Hood in the bathroom: the rules of choice and installation features

The bathroom is characterized by high humidity. Steam condenses on the ceiling and walls, leads to the formation of mold and mildew. To prevent these processes, it is necessary to take a responsible approach to the arrangement of ventilation and selection of an exhaust fan. Do you agree?

We will tell you about what the hood in the bathroom will be for you the best solution. In the article proposed by us, the varieties are described in detail, the guidelines for choosing the best option are given. Independent home masters we will find a step by step guide and practical advice on the installation.

Types of exhaust fans

Modern hoods, intended for installation in the bathroom, are conventionally divided into 2 types: simple and automatic. They differ from each other in design, availability of additional options and cost. Hood must serve from 25 m³/ h fresh air for a separate room, from 50 m³ in the case of a combined bathroom.

Simple equipment is an electric fan, which is located in a tubular plastic case. It can be of two types - built-in or stand-alone.

A popular way to turn on a device is by pressing a switch that provides lighting in the bathroom. This option allows removal of polluted air from the bathroom when a person is in it.

Automatic equipment is equipped with electronics, effectively controlling the operation of the device.

Hoods are equipped with additional features:

• off timer;
• humidity sensors;
• color backlight.

The fan turns on when the permissible humidity value is exceeded. As soon as this parameter returns to normal, the device turns off.

Automatic products can be equipped with other functions. In private homes, the ventilation system is directly communicating with the street, so their owners will not damage the blower to the intake pipe with an adjustable diffuser.

Part models are equipped with a check valvenot allowing air to move in the opposite direction. This option is useful for residents of apartments in high-rise buildings to protect themselves from the odors of a neighboring bathroom.

Modern hood, designed for installation in the bathroom, has a compulsory principle of action. The device consists of a fan and an air duct connected to the ventilation system of the building.

In order to choose the optimum hood, it is necessary to take into account the particularities of the bathroom and the variety of existing ventilation systems. Devices may differ in design, principle of operation, power and the presence of additional functions.

Types of ventilation in the bathroom

To provide air exchange in a closed room, natural or forced ventilation can be used. The first option does not require the use of special equipment that performs certain functions.

The second involves the use of fans, air heaters, engines, instruments for cooling air and other accessories. The principles of the operation of ventilation in sanitary rooms will introduce next article, which we strongly recommend to read.

Natural air upgrade option

The air flows into the room, after which they are displaced due to various temperature and pressure indicators. You can create free circulation, ajar a door. But it will work perfectly only in the case of a stable flow of air from the street, which is not the case in hot weather.

In high-rise buildings, the ventilation shaft serves all apartments along the riser. The entrance to it is closed by a grid, and the cleaning efficiency depends on the general condition. In suburban buildings, ventilation channels are being removed even at the construction stage.

In the process of installing a natural extract, you must follow these rules:

1. The grate in the bathroom / WC should be in the upper part of the room - on the wall or in the ceiling.
2. The inner surface of the pipes should be perfectly smooth.
3. The projections and turns of the duct by 5% reduce the efficiency of circulation.

Natural ventilation is considered not very efficient, since air flow cannot be controlled and influenced by their power. However, it is often used in apartment buildings and is often used in country buildings used for seasonal living, for example, as a summer residence.

Forced ventilation features

In the bathroom of buildings equipped with hermetic window and door structures, mechanical evacuation of exhaust air using mechanical devices is used. This can be a waybill or duct fan. It turns on when necessary and creates cravings.

In private buildings, canals are often installed that bring the exhaust air flow through the attic of a house. The fan is designed to effective hood polluted air, and fresh can enter the bathroom through an open door.

Types of indoor fans

There are 2 types of equipment used in bathrooms, toilets and combined bathrooms. These are axial and radial exhaust devices. The latter is also called centrifugal.

Axial devices are a shaft on which a classic impeller is mounted. Its blades are made at an angle. When the shaft rotates, the air flow is drawn in. Such a fan is used if the pressure created with it is sufficient to ensure normal air exchange.

At radial devices, the air flow is drawn into the center, after which it is in the casing with blades. Due to their location in the central part, a vacuum is observed, and the centrifugal force pushes air masses to the edges of the body, which are discharged through the branch pipe to the ventilation channel.

Overhead models are most in demand: they work much more efficiently and quieterly, they are able to evacuate volumes that are not under axial force. According to the degree of staffing, the centrifugal principle of operation of the fans are divided into basic and with additional options.. The second can work in automatic mode.

The main parameters of the hood for the bath

The specifics of the bathroom prompted developers to produce appliances adapted to rooms with high humidity. The case of the fan working from an electricity, should be hermetic. The internal design of the equipment is reliably protected from all sides from exposure to wet steam.

Attention to the characteristics of the device

For consumers, the International Electrotechnical Commission has developed a certain standard for the reliability of electronic devices. It is designated IP and consists of two numbers.

The value of the first can be from 0 to 6 and indicates the degree of protection from the penetration of impurities. The second digit identifies moisture protection level. To use the product in the bathroom figure should be at least 4.

Power and performance are closely interrelated. The higher the first indicator, the greater will be the second. You can find out the performance indicator by multiplying the bathroom floor space by the number of people living in the house.

If the fan is equipped with many additional functions, its power can exceed the calculated one by a maximum of 10%. The most popular economical and almost silent devices that consume from 7 to 20 watts.

When devices with a large power indicator are used, a draft is observed in the room, besides, it cannot warm up sufficiently.

Another important characteristic is the noise level that is created by the blades of the device during operation. It is much quieter than when using a kitchen hood. Sound acceptable for exhaust fumes, sound from 30 Db and below. This is due to the fact that a person perceives all sounds over 35 Dbhow unpleasant and intrusive.

