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Electrical

Bedroom ventilator fan constantly pumping cold air in

Anonymous user 03/03/2024 - 3.18 PM

Hi everyone, I have moved into an older flat in London 80-90 years old and the main bedroom, (which is an extension) has had an electric ventilattor/extractor fan fitted possibly 10+ years ago. The issue I am finding is that in the winter our bedroom is freezing when compared to the rest of the flat and I worry it's due to this fan. I know that is was installed to prevent mold and maintain the same temperature however, I find that it just lets in more cold air than maintaining the same temperature. Is this normal for fans to do this? It has a pull down electric box to make the fan work harder but if anything, that makes the room even colder. I am considering buying a new fan and having someone fit in (I'm in Balham London) Can anyone provide advice on whether I should change this fan, if so, what kind should I get and roughly the labour time to get the old one out and new one in?

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2 Answers

Engelec

Rating: 5 out of 5
Spalding
Hello, It depends on the type of extract fan you have fitted, I am guessing that due to the amount of heat loss it is a wall mounted fan. A wall fan will extract air and moisture outside via a hole in the wall to stop drafts from blowing back into the room there should be a reverse flow shutter, either a fitted to the wall directly out side or built into the fan. However there is no insulation in the hole and your heat can escape this way and if the reverse flow shutter is damaged drafts can easily get through to your room. I would suggest checking the reverse flow shutter is working first, if it is then there are two alternatives. 1. Replace the fan with a 'Extract Fan with Heat Recovery' but these are still relatively expensive, details are available on google. 2. If possible abandon the wall fan in favour of a ceiling/loft fan, this type of fan unit is usually fitted in the loft or floor void so is generally quieter, it will be vented outside via a flexible duct, due to the run of the duct heat loss and drafts are greatly reduced. You will need to ensure the fan is suitable to handle the number of air changes required for your room and the duct is correctly installed and vented. Any reputable electrician should be able to advise you in such matters. Hope this helps.
Answered29 August 2018
1

Wilco Gas Services

No reviews yet

Leyton, London
Just buy a fan with built in shutter, this will close when fan is not in use, I have 1 myself, my bathroom has never been warmer !
Answered28 September 2018
1