Extractor fan size depends on room type. For kitchens, aim for 30-50 CFM per square foot. Bathrooms typically need 1 CFM per square foot. Bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms may require 50-100 CFM. Other spaces like attics or basements may need 6-10 ACH. Consult a professional for precise sizing.
Extractor Fan Size Calculator
Sure, here’s a table summarizing recommended extractor fan sizes for various room types:
| Room Type | Recommended Extractor Fan Size (CFM) |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | 30-50 CFM per square foot |
| Bathroom | 1 CFM per square foot |
| Bedroom | 50-100 CFM |
| Living Room | 50-100 CFM |
| Dining Room | 50-100 CFM |
| Home Office | 50-100 CFM |
| Laundry Room | 50-100 CFM |
| Attic or Loft | 1-2 ACH (air changes per hour) |
| Basement | 6-10 ACH (air changes per hour) |
| Garage | 6-10 ACH (air changes per hour) |
| Workshop | 6-10 ACH (air changes per hour) |
| Home Gym | 6-10 ACH (air changes per hour) |
| Home Theater | 6-10 ACH (air changes per hour) |
| Walk-in Closet | 1 CFM per square foot |
Please note that these are rough estimations, and the actual size may vary depending on factors like room dimensions, usage, and specific needs. It’s always a good idea to consult with a professional or use a ventilation calculator for precise sizing.
FAQs
How do I know what size extractor fan I need? The size of the extractor fan you need depends on factors like the room’s volume, purpose, and the type of cooking or activities generating pollutants. A rough estimation for a kitchen is around 30-50 cubic feet per minute (CFM) per square foot.
How do you calculate extractor size? To calculate extractor size, you need to measure the room’s volume in cubic feet and consider the air changes per hour (ACH) required. A common guideline is to have 6-8 ACH for kitchens.
What is the formula for extractor fan? The formula is generally: Room Volume (in cubic feet) x ACH = Required CFM. You can then choose an extractor fan with a capacity close to or exceeding this calculated CFM.
What size is a standard extractor fan? Standard extractor fans typically range from 150 CFM to 500 CFM or more.
Does the extractor fan have to be the same size as the cooker? No, the extractor fan doesn’t have to be the same size as the cooker, but it should have sufficient capacity to effectively remove cooking fumes and odors.
Can a bathroom fan be too strong? Yes, a bathroom fan can be too strong, causing excessive air exchange and potentially drawing conditioned air out of your home. A fan rated between 50-100 CFM is typically suitable for most bathrooms.
How powerful should my extractor fan be? For kitchens, aim for 30-50 CFM per square foot. For bathrooms, 1 CFM per square foot is a good guideline.
What size fan do I need? The fan size you need depends on the room’s size and purpose, but for a rough estimate, 30-50 CFM per square foot for kitchens and 1 CFM per square foot for bathrooms are common.
How do you calculate ventilation size? Calculate ventilation size by multiplying the room’s volume (in cubic feet) by the desired air changes per hour (ACH) and then dividing by 60 to get CFM.
Can I replace an extractor fan myself? Yes, you can replace an extractor fan yourself if you have electrical wiring knowledge. However, it’s advisable to hire a qualified electrician if you’re not experienced with electrical work.
What is a good airflow for an extractor fan? A good airflow for an extractor fan depends on the room’s size and purpose. As a rule of thumb, 30-50 CFM per square foot for kitchens and 1 CFM per square foot for bathrooms are reasonable targets.
How do you measure a kitchen extractor fan? To measure a kitchen extractor fan, you can check its CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating, which indicates its airflow capacity.
Do you need an electrician to fit an extractor fan? It’s recommended to hire a qualified electrician to fit an extractor fan, especially if it involves electrical wiring. They can ensure it’s installed safely and in compliance with electrical codes.
Should an extractor fan be wider than the hob? An extractor fan should ideally be wider than the hob to effectively capture cooking fumes and odors. However, it doesn’t have to be excessively wider.
What size kitchen extractor do I need? The size of the kitchen extractor you need depends on factors like kitchen size and cooking habits. Aim for 30-50 CFM per square foot of kitchen space.
What size extractor fan do I need for a 60cm hob? For a 60cm hob, an extractor fan with a capacity of around 300-500 CFM is typically sufficient.
Is it a legal requirement to have an extractor fan in the kitchen in the UK? In the UK, it is not a legal requirement to have an extractor fan in the kitchen, but it is highly recommended for safety and ventilation purposes.
Is it OK not to have an extractor fan in the kitchen? While it’s not legally required, having an extractor fan in the kitchen is advisable to remove cooking fumes, odors, and moisture, improving air quality.
