Engineering equipment is mainly associated with heating, gas and water supply systems. Recently, more and more attention in modern houses and apartments has been paid to climate technology, including humidifiers, air conditioners and disinfecting devices. Ventilation equipment has always occupied a special niche, since its use requires more technical and financial investments. For example, organizing a ventilation duct with installation work costs much more than installing a split system. Manufacturers also understand this, optimizing their products. As a result, a modern exhaust hood to the toilet with a fan is a rather compact device, equipped with wide functionality and ergonomic controls.
The principle of operation of exhaust ventilation
The basic ventilation solution for apartment buildings is usually natural ventilation through the technical channels provided for this. The essence of this method is to exchange exhaust air for fresh air from the street. However, this method, due to the temperature difference at different times of the year, does not always work. Therefore, a more effective solution is used in the form of forced traction. It implements a fan-extractor hood. For the bathroom and toilet, small wall channels are usually provided in which a rectangular or cylindrical pipe is arranged that provides air passage. Fresh mass is pumped by a fan, which can also be provided with filtration devices for preliminary air purification.
Features of exhaust fans for the toilet
Firstly, such devices are compact in size. For aesthetic reasons, as well as for technical and construction standards, the channel and its communications in the bathroom should be compact. Most often, the device is imperceptibly located in the upper part of one of the walls facing either the central ventilation shaft or directly to the street. Secondly, both the external coverings of the housing, in which the hood in the toilet with a fan is located, and its features, from the point of view of structural design, are oriented towards protection from external influences. If we are talking about a toilet combined with a shower and a bath, then protection can be expressed in an enhanced water-repellent function in the first place. Manufacturers produce special modifications in which the electrical filling of the fan and the communications through which it is supplied with energy are protected by special insulators.
Axial Fan Models
A very common solution, which is popular due to the optimized design and the generally familiar device. The device is a cylindrical body in which a small wheel with blades is enclosed. The impeller is integrated directly into the motor system, sitting on its functional axis. Accordingly, in the process of rotation of the blades, displacement of the exhaust air occurs with the injection of fresh streams. Before entering the ventilation system, a collector is installed that improves the electrodynamic qualities of the device. In this design, a classic check valve fan can also be implemented . An extract to the toilet of this type makes it easy to block access to cold air in the winter. Today, there are practically no models in which such valves are not structurally provided. Another thing is that the management of this component of the system can be carried out in different ways.
Radial constructions
Radial fans are located in a spiral casing. During the operation of the blade wheel, the air masses entering the intercostal canals go radially relative to the wheel periphery. Then they are compressed and, under the influence of centrifugal force, retreat into the casing, and then are sent to the discharge outlet. A functional component, that is, the same fan wheel, is a hollow cylinder in which the blades are located with equal indentation from each other. Despite the complexity of the design, such fans with a valve for drawing in the toilet can be useful not only from the point of view of sanitary tasks, but also for financial reasons. If you use models with backward-curved blades, then, according to experts, energy savings can be about 20%. In addition, radial models easily carry loads with excessive consumption of air flows relative to the recommended values.
System installation
For starters, the optimal placement is selected. It should be located high and as far as possible from other points of intake or air flow. Then a hole is formed with a diameter corresponding to the fan casing. This is done with a puncher or other power tool, which in principle is capable of forming a niche with a depth of about 30 cm and a thickness of 15-20 cm. Then you need to draw communication lines and introduce the design into the hole created. Typically, a hood in a toilet with a fan provides battery power - again to improve safety in terms of moisture protection, but with proper insulation, you can draw a 220 V power line. The installed pipe is fastened with foam or special adhesives. Decorative design of the site is carried out by means of complete plugs and panels with grilles.
Fan control system
Ergonomics, efficiency and energy consumption will to a large extent depend on the way the ventilation unit is controlled. Initially, it is possible to divide all models into two types - with manual and automatic, that is, electronic control. The first option is used less and less, since it requires the user to independently close and open the same valves. Electric models or a hood in the toilet with a battery-powered fan eliminates the need for hand-held control of the device. Moreover, the latest versions with intelligent control themselves respond to changes in the air and temperature environment, making appropriate decisions about setting the fan operation mode. The concept of combining a fan with a toilet lighting function is also popular . The device will fire automatically every time the user turns on the light. That is, the purification of local air will be logically carried out at the moments of its pollution.
How to check the performance of the equipment?
Inspection should be carried out at the first sign of unsatisfactory operation of the equipment, as well as after installation or repair. It will allow you to find out how efficiently and effectively the fan works. The simplest method involves the use of a paper sheet that needs to be attached to the grill leading to the fan. A properly working device will press it against the panel and hold it, preventing it from falling. If the hood in the toilet with a fan does not hold the attached sheet near its grate and it falls, then there are problems either of a structural or electrical nature. To solve both possible problems will help only a complete uninstallation of the device with subsequent troubleshooting.
Manufacturers and prices
The development and direct manufacture of such devices are engaged in both manufacturers of climate systems, and companies producing household appliances. In the first category, such brands as S&P, FRESH, Xpelair, JSC and ERA are credible. In the second category, the high-quality and functional equipment MIELE and AEG deserves attention. In the initial segment, an extract to the toilet with a fan is estimated at an average of 500-600 rubles. These are the simplest devices with the lack of modern options and in their capabilities are more likely reminiscent of the usual channels of natural circulation. For 1000-1500 it is quite possible to purchase a multifunctional system with a radial fan, which is qualitatively assembled from environmentally friendly materials.
How to choose the best model?
The choice of toilet fan takes into account several groups of parameters. First of all, this is the design - the shape of the case, the diameter and type of the fan itself. Further, performance indicators are determined, including throughput and characteristics of the power supply system. Solving the question of which fan for the hood in the toilet is better, you can not do without ergonomic nuances. Today, the optimal solution from the point of view of convenience is a fan, which will be combined with a common climate infrastructure. The most advanced devices involve automated control from a central controller. And here it is worthwhile to dwell in more detail on the functions that may be included in such an infrastructure.
What to consider in functionality?
The concept of a "smart" home suggests that even a modest fan in the toilet or in the bathroom should be provided with a wide range of monitoring sensors. In particular, the basic kit includes occupancy sensors and humidity controllers. Based on the readings of the sensitive elements, the mode of operation of the device is precisely chosen. For example, a fan with a flap for extracting to the toilet will, depending on the state of the air, regulate both the speed of rotation of the blades and the throughput of the valve. Less technological and at the same time more affordable devices do without complex automation and work on timer settings. This is the most popular solution among ordinary owners of city apartments.
Conclusion
The transition from natural ventilation to exhaust systems has become widespread amid the structural simplification of fans. If earlier it was loud and not always attractive externally, today most models are distinguished by aesthetic advantages and ease of use. The fans for silent hoods for the toilet are widely represented on the market, the operation of which is almost not felt. One can only feel the process of air renewal with inflows of fresh masses. At the same time, there is no risk in the winter time that the room is filled with excessively cold air, since temperature control will be triggered in the electronic filling with sensors.