Condensation, high humidity, unpleasant odor and fungus on the walls are problems that arise in the absence of ventilation in the bathroom and toilet. Agree that mold-blackened seams between tiles will ruin the look of any room. In addition, such a neighborhood is harmful to health. Therefore, many homeowners equip forced ventilation by installing fans. The most functional models are equipped with various sensors and timers.
This article will focus on just such devices - equipped with a hygrostat. We will analyze in detail why to install an exhaust device, what to look for when buying a duct fan. We will also tell you in detail how to connect a fan with a humidity sensor and share working diagrams.
The content of the article:
- Why install a fan in your bathroom?
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Features of the exhaust fans
- How does a fan with a humidity sensor work?
- Types of built-in humidity sensors
- Buying tips for a hygrostat fan
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Installation of a fan with a humidity sensor
- Stage # 1 - checking natural ventilation
- Stage # 2 - choosing a fan connection diagram
- Stage # 3 - installing the fan in the duct
- Stage # 4 - checking if the fan is working properly
- Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Why install a fan in your bathroom?
The apartment buildings have ventilation shafts. They are designed to provide air exchange. As practice shows, such constructions are rarely serviced. Therefore, the exhaust air from the room is poorly discharged.
According to the standards, the outflow of humid air from the room must be at least 25 m3/час. The supply of fresh air is carried out by means of supply ventilation or through valves that are mounted in the windows and walls.
Violations of the microclimate in the room can lead not only to the appearance of fungus, but also spoil household appliances, as well as furniture: the washing machine rusts, the surface of the chipboard cabinets is deformed, metal parts deteriorate plumbing.
Poor supply of fresh air leads to high humidity in the room. Condensation builds up on the ceiling and walls. Constant dampness provokes the development of mold and mustiness, tiles and wall coverings deteriorate
It is recommended to install a fume hood even if there is a window in the room. Because it is not able to fully ensure the removal of excess moisture. After long-term airing, only the adjacent walls become dry, while the others remain with condensation. Yes, and in winter it will not work for a long time to keep the window open.
Exhaust fan functions:
- elimination of excess moisture;
- improved air circulation;
- removal of unpleasant odors;
- temperature regulation.
Thanks to a working hood, there will always be clean and fresh air in the bathroom and toilet.
Features of the exhaust fans
Several modifications of the exhaust fans are available. They are lace-up, with timers, motion sensors, mode switches, etc.
The most popular exhaust fan options are equipped with built-in humidity sensors. They extract stuffy air from the room, control moisture levels and consume a small amount of electricity.
Models with a humidity sensor are most effective - they turn on automatically when the humidity level in the room rises. Exhaust system manufacturers have released such “smart” fan variations to increase the level of user comfort - after taking a shower, you can forget to manually turn it on or off fan.
How does a fan with a humidity sensor work?
Now let's talk about how the humidity sensor installed in the exhaust fan works. The internal structure and principle of operation of such devices practically does not differ from standard exhaust devices. When the engine is turned on, the blades begin to spin. This sets the air in motion and draws it along with the moisture droplets into the exhaust shaft.
The hood with a sensor can be mounted on a ceiling or wall ventilation shaft. The body and parts of the product are made of waterproof materials. The electrical parts are of high quality insulation.
The most expensive models of exhaust systems with a humidity sensor are additionally equipped with a backlight, and also with a special check valve, which does not let unpleasant odors and dust into the air duct the room
The humidity sensor in the fan can operate both by timer and automatically. In the second case, the exhaust system turns on when the humidity level in the room exceeds the norm.
The scheme of the fan operation with a sensor that controls the humidity level. When the moisture level rises, the product turns on and works until the readings return to normal. Shutdown occurs by delay timer
In general, a humidity sensor or hygrostat in a fan is a special element that allows you to measure the level of humidity in the air and start the exhaust device without human intervention. And all this thanks to the high sensitivity of the sensor to condensation. It works on the principle of a thermostat, ventilation is turned on only at humidity above 40%.
Exhaust systems with integrated hygrostat are ideal for installation in bathrooms, drying rooms and toilets. Can be used as basement ventilation in private houses.
Types of built-in humidity sensors
Humidity sensors are usually equipped with models of axial duct fans. A small-sized board is mounted in the product body. There are two limits in a hygrostat: an upper and a lower one.
In order for the fan to work properly for a long time, you need to set it up correctly. In the structure of the sensor there is a regulator, which is equipped with a humidity scale. The moisture level is set by turning the potentiometer
Some variations are preset from the factory and cannot be adjusted. On the rest, the response range can be set independently.
Types of sensors:
- Resistive - when the humidity level changes, the product changes the resistance and starts the fan motor.
- Dielectric - has a capacitor in the design. With an increase in humidity between the plates of the product, the dielectric constant of the medium changes.
- Thermistor - improved analog of the resistive sensor. Has increased accuracy.
- Optic - determines the concentration of humidity by the transparency of the air.
- Mechanical - when the moisture in the room becomes more, the length of the material from which the sensor is made changes.
When the humidity level reaches the programmed values in the sensor, the relay is activated. It closes the motor's electrical circuit and the fan starts spinning.
Buying tips for a hygrostat fan
A high-quality bathroom exhaust fan should be quiet, have high performance, water protection and go to the interior of the room. Variants with an interesting design, original execution of front grilles and panels are now being produced. Therefore, it is not so difficult to choose a hood for any style of bathroom decoration.