Is my bathroom extractor fan strong enough? To determine if your bathroom extractor fan is strong enough, check its CFM rating. For a standard bathroom, a fan with 50-100 CFM is usually sufficient.
Why shouldn’t you leave the bathroom fan on? Leaving the bathroom fan on constantly can lead to energy waste and unnecessary wear on the fan motor. It’s best to use it only when needed.
Why is my bathroom fan not exhausting? A bathroom fan may not be exhausting properly due to a clogged vent, a malfunctioning fan motor, or improper installation. It may require maintenance or repairs.
What is the strongest bathroom extractor fan? Some of the strongest bathroom extractor fans can have CFM ratings of 200-300 or more.
What is the best type of extractor fan for the bathroom? The best type of bathroom extractor fan is one with proper CFM capacity for the room size, low noise level, and features like humidity sensors or timers.
What is the alternative to an extractor fan in a bathroom? An alternative to an extractor fan in a bathroom is a window that can be opened for ventilation. However, an extractor fan is more effective and suitable for windowless bathrooms.
Does fan size matter? Yes, fan size matters as it determines the airflow capacity (measured in CFM) and affects a fan’s effectiveness in ventilating a space.
What size fan do I need for a 12×12 room? For a 12×12 room, you’d want a fan with a capacity of approximately 1,440-2,400 CFM, depending on factors like ceiling height and room use.
Can a fan be too big? Yes, a fan can be too big for a room, potentially causing discomfort due to excessive air movement and noise. It’s important to choose an appropriately sized fan.
How do you calculate ventilation for a room? To calculate ventilation for a room, measure the room’s volume in cubic feet and determine the desired air changes per hour (ACH). Then, calculate CFM using the formula: Room Volume x ACH / 60.
How many CFM do I need for a 10×10 room? For a 10×10 room, you’d generally want a fan with a capacity of approximately 900-1,500 CFM, depending on specific factors like room use and ceiling height.
How many vents per room size? The number of vents required per room size varies based on factors like room use and local building codes. Consult a professional for specific recommendations.
Do I need permission to install an extractor fan? The need for permission to install an extractor fan depends on local building codes and regulations. In some cases, you may need a permit, while in others, it may not be required for a simple replacement.
Can you run an extractor fan from a plug socket? You can run a small extractor fan from a plug socket, but for larger fans or those in kitchens, it’s best to have them hardwired by a qualified electrician.
What is the difference between a fan and an extractor fan? A fan is a general term for a device that moves air, while an extractor fan is specifically designed to remove air, smoke, fumes, or odors from a confined space, like a kitchen or bathroom.
Does a bathroom extractor fan work better with a window open? A bathroom extractor fan can work more effectively with a window open, as it helps create better airflow and expedites the removal of moisture and odors.
Is it illegal to not have an extractor fan in a bathroom? It’s not necessarily illegal to not have an extractor fan in a bathroom, but it’s strongly recommended for ventilation and moisture control.
What is considered a quiet extractor fan? A quiet extractor fan typically has a noise rating of around 1.0-2.0 sones, although quieter models with ratings below 1.0 sone are available.
How big should a kitchen fan be? A kitchen fan’s size should be based on the kitchen’s size and cooking habits, with a general guideline of 30-50 CFM per square foot of kitchen space.
How many Litres is a second kitchen extractor fan? Kitchen extractor fans are typically measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), not liters per second.
How do I choose a kitchen ventilation fan? To choose a kitchen ventilation fan, consider factors like kitchen size, cooking style, noise level preference, and any additional features like lighting or ductless options.
Can a plumber install an extractor fan? While plumbers are not typically trained to install extractor fans, they may have some basic knowledge. However, it’s recommended to hire an electrician for electrical work associated with fan installation.
How long does it take an electrician to fit an extractor fan? The time it takes for an electrician to fit an extractor fan can vary depending on the complexity of the installation, but it may take a few hours to half a day.
Do you need an extractor fan in a kitchen for building regs? Building regulations may require an extractor fan in a kitchen, especially if it lacks sufficient natural ventilation. Regulations can vary by location, so check with local authorities.
What is the minimum distance between an extractor fan and a hob? The minimum distance between an extractor fan and a hob can vary depending on the fan’s design and local building codes, but a common guideline is around 24-30 inches.
Should an extractor fan go into the loft? In some cases, extractor fans can vent into the loft, but it’s generally more effective and safe to vent them outside to prevent moisture and odor buildup in the attic.
Is it easy to fit a kitchen extractor fan? The ease of fitting a kitchen extractor fan depends on your DIY skills and the complexity of the installation. It can range from relatively easy to more complex, especially if ductwork is involved. If you’re not experienced, it’s advisable to hire a professional.
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