A hallmark of a bathroom or kitchen is high humidity or odors. Dampness causes the active development of mold and fungi, which can cause various diseases of people. And unpleasant odors can be absorbed into clothes and furniture, disrupting a person’s comfortable existence. You can cope with this problem with the help of silent fans. In the article, we consider the types of such devices, models, and installation features.
What is the hood for?
Everyone understands that in the bathroom or kitchen must have a hood. This is important not only in everyday life, but also when carrying out repairs or finishing work - it is impossible to close the ventilation hole in any case.
The lack of hoods or poor-quality operation can lead to increased humidity in the room and the appearance of unpleasant signs of this:
- condensate settling on walls and mirrors;
- constantly wet towels, wet items and slow drying of things;
- characteristic black mold spots on furniture, corners of walls and ceilings, doors;
- the appearance of an unpleasant odor of dampness.
The appearance of such signs leads not only to a deterioration in the interior of the room, but also causes some diseases.
The natural movement of air flows through the hood is not always able to cope with these problems. Over time, the air ducts become clogged and clogged, so their efficiency decreases.
The solution in this case is the installation of forced exhaust with a fan - the device provides good system performance for a long time. With the right choice, a silent exhaust fan will solve the problems that have arisen.
Choosing a model, you need to be guided by some criteria - they will be described below: performance; comfortable operation; profitability; safety of use.
Performance and cost-effectiveness
One of the most important characteristics of a fan is its performance - the efficiency of the device will depend on its level.
In order to correctly determine this indicator, you need to calculate the volume of the room into which the silent fan will be installed. This parameter is found by multiplying the geometric parameters of the room: height, width and length. Productivity is calculated by multiplying the volume of the room by the rate of air exchange.
Regulatory requirements for installing a silent fan in a room require, when calculating, to use data on the number of constantly present in the room to ensure optimal air exchange rates.
In order to reduce the cost of fan maintenance, including energy consumption, it is necessary to give preference to modern devices when buying. They are equipped with special timers and switches that regulate the operation of the device in various modes.
Comfort and safety
To avoid discomfort during the operation of the device, when buying, you must take into account the indicator that determines the noise level created by the so-called silent fans.
In the process, these devices maintain fairly low noise levels, not exceeding thirty-five decibels. Such a parameter value is not capable of causing unpleasant sensations to those present, and the device will be almost invisible.
Close attention should be paid to the safe operation of such equipment, especially when installed in a bathroom (room with high humidity). The design of the device housing must ensure that moisture cannot enter the device. Otherwise, it is likely that a short circuit will occur.
What characteristics to consider when choosing
When choosing a silent fan for a bathroom or other room, the following criteria should be considered:
- the noise level of the device - ideally, should not exceed 20 dB;
- electric motor power;
- operating voltage and frequency;
- impeller pressure;
- performance and operating temperature;
- product dimensions.
You also need to know that the manufacturer in the technical documentation provides two parameters: the landing diameter of the device and the size of the impeller itself.
Many people believe that the power of the fan affects the performance of its noise. Experts say that this is not so. In modern models, there are design features - special noise reduction systems that help to improve this parameter. In addition, the material from which the body is made plays an important role.
Model selection
In order to choose the best suitable device, you need to know some subtleties.
Experts advise the following:
- In the kitchen, it is more advisable to choose fans with a maximum power not exceeding 2 kW. This is enough to keep the performance of the device within 80 cubic meters. meters per hour. In this case, the noise level should correspond to the level of 25 dB. The optimal impeller diameter will be a size of 100 mm. The silent fan should have additional functions in the form of a timer and a hydrostat.
- For apartments in apartment buildings and bathrooms, it is better to choose models with a non-return valve. Such a device will prevent the ingress of unpleasant odors from neighbors.
- From the point of view of safety during operation, experts advise choosing a fan with a moisture and splash-proof housing design.
- In the bathroom, it is more advisable to install a silent channel fan equipped with a humidity sensor. The maximum power rating should not be less than 3 kW.
- The best solution, experts recognize models with special built-in sensors that turn on the fan when the humidity rises to a predetermined level. After reaching the optimum value, the device turns off.
Some modern models of exhaust fans have integrated luminaires, which allows designers to organically fit such a device into the interior.
Barrier fans
The silent fan with a non-return valve, which serves as a barrier to extraneous odors, is equipped with a fairly simple mechanism that can prevent the exhaust air from getting back.
Such devices are made of plastic or stainless steel.
Structurally, they consist of such parts:
- frame;
- two shutter flaps and a pin on which the shutters are fitted;
- air intake grille;
- engine;
- aerodynamic impeller;
- vibration damping inserts.
The air in such a device moves in only one direction, held by the closed wings. When the fan is turned on, the shutters move under the influence of air flow, constantly sucking it in during operation. When the power is turned off, the flaps slam shut, preventing the air from moving back.
Types and models of fans
Silent fans for extracting in the bathroom or in another room are divided into types according to design features.
