How Efficient Extractor Fans Can Reduce Energy Consumption

A conventional kitchen extractor fan can use 200 watts of electricity constantly and may run for 5 hours per day.  At average UK energy prices, the 365 KWh of electricity used over the course of a year translates into £63 per year on your electricity bill.

Factors contributing to excessive energy use

There are a number of ways that a conventional extractor fan can be wasting electricity when running. 

No device is 100% efficient.  Some energy is lost as heat, and in the case of some extractor fans, some energy is definitely lost in the form of noise!

In addition to the natural loss of energy that all devices have, one of the biggest problems with a conventional extractor fan is that it runs at a constant level.  This means that there will be times when it is delivering insufficient airflow to handle moisture levels and other times when it is overpowered, meaning that energy is being wasted. 

In a kitchen environment, air will often carry more than just moisture.  Oil particles from cooking may be deposited on fan blades and in filters.  This creates a sticky surface where dust can adhere causing the filters to become clogged and the fan blades to become less efficient at moving air. 

This may cause the fan motor to work harder and can shorten the lifespan of the extractor itself.

More Efficient Motors

Modern motors feature innovations that help them to be more efficient.  Better, sealed bearings reduce friction during fan rotation which means less energy is wasted as heat.  Such motors also run more quietly than older motors, which again is a signal that less energy is used to deliver the same amount of air flow as might otherwise be the case.

Adaptive Technology

A major extractor fan innovation that was introduced by EnviroVent is an intelligent vapour tracking control.  This system uses a sensor to track the moisture levels in the air and adapt the power level of the fan to meet the needs of the room as those levels change.  During cooking, when more steam is released into the air from pans or ovens, the extractor fan will work at a higher power level to reduce moisture levels and prevent condensation from forming elsewhere in the home. 

As the moisture levels reduce once the cooking process is complete, the fan power level is automatically set to a lower level which means that less energy is used.  This can create a significant saving in electricity consumption and contribute to reducing your bills.

Filterless Technology

Traditional fans use filters to protect the fan blades themselves, but by using a cyclone airflow through the fan, a filter is not necessary, as the air is directed more cleanly through the system.  This means that the fan will not clog up in the same way as a traditional device and as a result, the amount of energy use will be more consistent over time.

Manufacturing Process

While not specific to your energy bills, the location where a device is manufactured can contribute to the overall carbon footprint that it has. 

EnviroVent manufacture extractor fans in the UK.  This means that the products do not need to be shipped around the world which means that less energy is used and helps to make them more sustainable overall.

Find out more

If you are concerned about the impact of your old extractor fan on your electricity bills, please contact us today to learn more about our range of energy efficient modern extractor fans.  Arrange a free home survey with one of our local ventilation specialists, and they will be able to advise you about the best products to meet your specific needs.