So many people I meet think that extractor fans in both the kitchen and bathrooms aren’t necessary but THEY ARE WRONG! Extractor fans are essential for maintaining good indoor air quality and preventing moisture-related issues.
Kitchen
Let’s start with the kitchen. It is actually a legal requirement in the UK to have extraction in the kitchen (if your kitchen was built post 2006). There are three main reasons to have extraction; smells, burning and moisture. Most people don’t know or think about moisture but if the steam and heat that occurs with cooking isn’t extracted, it can lead to damp…which can lead to mould. An extractor fan efficiently removes these elements, reducing humidity and improving ventilation, which helps preserve surfaces, cabinetry, and appliances.
People complain that they are too noisy or too ugly but modern ones are much quieter and can look amazing! Ours is a feature of the kitchen (from Siemens). Even though we have a ventilation system in the house, I always use the extractor fan when cooking.
Bathroom
As for the bathroom, I have recently encountered a home with NO extraction in the bathroom and another where they simply turned the fans off as they were ‘too noisy’. I can’t stress how bad this is!! Without proper ventilation, damp conditions can lead to mould, mildew, and deterioration of paint and fixtures. This can cause respiratory issues and contribute to poor air quality. Extractor fans reduce humidity, making the bathroom a healthier and more comfortable environment. There’s a misconception that the fans are for bad smells in the bathroom but they aren’t! A window works but when it’s cold outside, you might not want to open it!
Overall, installing extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms not only helps protect the structural integrity of your home but also ensures a healthier living space by reducing the risks associated with poor air quality, moisture, and mould.
Read my key points for a Healthy Home here.