Best suited for use in the bathroom or toilet duct fans. They are installed in the duct. The blades of the products are made of metal or durable plastic. The design is not afraid of exposure to moisture, as well as corrosive chemicals.
There are several variations of the form of duct fans. They are round, square and rectangular. A model is selected for the shape of an exhaust shaft in the room
A duct fan should be selected taking into account the parameters of the room and the diameter of the duct. To select the performance of the product, first determine the volume of the room: for this, the width, length, and also the height of the room are multiplied among themselves. The resulting value is multiplied by the standard air exchange rate.
The parameter of the standard air exchange rate for the shower and bathroom is 7-9. If the room is used by several people, the maximum value should be taken. Example: room volume 22.5 m3 * 9 (air exchange rate) = 202.5 m3. In this case, you should buy a duct fan with a capacity of over 202.5 m3.
Channel systems also differ in other parameters: electric motor power, noise level, blade speed, etc. Products are produced in different colors, as well as types of decorative lattice.
Fans with a non-return valve are quite popular for installation in the bathroom. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with top ten offers on the market.
Installation of a fan with a humidity sensor
An exhaust system with a humidity sensor is mounted similarly to a simple fan. Only the connection diagram of the device can differ. Be sure to look at the instructions for installing the fan. Usually, manufacturers provide the correct connection diagram in the passport.
The hood should be installed when the mains voltage is removed. Before installation, you need to prepare the exhaust shaft and check it for patency and blockages.
Stage # 1 - checking natural ventilation
Before connecting the exhaust system, the ventilation shaft must be cleaned of debris, dust and the cobwebs must be removed. Next, check the patency of the air duct using a burning match, lighter or sheet of paper.
To check for the presence of airflow, an open flame is brought to the ventilation hole. If the flame has deflected towards the duct, then there is a draft
You can check natural ventilation without special devices. To do this, a sheet of paper is applied to the opening of the hood (strangler) and released. If the leaf does not fall, then everything is fine with the air flow.
If there is little or no air flow, you need to find the blockage and clean the exhaust system. If you cannot find the blockage yourself, you can contact special services, they clean the mine.
Before installing the fan, you need to make sure that fresh air also enters the bathroom or toilet. He can get into the room through windows or cracks under the doors. If the room is completely sealed (blind windows, there is no gap between the door leaf), you need to install special grilles in the door.
Stage # 2 - choosing a fan connection diagram
Several connection schemes can be used to connect a fan in a bathroom or toilet. They differ among themselves in the option of supplying power to the exhaust device.
It is better to lay the wiring under the hood during repairs in order to hide it in the wall. If this is not possible, the cable can be masked by means of a decorative box or special overlays.
The exhaust system is connected to the mains using a separate switch, to the light switch or via a sensor.
Fan connection diagram through a light bulb. The device is connected in parallel with the lighting. When the light turns on, the duct fan starts to work. When the light is off, the product does not function
Connection diagram for an exhaust fan with a separate switch. In this variant, you need to turn on and off the exhaust device yourself.
These connection methods are not suitable for exhaust units with a hygrostat.
There is a special circuit for switching on a duct fan using a humidity sensor.
Connection diagram through automation. It is suitable for fans equipped with a humidity sensor, as well as for devices that operate on a timer.
It is not difficult to connect a fan with a sensor or timer if you read the instructions and do everything according to the scheme. The product is connected to a 220 V network through the terminal box located under the fan cover.
Connecting wires to terminals:
- LT - a cable with a phase coming from an external switch;
- N - zero;
- L - wire with phase.
Connect the product through three wires - all terminals are signed. The exhaust system can be tied from a lighting lamp. The fan will start working when voltage is applied to the terminal marked LT (light on). Shutdown is performed 2-30 minutes after the lamp is turned off.
A fan with a humidity sensor can turn on automatically when the humidity in the room exceeds the set level on the hygrometer. When the moisture becomes less, the product will work for some more time according to the delay timer and turn off on its own.
Stage # 3 - installing the fan in the duct
Before installing the fan in the shaft, you need to make sure that all the wires are connected. The decorative grille must be removed from the duct. You can connect the device to the mains through the terminal box.
Each wire has its own color marking: the phase can be red, white or black, and zero is blue
The exhaust device is fixed by means of self-tapping screws. First, holes are drilled in the wall for dowels. Then the fan is installed and the screws are tightened. In rooms with ceramic tiled walls, it is difficult to accurately make holes. Therefore, the fastening of the ventilation system is carried out using construction sealant.
Stage # 4 - checking if the fan is working properly
After installing the fan with a hygrostat, you need to check how it works. To do this, close the door in the bathroom and turn on a hot shower for a while.
The hot water in the room produces steam and becomes damp. Under these conditions (60-90% humidity), the fan should start automatically. Next, you need to wait for the ventilation system to draw moist air into the mine. If the device is properly connected, the device will turn off when the moisture level reaches the lower limit set on the hygrometer.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
A visual instruction for installing a duct exhaust fan is shown in the video below:
Old exhaust systems, which have not seen repair and maintenance for years, are not able to provide a normal microclimate in the bathroom. Homeowners are forced to install forced ventilation. The best option for apartments and private houses is the installation of a duct fan.
Models with a built-in humidity sensor are especially popular. They work for a long time and turn on automatically when the humidity level in the room "rolls over". Using the above connection diagrams of such devices and the features of their installation, you can install an exhaust fan with your own hands.
Are you using a fan with a humidity sensor? Share your experience with other visitors to our site, tell us about the significant disadvantages of the device, found during operation, participate in discussions - the comment form is located below.
