Are you having problems with a noisy Extractor Fan?

Are you having problems with a noisy Extractor Fan?

By Ruth MacEachern

Product Manager

Extractor fans are one of the most important parts of any home ventilation system.  Wall mounted in rooms with high moisture levels such as bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms, they help to combat damp by drawing the humid air outside so that condensation cannot form in cooler parts of the home.

Over time, as wear and tear build up, or as the filter systems become damaged or blocked, extractor fans can start to become very noisy to the point where they are a major annoyance when running.

In commercial buildings including shops and offices, noisy extractor fans can become a distraction to staff and customers.  Often, this results in the devices being switched off and reducing air flow around a building.  Without good ventilation in public spaces, there can be a build up of stale air which can make the atmosphere unpleasant and even result in the spread of infection – something that is particularly important to avoid at present.

Why old Extractor Fans are Noisy

Some older extractor fans use motors that do not run as quietly as modern devices.  These older motors are often inefficient in comparison with newer fans, which can result in higher costs – over time, the reduced energy usage of a modern fan can help offset the relatively low cost of installation.

Aside from reducing the amount of noise produced, replacing older fans with modern, energy efficient models will usually result in much better ventilation performance, meaning less condensation, and fresher air.

Why Fans Become Noisy over Time

As extractor fans draw air out of a room, they also remove anything carried by that air.  In bathrooms this will mostly be moisture, but in kitchens and other areas of a home or commercial building, the extractor fan will also remove any smoke released along with dust components like mould spores.

Over time, the debris picked up by an extractor fan can become trapped in the filters that are built into the device.  As the filters become clogged, the fan needs to work much harder to draw air though it, and this will increase both the amount of power used along with the noise generated when the fan is in operation.

Older fans can also become dislodged or loose after several years – particularly if they have picked up any vibrations due to damaged or dirty fans.  A loosely fitted extractor fan can move around as it operates, and this can make the type of noise produced much worse.

Reducing Extractor Fan Noise

If your extractor fan is relatively new and has started to make a lot of noise recently, then it is possible that all you will need to do to resolve the issue is to clean the filters.  Even in older extractor fans, the filters are normally quite easy to remove and can be cleaned with soap and water to remove any build-up.  If you no longer have the manual, it is normally possible to find an instruction video online to help you.

Problems with motors in fans more than a few years old are not normally something that can be repaired in a cost-effective way, and it is usually necessary to replace the fan altogether.

Choosing a Modern Extractor Fan

Modern extractor fans are designed to be more energy efficient and easier to maintain than older models.

The Cyclone 8 from EnviroVent is filterless to reduce maintenance and is designed to run quietly thanks to the use of a cyclone system that expels air from your home.  Not only that, the Cyclone 8 also features an intelligent vapour tracking system that constantly monitors the amount of moisture in the air and adjusts its power levels automatically to ensure the most efficient operation possible.

If you are struggling to make yourself heard at home due to noisy or old-fashioned extractor fans that simply don’t work as well as they used to, contact us today to book a free home survey from one of our local ventilation specialists.  They will be able to advise you on the best system for your needs and provide a full installation service too.