Professional Guide

Best Bathroom Extractor Fans for Avoiding Mould: 2025 Expert Review

OR Electrics

Fully Qualified 18th Edition Electrician

Published 17 December 2025

Let's be honest—nobody gets excited about bathroom fans until the ceiling starts turning black. In my line of work across Leeds, I see it constantly: tenants unplugging fans because they sound like a jet engine, or old units specifically designed in the 90s that are now just gathering dust whilst condensation ruins the plasterwork.

Effective ventilation isn't just about smell; it's about protecting the fabric of your home and your health. With the strict requirements of Part F of the Building Regulations and the EICR standards for rentals, a working, efficient fan is a legal necessity for landlords and a money-saver for homeowners preventing damp repairs.

In this review, I've selected three fans that I frequently encounter or recommend. I'll compare a budget-friendly quick fix, a premium near-silent German-engineered model, and a robust problem-solver that balances power with quiet operation.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "Extraction Rate (m³/h)"

The Theory

"Higher numbers mean the bathroom clears instantly."

The Reality

The quoted rate is 'free air' performance. As soon as you add ducting, bends, or external grilles, that rate drops significantly. If you have a long duct run (over 1.5 metres), standard axial fans struggle. Keep ducting short and straight for these figures to matter.

The Spec: "Silent Operation"

The Theory

"Claims of 'Whisper Quiet' or under 30dB mean you won't hear it."

The Reality

Decibels are measured in labs. In a tiled bathroom, sound bounces. Also, wind noise through the vent often makes more noise than the motor itself. However, investing in a quality motor (like the Airflow or Envirovent) definitely reduces that annoying mechanical drone.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

PENYUY 100mm Silent Powerful Bathroom Extractor Fan with Timer

Budget Pick

PENYUY

If you just need to replace a broken fan quickly and cheaply to pass an inspection, this is a solid choice. It moves a decent amount of air (95 m³/h) and includes a timer, which is essential for clearing moisture after the light is switched off.

Price£21.99 (at time of writing)

Airflow95 m³/h

Noise34 dB

IP RatingIPX4

The Good

Very affordable replacement option
Includes a run-on timer (1-30 mins) which is vital for compliance
Backflow flap prevents cold draughts coming back in

The Bad

At 34dB, it is noticeably louder than the premium options
Generic brand reliability compared to established UK industry names
IPX4 is standard, but less robust against water jets than IP45 models

Installer Tip:

This fan has a backflow shutter, which is great, but ensure your external grille isn't blocked. If the air can't get out, the shutter will rattle annoyingly in the wind. Also, make sure you have a permanent live feed if you want to use the timer function.

Priced at £21.99 at the time of writing

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Airflow QT100T Black Bathroom Extractor Fan 25 L/s

Quality Choice

Airflow

Airflow is a brand we electricians respect; their engineering is top-tier. This 'QuietAir' model lives up to its name with a QuietMark certification. The black finish looks smart in modern bathrooms, and the IP45 rating offers superior safety in wet zones.

Price£119.99 (at time of writing)

NoiseUltra quiet 25 dB

CertificationQuietMark & German Engineered

IP RatingIP45 (Safe for Zone 1 with RCD)

The Good

Extremely quiet (25 dB) - often tenants don't even realise it's on
High IP45 rating offers better protection against water ingress
Adjustable timer and delay start prevents fan coming on for short 'loo visits'

The Bad

Significantly higher upfront cost
The black design might not suit traditional white bathrooms

Installer Tip:

Use the 'delay start' feature (e.g., 2 minutes). This stops the fan kicking in immediately if someone just pops in to wash their hands or brush their teeth, which saves energy and annoyance, whilst still activating for showers.

Priced at £119.99 at the time of writing

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Envirovent SIL100 Silent-100 Axial Silent Extractor Fan

Problem-solving

Envirovent

Envirovent is a massive name in social housing because their fans tackle damp aggressively. This model is the perfect middle ground: it has a very high extraction rate (96 m³/h) to remove steam quickly, but remains whisper quiet at 26.5 dB. It solves the 'mould vs noise' debate.

Price£44.00 (at time of writing)

ExtractionHigh 26 L/s (96 m³/h)

Noise26.5 dB (Quiet Mark)

PowerLow 8 Watts standard

The Good

Fantastic balance of high power and low noise
Reliable build quality - these units last years in rental properties
IP45 rated means it's safer in damper environments

The Bad

Slightly boxy/standard appearance compared to the Airflow
Requires careful setting of the timer to match tenant lifestyle

Installer Tip:

This is an axial fan, meaning it's designed to push air through a wall or a very short duct (under 1.5m). Do not install this on a long duct run through a loft; it won't have the pressure to push the air out. For direct through-wall fitting, it's unbeatable.

Priced at £44.00 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an axial and a centrifugal fan?

Great question. All the fans reviewed here are 'axial', which work like a propeller. They move high volumes of air but have low pushing power, so they are best for short ducts (through a wall). If your bathroom is in the middle of the house and the duct runs 3+ metres through the ceiling, you need a 'centrifugal' fan, which acts more like a turbo and pushes air further.

Why does my bathroom fan need an isolator switch?

You'll often see a 'fan isolator' switch above the door (usually 3 poles). This allows an electrician to safely disconnect the fan for maintenance or cleaning without turning off the entire lighting circuit. It is a safety requirement for maintenance access.

Is a timer fan better than a humidistat fan?

In my experience, yes. Humidistat fans (which turn on automatically when damp) can be unreliable; they often trigger on humid summer days or fail to trigger when needed. A timer fan wired to your light switch ensures that every time you use the bathroom for a shower, the fan runs, and the 'overrun' timer clears the steam after you leave. It's predictable and effective.

Can I install these fans myself?

Under UK Building Regulations (Part P), replacing an existing fan in the same location is usually non-notifiable work if you are competent. However, installing a new circuit or working in Zone 1 (around the bath/shower) requires strict adherence to BS 7671. If in doubt, hire a registered electrician—water and electricity do not mix.

How often should I clean my bathroom fan?

I recommend checking it every 3-6 months. Dust builds up on the impeller blades and the front grille. This reduces the airflow power and makes the fan noisier. A quick wipe and vacuum (with the isolator switch OFF) helps the motor last longer and keeps the bathroom mould-free.

Do I need an EICR to check my fans?

For landlords, yes. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) checks that the fan is electrically safe, properly earthed (or double insulated), and suitable for the bathroom zone it is installed in. We verify all these safety aspects during our inspections.

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