Bathroom Exhaust & Extraction Fans (Wet Areas) Guide
Bathroom Extraction Fans
Did You Know... It's Possible for Your Bathroom Exhaust Fan to be Powerful, Quiet, Non-Draughty, Remove Steam, Prevent Wet Walls and Ceilings, and to Switch Off Automatically After a Period of Time?
A good bathroom fan should achieve all of these things!
Our bathroom exhaust fans are so quiet you can barely hear them running. While this means you're able to enjoy your hot shower with some peace and quiet, it also means you're more likely to leave the fan running for a period of time afterwards to ensure all residual moisture is removed.
A bathroom exhaust fan should also be powerful. Ours have capacities of 560 m³/h and 735 m³/h (far higher than cheap and noisy fans found at your local hardware store). The power of our fans means that steam doesn't build up, and your bathroom walls and ceiling aren't dripping wet once you're finished!
Our 'Plus' versions include an IntelliSwitch automatic timer, so that the fan can continue running for a period of time after you leave, before automatically switching off once the time has elapsed.
Problems Solved with Bathroom Exhaust & Extraction Fans
Modern homes are well insulated and sealed tight to increase energy efficiency, but are more likely to have poor ventilation because they cannot breathe. Opening doors and windows is not always practical and does not provide adequate ventilation, which needs movement and exchange of air.
Bathroom exhaust and extraction fans offer a range of benefits:
Damp and/or mouldy home
Mould is almost always caused by dampness and poor ventilation in your home.
The signs of dampness and poor ventilation can often be quite obvious.
However, in newer homes, which are built to be almost airtight under building regulations, signs of poor ventilation aren’t always initially visible and may exist in the form of excessive moisture that can’t escape and hidden damp, which accumulates over time.
Musty odours
Musty odours, caused by dampness and poor ventilation in your home, are pretty off-putting and not particularly healthy.
Getting clean, fresh air in regularly through your home with proper ventilation will help greatly with lingering smells, flushing out the stale, contaminated air along with any musty odours.
Condensation
If you know your home has weeping windows, you’re definitely not alone. Thankfully, fixing window condensation can be as simple as improving the ventilation in your home.
Condensation forms on cold surfaces when they come into contact with moisture in the air. Dripping condensation and excessive moisture can result in a number of issues for your home and your family’s health.
Bad smells
Bad smells in the bathroom are pretty off-putting and can be embarrassing.
Getting clean, fresh air in regularly through your home with proper ventilation will help greatly with lingering smells, flushing out the stale, contaminated air along with any bad odours.
Types of Bathroom Exhaust & Extraction Fans
Fresh Ventilation supplies and installs a range of efficient and technologically superior wet area ventilation products. Our systems utilise the latest in ventilation technology, with Australian made components and German made AC or EC motor centrifugal fans by ebm-papst.
X-Stream Ducted Exhaust Fans
The Fresh Ventilation X-Stream is the perfect extractor fan solution for wet areas like bathrooms, toilets and laundries. Whether you’re a homeowner, a renter or a landlord, it’s vital to keep these areas free from mould and condensation.
This solution uses an inline centrifugal fan (installed in your roof space) and ducting from your bathroom ceiling to either your eave or gable wall.
Wall-Mounted Centrifugal Exhaust Fans
The Vortice CA 150 is an externally wall-mounted centrifugal duct fan. Unlike internally mounted fans which are severely limited by mounting space and noise requirements, the Vortice CA 150 actually works!
Fresh Ventilation do not recommend, sell or install any other type of wall mounted fan.
X-Stream Ducted Exhaust Fans
The Fresh Ventilation X-Stream is the perfect extractor fan solution for wet areas like bathrooms, toilets and laundries. Whether you’re a homeowner, a renter or a landlord, it’s vital to keep these areas free from mould and condensation.
Fresh Ventilation’s exclusive design is based on years of knowledge, experience and trialling competing products. We use Australian made ducting and German made centrifugal fans with both AC and EC motors.
The Fresh Ventilation X-Stream is available in four models, with and without run-on timers, with air flow ranging between 560 m³/h and 735 m³/h.
All four models of the Fresh Ventilation X-Stream are available for purchase in our Online Store. Alternatively, if you would prefer us to install it for you, please Contact Us and we can arrange a quote that includes supply and installation.
Fresh Ventilation X-Stream AC
Simple and effective. This model turns on and off from a switch on your wall just like your lights. Unlike cheap and inefficient bathroom fans, which allow moist air to build up in your roof cavity causing other problems, the X-Stream AC exhausts stale air directly outside through ducting, keeping mould and moisture at bay in all areas of your home.
Our centrifugal fan with an AC motor provides excellent performance and reliability. It is one of the quietest extractor fans available and comes with an IP 44 protection rating and a 5 year warranty. It extracts 560 m³/h of air per hour and consumes 52 watts per hour.
