Electric extractor fans

Types of Electric Extractor Fans

A ventilation system is maintained with the help of electric extractor fans, which expel indoor air and replace it with fresh outdoor air. The process is referred to as "air change." The following are types of electric extractor fans:

• General Purpose Exhaust Fan

  A general-purpose exhaust fan is an air extractor fan primarily designed to ventilate a wide range of spaces. Such a location could be a classroom, meeting room, kitchen, bathroom, workshop, warehouse, and home. It helps to maintain comfort and indoor air quality by removing stuffy air, odors, moisture, pollutants, and excessive heat from within the room while also allowing fresh air in from the outdoors.

• Smoke and Heat Extractor Fan

  A smoke and heat extractor fan is designed to ventilate high smoke or heat situations. It is mostly found in buildings, tunnels, and other infrastructure facilities. The function of this fan is to extract smoke and heat from the fire out of the building quickly in order to reduce the temperature and clear the visibility and keep people safe. They are often installed in the ceiling.

• Axial Exhaust Fan

  An axial extractor fan is designed to extract air in an axial direction (parallel to the fan shaft) by utilizing an axial flow impeller. This type of fan is more commonly used in small and medium-sized applications. The lifting force generated by the fan's blades draws or pushes air through the fan. Axial fans are usually mounted in a wall, duct, or ceiling fixture, and they are designed to extract or inject air directly into or out of a space.

• Centrifugal Exhaust Fan

  A centrifugal extractor fan is a device that extracts air from a space by using the centrifugal force generated by the motor-driven impeller. It usually consists of a scroll housing and an impeller. When the impeller rotates, the air is drawn into the scroll housing, and it accelerates centrifugally towards the outer edge and gets expelled through the outlet.

Electric extractor fan specifications and maintenance

Industrial extractor fan specs differ based on intended applications. The table below summarizes common specifications for different extractor fans.

• Airflow

  It shows the amount of air a fan extracts from a room in cf per minute. A quiet kitchen extractor fan with a flow of 90 to 100 cfm can eliminate cooking odors. However, a bathroom fan needs a flow of at least 110-120 cfm to get rid of moisture rapidly after having a shower to prevent mold growth.

• Wattage

  The amount of power used by a fan is expressed in watts. Small extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms use 15 to 25 watts, while larger commercial fans can use 100 watts or more.

• Noise level

  The measurement of fan noise is shown in sones or decibels. Sones is a more straightforward way of measuring fan noise. A quiet extractor fan measures around 1 sone, while a moderately loud one measures about 4 sones. Some powerful industrial fans can reach up to 10 or 12 soness.

• Speed

  A fan's speed is how fast it spins, and this determines the amount of air it extracts. Some household extractor fans come with a feature that allows the user to choose between low and high speeds. The low speed will operate quietly while removing a sufficient amount of air, and the high speed will remove more air and more noise.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance will ensure the fan works well and lasts longer. The simple maintenance schedule below will help users keep the fan in good condition.

• Clean the exterior: Wipe away dust, dirt, or grease on the fan's surface with a damp cloth daily. Cleaning the outer cover and grille will keep the fan attractive and prevent it from becoming a source of dust.
• Check for blockages: Weekly, check the blades and ducting for debris or blockages. Remove any visible obstructions to improve airflow and prevent overheating.
• Quick duct cleaning: After six weeks, users should check and clean the ducting. Inspect it for dust or debris build-up and clean the walls as required. Users can prevent contamination from spreading within the building by undertaking quick duct cleaning.
• Deep duct cleaning: Perform deep cleaning every six months. Hire a professional to clean the duct thoroughly. With time, dirt will build up and affect the system's performance.
• Lubricate the motor: Lubricate the motor of the extractor fan every six months. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and apply the recommended oil or grease amount.
• Electrical checks: At least once every year, inspect the electrical connections and wiring. Over time, vibrations may lead to loose connections. Check the wires for signs of wear or damage to prevent electrical failures and ensure safety.

Usage scenarios of electric extractor fans

Usage scenarios for electric extractor fans may vary depending on the environment and needs but are typically used for ventilation, elimination of excess heat and moisture and maintenance of indoor air quality.

• Bathrooms: They are crucial in ensuring that moisture does not linger to prevent mould growth. They quickly draw out water vapour from showers and baths, keeping the room dry and comfortable.
• Cooking areas/Kitchens: Kitchen extractor fans work to remove cooking odours and smoke to improve air quality.
• Basements: They help reduce humidity levels, lowering the risk of water damage in homes and strengthening building integrity.
• Indoor mold and mildew: If households suffer from indoor mold and mildew, installing an extractor fan to improve ventilation may help reduce the problem.
• Storage rooms: An extractor fan can improve airflow in storage rooms to prevent item deterioration and unpleasant odours.

How to choose electric extractor fans

• Assessing room size and air changes needs:

  Building have different room sizes and some need more air change than others. Knowing the size of the room where the extractor fan will be located is fundamental when choosing a fan. In general, the larger the room, the bigger the fan will be required. To meet the needs of a room, the quantity of air changes per hour (ACH) needed can be calculated. This is the number of times the air in the room must be replaced in an hour. The required ACH is determined by the room purpose.

• Energy efficiency and noise level:

  The amount of electricity used and the level of sound produced by a fan must be considered. It's preferable to select an energy-efficient fan since it will use less electricity and lower bills. Fan noise is measured in decibels (dB). The higher the dB, the louder the sound. To avoid complaints, choose a fan with noise levels suitable for the intended room use.

• Determining the suitable fan size and CFM:

  CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) is the amount of air that a fan moves. The amount of air that a fan moves in a minute depends on its size. To choose a fan that gives the required air movement, it is helpful to know the CFM it produces. The fan should be selected based on how much fresh air the room requires.

• Understanding different types and features:

  There are many types of extractor fans. Learn about each one, so the most suitable choice can be made. Some models have features like timers, humidistats, temperature sensors, and variable speed options. These can allow the fan to run only when needed and adjust to change conditions. Such features may improve energy efficiency and performance.

Q&A

Q1: What are the market trends of Electric Extractor Fans?

A1: The global electric extractor fans market was valued at US$ 6839 million in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period 2023-2032, reaching around US$ 11260 million by 2032.

Q2: Which products are electric extractor fan replaces?

A2: Electric extractor fans are used to replace products such as ventilators, blowers, and air circulators.

Q3: Who are the users of electric extractor fans?

A3: The end users of electric extractor fans include industrial, commercial, and residential sectors.