a humidity sensor. The sensor will detect if the bathroom’s humidity exceeds a certain level and automatically switch on the fan. A PIR motion sensor starts the fan if you move within 4 metres, so for my smallish bathroom it is always on. Can be a pro or a con depending how you see it. The Blauberg 100 Quiet Style TH is the perfect solution for those looking for a powerful and stylish fan that won’t break the bank. German-engineered for quality and reliability, this fan boasts a powerful airflow extraction rate of 27 litres per second, making it perfect for use in toilets and bathrooms. The Envirovent SIL100T is a great all-round option and the most well-known brand. Reliable and well-built, this fan is easy to install and will work without you noticing it too much.The first and most obvious reason is if you have young children. Babies and toddlers tend to be early risers, so you may only have time to shower or have a relaxing bath in the evenings when they’ve gone to bed. If your bathroom extractor fan is old or noisy, it could wake your baby up. A silent fan removes this worry. We found the Best Humidistat Extractor Fan to be the Xpelair C4HTS. It is one of the most popular humidistat extractor fans on the market, runs quietly at just 16dB, has two speed options (15l/s and 21 l/s), features a run-on timer, and more! Are humidity extractor fans any good? This model comes in four variations, each with different extras like a Timer, Pull Cord and Humidistat. The variation with a Timer and Humidistat is the most expensive option, but one well worth looking into. The PureAir Sense comes with two spigots (or sleeves): one for standard 100mm installation and another for larger 125mm portals. The larger spigot is the one to fit if you want to benefit from its excellent 39l per second flow rate. That said, its standard 32l per second flow rate is still better than most and easily good enough for the majority of bathroom installations. There aren't many silver extractor fans on the market so it's great that the one that is, is a really good one! The EnviroventSIL100ST delivers on every front: It's really powerful - delivering 95m3/hr air flow, virtually silent - operating at just 25dB(A) and energy efficient - consuming just 8w! ..and on top of all that it looks great in a satin chrome finish.Our images show the satin silver /chrome effect as it appears in different lights from varying angles.

The Xpelair C4HTS is a terrific extractor fan choice, coming in at 20 dB. Advertised at 16 dB we believe it’s closer to 20 dB, which is still the quietest we’ve tested. Available in seven different colours, the Awenta offers an affordable option with features you’d expect. Modern looking, this extractor fan fits in well with newly renovated rooms or extensions.As standard, the Envirovent has an extraction rate of 26 litres per second which is substantially more than the Xpelair above – this is the reason the latter is slightly quieter.

The Envirovent SIL100T is probably the best overall extractor fan choice for a standard bathroom. Coming in white only, it should suit most bathrooms, but leaves it slightly limited when dealing with bathrooms of different colours. Until you have one, it’s hard to explain the difference a silent bathroom extractor fan will make. It sounds silly, but removing unnecessary noise really does make a difference, especially when trying to unwind from a hard day. Building regulations require that a domestic bathroom fan must extract a minimum of 15 litres per second. However, almost all extractors on the market exceed this and average 21-25 litres per second. There are even some models that go as high as 68 litres per second. The fan is switched on and off by means of a switch (not included in the device) being a part of the electrical installation of the building, but it will turn off after the time set by a potentiometer on the PCB has elapsed. The minimum delay is 3 minutes, the maximum - 30 minutes. Time delay adjustment is smooth. This really is an excellent extractor that uses just 2W of electricity when running continuously and no more than 5W at full pelt. It’s also one of the most attractive models around – the fascia can be used bare or with the included white magnetic cover – and one of the very quietest.If you want further reassurance, you can also look for fans with accreditation from the Noise Abatement Society. These products will be marked with the Quiet Mark, which is given to the manufacturers of the most silent products produced around the world.