Exhaust fan: general information, advantages and disadvantages, self-installation

The exhaust fan is an important device that is installed in rooms that do not have direct access to a fresh air source. It can significantly reduce humidity and improve ventilation. The device works almost silently and copes well with the exhaust air. Such features make it possible to place it not only in residential premises, but also in offices.

General information

Exhaust fans are good because they can be selected for a specific room, maximally adapting to it. This will help the device to work efficiently and efficiently perform the duties assigned to it.

Equipment types

Most often, such devices are installed in the bathroom or in the kitchen. It is in these rooms that it is necessary to ensure a high-quality outflow of air and replace it with fresh air. In our time, there are a huge number of companies dealing with such equipment. They offer the potential consumer a wide range of exhaust fans with special properties and non-standard characteristics.

Among the large number of devices, the following stand out:

1. Channel. This device is designed to be installed in an air duct. There are different variations of it, differing in shape and size. The device can be installed in rectangular and round ventilation ducts. By design, duct fans are divided into axial and centrifugal, which can be additionally equipped with a humidity control function and a shutdown sensor. This will allow not only to ventilate the room well, but also to maintain comfortable conditions in it. All duct exhaust fans are protected against moisture. Thanks to this, they can be used even in places where there is a possibility of direct contact with water.
2. Silent. This kind of fan is very quiet. Thanks to this, he began to enjoy popularity not only in residential premises, but also in offices, in warehouses, etc. Another important advantage of such an exhaust fan is the presence of a special sensor, which at a certain moment turns off the device and saves energy. This option is ideal for small rooms where the noise of an ordinary device can disturb not only the owners, but also their neighbors.
3. Household. These fans are designed to prevent exhaust air from getting back into the apartment. This feature is very important for the kitchen and bathroom. Often, residents of apartment buildings independently cut into the ventilation duct and install hoods, which leads to the appearance of cracks and holes in the mine, due to which polluted air enters the neighboring apartments. With a household fan, this problem can be avoided. It is equipped with a non-return valve that automatically turns on and off, preventing exhaust air from entering the room.
4. Centrifugal. These fans have a special design that makes it impossible to install them in the apartment. They are most commonly used in industry to purify large amounts of air. Devices come in different models and differ from each other in terms of speed, shape and size of blades.
5. Axial. This is one of the most popular types of fans. They are known for their high efficiency and productivity. At the same time, the axial fan is quite easy to install and control. Such a device will be a good option for a bath, bathroom or kitchen.

Advantages and disadvantages

Exhaust devices, like any others, have their positive and negative sides. For different types, the advantages and disadvantages may differ, but there are several indicators that are common to all devices. The advantages of exhaust equipment include:

1. Compactness and small dimensions. This useful property allows the fan to be installed even in the smallest rooms (for example, in a bathroom).
2. A special protective grid is included with the device. Its installation will help prevent small insects from entering the structure and protect it from premature failure.
3. Disassembly of the device is within the power of even those who have never dealt with such a thing. It is needed not only to clean the device, but also to fix minor problems in it.
4. The motor does not require frequent maintenance and is capable of operating throughout the day.
5. Possibility of retrofitting the fan with some useful parts (humidity and motion sensors, as well as a timer).
6. Devices are made of plastic, therefore they are lightweight.
7. Some models are virtually silent and can save energy.
8. Easy to assemble. This does not require special knowledge and skills, and even a beginner can do all the work.

In addition to the positive aspects, there are also negative aspects of the hood fans. There are much fewer of them and they are all associated with the characteristics of each specific type of device.

Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting the following:

1. Axial fans are very noisy, so their installation in small rooms is not recommended.
2. Centrifugal models are almost impossible to install in a residential area.
3. Possibility of incorrect air circulation. Occurs only in case of poor-quality installation.

Selecting and installing a device

The basis for the quality work of any device is its correct selection and installation. To do this, you need to take into account a large variety of factors that can affect the operation of the installed device.

Purchase rules

In order for the installed fan to meet all safety requirements and to work effectively for a long period, it is necessary to select it correctly. To do this, you should follow the advice of professionals. Experts recommend paying attention to the following parameters:

1. Power. This indicator is selected taking into account the number of people who are constantly in the room. The higher this number, the more powerful the fan must be.
2. Room area. For a small room, almost any kind of fan will work. For large rooms, you need to use more powerful and dimensional devices.
3. Performance. This parameter is calculated based on the previous two. The result is compared with the characteristics of the purchased device.
4. The degree of safety. It is important that the device not only works effectively, but also be absolutely safe for humans. It must be marked with special marks confirming the passage of checks for protection against high humidity and liquid ingress.
5. Noise level. When choosing a fan, you should decide on the permissible volume during its operation. One or another device should be selected taking into account this indicator.
6. Environmental friendliness. The purchased device should not emit harmful substances into the atmosphere, which will help preserve the nature of the region.
7. Profitability. If the buyer does not have great financial capabilities, then he should pay attention to the installation of additional functions that will help save energy. This can be achieved by adjusting the power level of the equipment and switching it off periodically.
8. Price. If possible, then it is better to buy fans of well-known brands. Although they will cost more, they will last longer than their cheaper counterparts.

Easy installation method

As a rule, it is not difficult to install an exhaust fan. During the work, tools and materials are used that can be purchased at any specialized store. To install the hardware, you will need:

• puncher;
• Bulgarian;
• different types of screwdrivers (ordinary and indicator);
• electrical cable;
• connecting terminals;
• self-tapping screws.

If you want to connect the fan directly from the junction box to the switch, you can use the diagram supplied with the device. It will definitely indicate the features of the selected model and possible ways of its installation.

The entire installation process consists of a few simple steps:

1. The diameter of the ventilation duct and the pipe of the device is measured. You should try to achieve the maximum fit in order to exclude possible vibrations during operation that could harm the device.
2. Laying the electrical cable from the panel to the fan.
3. Then it is necessary to remove the grill from the ventilation duct and try on the fan.
4. If everything fits perfectly, then the device is fixed with fastening materials.
5. The ventilation grill is returned to its place and securely fixed with self-tapping screws.
6. The fan is switched on and tested at the highest possible power.

Safety engineering

When working with any electrical appliance, you should strictly adhere to safety measures. They will not only save him from problems, but also help the installer to avoid health problems. The safety requirements are as follows:

1. The fan must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. The factory tested the device in various conditions and developed important installation rules for the consumer that will help to avoid problems with the device's performance.
2. When using a fan in the kitchen, install it more than 70 centimeters from a gas or electric stove.
3. It is best to plug the device into a free socket. The power ratings for the hood and the outlet must be identical.
4. All work on connecting, repairing or dismantling the fan should be carried out only after disconnecting it from the power supply.
5. It is forbidden to leave the device switched on when no one is in the apartment. Any sudden voltage drop can cause a fire, which will lead to the most dire consequences.
6. Any contact with the operating device is prohibited. The slightest carelessness can put fingers in the blades of the equipment and cause serious injury. In addition, the risk of electric shock increases.
7. It is not recommended to use devices that were purchased from hands or have been operated for a long time. A defective appliance can cause serious damage to the room.
8. If you are not sure of the correct implementation of self-installation, then it is better to seek help from a specialist.

An exhaust fan is a useful and necessary device in the household. With its help, you can get rid of dirty air and high humidity in the room. With proper installation and observance of the operating rules, you can be sure of the durability and efficiency of the device.