Fresh Ventilation X-Stream AC Plus
The X-Stream AC Plus includes an IntelliSwitch automatic timer which continues to ventilate the room after you leave. You can control how long you want it to run for and it will automatically switch off after this time has elapsed.
Our centrifugal fan with an AC motor provides excellent performance and reliability. It is one of the quietest extractor fans available and comes with an IP 44 protection rating and a 5 year warranty. It extracts 560 m³/h of air per hour and consumes 52 watts per hour.
Fresh Ventilation X-Stream EC
Simple and effective. This model turns on and off from a switch on your wall just like your lights. Unlike cheap and inefficient bathroom fans, which allow moist air to build up in your roof cavity causing other problems, the X-Stream EC exhausts stale air directly outside through ducting, keeping mould and moisture at bay in all areas of your home.
Our centrifugal fan with an EC motor provides exceptional performance and reliability. The speed can be adjusted to suit air flow, noise and power consumption requirements. At maximum speed it is even quieter than the X-Stream AC. At reduced speeds it is capable of being completely silent. It comes with an IP 54 protection rating and a 5 year warranty. At maximum speed it extracts 735 m³/h of air per hour and consumes 83 watts per hour. At reduced speeds these figures are lowered to 580 m³/h and 49 watts, 445 m³/h and 24 watts, and 310 m³/h and 10 watts.
Fresh Ventilation X-Stream EC Plus
The X-Stream EC Plus includes an IntelliSwitch automatic timer which continues to ventilate the room after you leave. You can control how long you want it to run for and it will automatically switch off after this time has elapsed.
Our centrifugal fan with an EC motor provides exceptional performance and reliability. The speed can be adjusted to suit air flow, noise and power consumption requirements. At maximum speed it is even quieter than the X-Stream AC Plus. At reduced speeds it is capable of being completely silent. It comes with an IP 54 protection rating and a 5 year warranty. At maximum speed it extracts 735 m³/h of air per hour and consumes 83 watts per hour. At reduced speeds these figures are lowered to 580 m³/h and 49 watts, 445 m³/h and 24 watts, and 310 m³/h and 10 watts.
Vortice Wall-Mounted Centrifugal Exhaust Fans
The Vortice CA 150 is an externally wall-mounted centrifugal duct fan. Unlike internally mounted fans which are severely limited by mounting space and noise requirements, the Vortice CA 150 actually works!
The Vortice CA 150 uses a R2E220 AC motor manufactured by ebm-papst in Germany. It is designed and assembled in Italy. It features a 3 speed fan (dependant on installation wiring and switching) and is capable of extracting up to 620 m³/h of air per hour while consuming 87 watts per hour.
Fresh Ventilation do not recommend, sell or install any other type of wall mounted fan.
Fan Specifications / FAQ
What is the difference between AC motors and EC motors?
AC motors are cheaper than EC motors but still provide excellent performance. They are very quiet during operation and move large volumes of air through ducting. They operate at one fixed speed where they are most efficient.
In real world use, EC motors provide even higher air flow, are extremely quiet during operation, are capable of silent operation at reduced fan speeds, have smoother fan rotation, and consume almost no power at reduced fan speeds. EC motors have adjustable speed and are very efficient at all speeds.
What is an electronically commutated EC motor?
An electronically commutated (EC) motor is designed to run on an alternating current (AC) power supply, but it in fact bears a closer resemblance to a direct current (DC) motor. It is essentially a permanent magnet, brushless DC motor that incorporates on-board electronics. The added electronics allow an EC motor to combine the best features from both AC and DC motors, and then improve on them. For this reason, an EC motor is in a category of its own.
By utilizing this technology, EC fans are highly efficient and pay for themselves through lower operating costs and extended service life. They also provide many operational benefits that are often overlooked.
EC motors use permanent magnets and electrical windings to generate their magnetic fields, in a similar fashion to brushed DC motors. However, as their name suggests, they achieve commutation electronically rather than mechanically. This is only possible by incorporating on-board electronics within the housing of an electronically commutated EC motor.
The on-board electronics include a rectifier that converts the AC supply to DC. An integrated controller then directs the right amount of current, in the right direction, at the right time, through each of the windings. This develops magnetic poles in the stator, which interact with the permanent magnets in the rotor.
The position of each magnet is determined by using Hall effect sensors. The appropriate magnets are attracted, in sequence, to the magnetic poles in the stator. Simultaneously, the rest of the stator windings are charged with the reverse polarity. These attraction and repulsion forces combine to achieve rotation and produce the optimal torque. Since this is all done electronically, precise motor monitoring and control are possible.
What are the advantages of an electronically commutated EC motor?
Energy Efficiency
EC motor efficiency is often above 90%, allowing EC fans to consume up to 70% less energy, when compared to conventional fans. Running an EC fan at 80% speed saves nearly 50% of the energy.