Timer, hygrostat, check valve

Standard bathroom ventilators are mechanically controlled or operate in a slow, continuous mode. A timer is an optional device that allows you to automate the process in half.

After the man came out of the bathroom, exhaust fan, thanks to the timer, continues to evacuate the exhaust air for some time. At the end of which disconnects itself.

Guidance on the installation and connection of the exhaust device to the standard switch you will find in next articlewhich covers these difficult questions in detail.

The presence of a humidity sensor is the best option for the bathroom. The hygrometer is considered the best method of control, as it allows you to set a humidity threshold of 40 to 100%, upon reaching which the fan automatically turns on. Together, the hygrostat and the timer are used infrequently. Usually, with a humidity sensor, a timer is not required.

With equipment ventilation in a country house it is necessary to measure the hole in the bathroom or in the bathroom, which will determine the diameter of the duct. The standard fitting size of the hood is from 100 to 130 mm. If necessary, the hole in the wall of the bathroom can be increased using a hammer drill.

The check valve is a small and uncomplicated device that does not allow unpleasant smells from neighbors to enter the territory of your apartment. It is almost indispensable in urban baths and bathrooms, connected to a common ventilation channel.

How to choose the right device?

When arranging the ventilation system in the bathroom, you will need to choose an exhaust device. First of all, you need to determine its capabilities, which consist in the ability to drive a specific volume of air. This indicator depends on the diameter of the device.

Manufacturers offer devices with a pipe section of 80, 100, 120, 150 mm. For Khrushchev, a diameter of 80 mm or 100 mm will be optimal. In new apartments have an improved layout, it is better to stay at a section of 120 mm.

Not less important factor is the appearance. Many manufacturers produce hoods with a removable outer panel. Fans Elicent, Electrolux, Ballu, Timberk and other brands come in a variety of colors and shades.

An attractive and stylish device can be accentuated by the interior or inscribed so that it does not catch the eye. When choosing, one should take into account that water should not come into contact with electricity - the fan will have to work in conditions of high humidity.

To avoid trouble with the wiring, experts recommend using a product designed for long-term use in such premises.

It would be useful to check the indicators of the noise of the device - unnecessary and unpleasant sounds play the role of a hearing stimulus. When a high-quality fan in the bathroom is working, it is almost silent.

It is also worth paying attention to the strength and reliability of the device. A small number of companies specializing in the production of bathroom fans, can guarantee that their products will work for several years. The high quality is indicated by the warranty period from the manufacturer. If it is less than 1 year old, it is better not to buy this device.

Preparation of the place under the exhaust fan

Before installation, a number of preparatory works are to be carried out. First of all, it is necessary to check how well the ventilation duct functions by bringing a lit match or a candle to the inlet. The flame should lean at an angle toward the grille.

If the diameter of the vent channel hole is larger than the fan section, then you can insert plastic or corrugated pipe the desired diameter, and fill the voids assembly foam, cutting off its excess with a sharp knife after setting the solution.

In the case, the hole at the entrance to the mine has a smaller diameter, it is expanded with a perforator.

Selection of the optimal connection scheme

Before installing any model exhaust fan in the bathroom, you need to decide how it will be connected to the power source.

Today there are different ways to connect the hood:

1. The switch is located on the device. In this case, it can be turned on or off with the button or the lace located on the case.
2. Connect the device to a separate switch. A switch is installed in front of the bathroom, in which one of the keys turns on the ventilation and the second lights up.
3. Automatic fan on from a humidity or motion sensor. It starts to function if the permissible moisture level is exceeded or movement occurs.
4. The device is connected to the light switch. It can be equipped with a timer and connected in parallel with the lamp. It turns on simultaneously with the lighting and turns off when the light is turned off.

The latter method of connecting the device is less in demand, as the tenants of the apartment often go into the bathroom for a short time in order to quickly wash their hands, brush their teeth or wash. In these cases, the included hood will waste energy.

Lay the wiring for better under the tiles. If this is not possible, then you can disguise the cable with the help of special plastic boxes.

Installation procedure

Before connecting the fan in the bathroom, you should study the instructions that describe the detailed installation process. In accordance with the recommendations, the chosen model of the hood is installed in the bathroom or in the bathroom.

Actions are performed in a specific sequence:

1. First, remove the front cover and apply liquid nails, silicone or polymer glue to all areas where the product is adjoined to the wall surface. These materials will provide a strong mount relatively lightweight plastic.
2. We insert the device so that the working part with the electric motor is completely in the wall. Tightly press to the place of attachment for a few minutes.
3. We put a mosquito net, which will not allow various insects and midges to enter the room.
4. Attach the front cover screws, which are included. This action is last.

When connected to the power supply in the room should not be open wires without insulation. They are placed in recessed ventilation channels using a bellows.

Many users connect fans through a contact pair to the light switch. The switch is set to phase.

For convenience, when using the device in the future, you can put a separate key to activate the hood. If when you visit the bathroom there is no need for her work, then it is convenient to use only the light control button. then the time spent in the room will not be overshadowed by the roar of the rotating blades.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video # 1. How to choose equipment and organize everything correctly:

Video # 2. Why do I need a hood for the bathroom and how to install it:

The hood allows you to get rid of the increased humidity in the bathroom and eliminate odors that enter the room. It is the demanded and inexpensive equipment differing in ease of installation. Popular fan models are produced by manufacturers Ballu, Timberk, Elicent, Electrolux and others.

Despite the fact that the installation work will not take a lot of effort, time and money, the device will become an indispensable tool in the fight for clean air and a comfortable microclimate.

Tell us how you improved the ventilation in the bathroom by installing a hood. Share the subtleties of doing work that are useful to site visitors. Ask questions, post a photo, comment on the material presented by us in the block located under the text of the article.