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. 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. 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 precise duration of the overrun is normally configured during installation, with most fans offering a range between 30 seconds and 30 minutes. You might as well tend towards the latter end of the scale as the cost is very low: on average, a fan like this uses around 8W.

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.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.

Most domestic bathroom extractors attach to a 100mm hole in the outside wall. If you’re replacing a standard-sized extractor fan, this hole will already be present and you should be able to install the new one yourself. Before you remove the old fan, it’s a good idea to take a photo of its wiring for later reference – and make absolutely sure you shut off the mains power before you take the old one’s front housing off. 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.

Although we’re looking at silent extractors, it doesn’t change the fact that many of the features will be the same for any extractor. 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. 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. This could be a good combo with the overrun timer; if there’s still a lot of moisture, even after the overrun, the humidity sensor will activate and complete the job. Do be aware, though, that the sensor won’t work as well if it’s dirty. Wipe it down every couple of months to ensure it works as intended. 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.

How much extraction you’ll need depends on how large your bathroom is, how well it’s already ventilated, and how many people will be using it. As extractor fans don’t use a massive amount of power, it’s best to go for the most powerful one available within your budget. You do have the option of turning it off, but if you allow moisture to build up for a long time, the fan may struggle to get rid of it all by the time you turn it on. If your fan has a humidity sensor, you may not be able to turn it off which could ruin your chance at a peaceful soak. 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.

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This is the cheapest fan we’ve tested, and it holds up well against the competition. Granted, it has less features than others (no timer or PIR) so if those are essential then this isn’t the fan for you.

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 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.An overrun timer gives it time to complete the job. You can set how long it runs for when the fan is installed, but most models offer settings from 30 seconds to 30 minutes. If you’re going to use this feature, it makes sense to leave it running for as long as possible to make sure it removes as much humidity as possible. 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. Extractors come in two sizes: 100mm/4 inches and 150mm/6 inches. In most cases, the 4-inch fan will remove moist air well enough to keep the bathroom smelling fresh and be less susceptible to mould. The only reasons you would need to consider a 6-inch extractor fan is if: 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.