Ease of Control
By continuously monitoring motor functions and automatically adjusting the control input, high efficiency is maintained throughout the operable speed range. EC motors are often capable of being turned down to 20% of full speed, while still maintaining 85% efficiency. Sensors that produce a 0-10V signal provide speed control without the need for a complex variable frequency drive.
Versatility
EC motors are capable of exceeding rated speeds. This allows fans with EC motors to achieve higher capacity within a smaller fan package.
Can the fan speed be adjusted?
AC motors are single speed motors. They run at 100% all the time.
EC motors are variable speed motors. They have a 0-10V potentiometer mounted on them to adjust their speed precisely between 0% and 100%.
What is the airflow capacity of the fan motors?
X-Stream AC motors have a capacity of approximately 560 m³/h.
X-Stream EC motors have a capacity of approximately 735 m³/h.
Vortice CA 150 wall-mounted fans have a capacity of approximately 620 m³/h.
How much power do the fans use?
X-Stream AC motors draw 52 W when running.
X-Stream EC motors draw 83 W when running at 100% speed. For every 20% the fan speed is reduced, energy consumption is approximately halved.
Vortice CA 150 wall-mounted fans draw 87 W when running.
Who manufactures the fan motors?
The fan motors are manufactured by ebm-papst in Germany.
What model are the fan motors?
X-Stream AC motors use a R2E190 motor.
X-Stream EC motors use a R3G190 motor.
Vortice CA 150 wall-mounted fans use a R2E220 motor.
What is the warranty of the fan motors?
The fan motors have a 5 year warranty.
What is the IP rating of the fan motors?
AC motors have a protection rating of IP 44.
EC motors have a protection rating of IP 54.
What automatic run-on timers do you recommend?
We use and recommend the IntelliSwitch IS-SS single switch and the IntelliSwitch ST-BC all-in-one bathroom controller.
Can you retrofit an existing hole?
If you have removed your old fan, please measure the diameter of the cutout hole in your ceiling. The standard white metal egg crate grille can be substituted with a diffuser that will cover your existing hole. We can supply a diffuser for almost any retrofit.
Alternatively, if you would prefer us to install your X-Stream wet area extraction fan, we can measure your existing fan for you and arrange a quote that includes supply and installation.
Why don't you like 3-in-1 Tastics?
In short, 3-in-1 fan units are terrible! We have a whole section (with pictures) below if you'd like to have a look.
IntelliSwitch IS-SS Fan Timer
These run-on timers have 5 pre-set timer durations (15, 30, 60, 90 and 180 minutes) and start counting down after you turn them on. The timer can be overridden so that they stay on permanently. The default timer length can be set and this is remembered for next time you turn them on.
Available as a single switch load rated to 10A (IS-SS) and a double switch load rated to 5A x 2 (IS-DS). Both models fit within a standard light switch plate.
IntelliSwitch All-in-One Bathroom Controller for Lights, Fans and Heated Towel Rails
The ST-BC is a fully automated bathroom light, fan and towel rail controller using 4 sensors to make your bathroom the smartest it can be.
Using humidity, temperature, light and movement sensors this new IntelliSwitch allows full manual or fully automated operation of the lights, fan and towel rail in your bathroom. It has a battery backup in case of power outages and it all fits within a standard light switch plate. A big step forward in bathroom automation.
What Makes Fresh Ventilation Different
Fresh Ventilation is a family owned and operated business. Our business has specialised in the installation of premium quality ventilation systems for over 10 years.
Effective ventilation requires quality components and proper installation. We place a strong emphasis on customised solutions and after-sales support to help you get the most from your system.
Our focus is on premium products and expert advice to create ventilation systems that actually work.
Our Bathroom Exhaust and Extraction Fans
Fresh Ventilation’s exclusive design is based on years of knowledge, experience and trialling competing products. Our systems use components that have been carefully selected for their purpose to ensure that you get superior performance, proven reliability and lower operating costs.
We use Australian made components, including ducting and fittings, and German made centrifugal fans with both AC and EC motors available.
Why Don't We Like 3-in-1 Fan Units?
Here are some pictures of 3-in-1 fan units from job sites over the last couple of months. 3-in-1 fans have a number of problems:
- The heat lamps are a fire hazard.
- They are dust magnets, further worsening the risk of fire.
- They require a large opening to your roof space, leaving nasties from your roof space free to enter.
- They mostly can't be ducted to outside, so moist air is left in your roof space to cause other problems.
- Even when they can be ducted, they shouldn't be, because their fans aren't strong enough to push air through ducting, so quoted airflow figures are substantially reduced.
- Their fans aren't strong enough to operate under pressure, so closing the bathroom door substantially reduces airflow.
- They can't be installed directly over the shower.
- They're noisy.
- Airflow is low.
Buy Bathroom Exhaust & Extraction Fan Kits Online
All of our bathroom exhaust and extraction fans are available as DIY kits if you would like to install them yourself. We offer installation assistance and guidance by way of telephone conversations and personalised duct layouts with each kit.