Devices of this type are as follows:
- Axial exhaust fans. They consist of a cylindrical body with an engine on which the blades are mounted. At the exit there is a collector that reduces noise and improves aerodynamic performance. Productivity - more than 100 m 3 per hour, easy to install. This type includes: Blauberg Sileo 125T, Soler & Palau SILENT 100, Electrolux EAF, "Vents 100". Silent fans of this group are considered the most efficient.
- Radial exhaust fans. The air moves radially, the blades can be located back and forth. The first option is better in terms of efficiency and noise. In this category, it is worth noting such models as the Systemair CBF100, Soler & Palau Silentub-200, Design S / 5210612300, Soler & Palau EcoAir.
- Centrifugal exhaust fans. They are the best option for small rooms with an area of less than 15 square meters. Powerful and quiet enough. When installing devices with a rectangular cross-section, an anemostat is required (with a round cross-section, it is not necessary). The most popular devices of this group are Soler & Palau EBB-250 NS, Cata CB-100 Plus.
- Duct fans. Such devices are installed in the duct duct. Compact, suitable for installation in bathrooms and other small rooms. The most popular in this series "VENTS 100 VKO", SILENT 790-900 - the best silent channel fan.
- Roof type fans. They are installed directly on the roof, consist of a base, a confuser and a casing. There are centrifugal and axial. Systemair brand devices are most in demand in this group.
Humidity Sensor Fans
Such devices are installed in rooms with high humidity (bathrooms). They have different controls:
- mechanical - the fan is equipped with a timer or a hydrostat-sensor, on which a person sets the necessary operating modes, the hood operates only when the set humidity value is exceeded.
- automatic - works according to the established modes, very economical devices.
Design features allow you to install silent fan models in the bathroom on the ceiling or wall. By production moisture resistant materials are used.
Model Overview
For the correct selection of the fan model, you must have minimal knowledge about its characteristics or seek the advice of a specialist.
Consider the following popular models and brands:
- Cata appliances produce devices for kitchens and bathrooms. Productivity - 90 m 3 per hour, noise level is 20 dB, power - 3 kW. Model Cata CB100 is equipped with a protective cover, copes with overloads. The Cata CB250 model with the humidity sensor and the backpressure valve is the most silent. Cata CB300 with timer and motion sensor - compact, has a protective grille. The price of models is about 5000 rubles.
- Silent silent fans are the most sought after on the market. Made of aluminum, have a low weight. Noise level - not higher than 25 dB, electric motor power - 2 kW, capacity - 80 m 3 per hour, must be operated at a temperature not exceeding 40 ° . Bathroom models have humidity sensors. Equipped with protective covers. Cost - within 6000 rubles. The most popular models: Silent 100CZ - the most efficient, Silent 120CZ - for the bathrooms, Silent 120CZ - the most compact fan.
- Gorenie devices - have interesting design solutions, reliable fastening. Noise level - 23 dB, easy to install. Case - plastic with a protective cover. The cost ranges from 6,000 rubles. Gorenie 150SH - has a capacity of 60 m 3 per hour and a noise level of 18 dB, compact. Gorenie 130SH - power up to 4 kW, operating temperature - up to 40 ° C, the model is equipped with a check valve that can withstand a pressure of 3 bar.
Mounting Features
In order for the silent fan to work without problems, it is necessary to carry out the correct installation. This work is not particularly difficult, so it can be done independently. If necessary, consult a specialist for connecting electrical appliances.
By the method of installation of the device are divided into the following:
- overhead or wall - are attached directly to the wall and are visible against its background;
- built-in - can be mounted on the wall, almost imperceptible;
- Ceiling - installed in the ventilation hole, require systematic cleaning, as they are regularly contaminated.
Before starting installation work, it is necessary to study the manufacturer's instructions.
Independent installation work on installing a silent fan begins with a connection to the power supply. To ensure the operation of the fan, it is best to hold a dedicated outlet for it. If this is not possible, then the power supply is carried out from a lamp that illuminates the room.
The steps for installing a fan are as follows:
- prepare for installation a screwdriver, a hacksaw for plastic, a measuring tape, polymer glue and fasteners;
- Before starting work, turn off the power;
- disassemble and unscrew the lamp;
- measure the distance from the light source to the ceiling cornice;
- prepare a decorative box for masking wires of the appropriate length;
- stick box elements with polymer glue;
- connect a wire to the terminal block to power the device;
- install the lamp in its original place;
- remove the grille from the ventilation duct;
- separate the decorative cover from the fan and apply glue around the perimeter to the seat;
- insert the device into the channel and press for 15-20 seconds;
- separate the elements and, after waiting a minute, reconnect them with great effort;
- connect the wire coming from the lamp to the terminal inside the fan;
- assemble the fan;
- check the operability of the device and the light source;
- replace the decorative grill.
A high-quality and correctly installed hood reduces the humidity level to optimal values. Installing a fan in the bathroom or kitchen allows you to achieve good air exchange and comfort in the room.