Comparison guides
Extractor fan or opening a window: what actually clears steam
The deciding factors
- An internal bathroom with no external wall has no ventilation option other than mechanical extraction ducted to outside
- a window simply isn't available.
- Even bathrooms with a window usually need mechanical extraction under building regulations
- because a window alone rarely clears humidity fast enough after a shower.
- A humidity-sensing fan or one with an overrun timer keeps extracting after someone's left the room
- which an open window depends on someone remembering to do.
Where jobs go wrong
Even bathrooms with a window usually need mechanical extraction under building regulations, because a window alone rarely clears humidity fast enough after a shower.
Related services and areas
Your questions answered
Is a window enough on its own?
Rarely by regulation and rarely in practice, condensation still forms faster than most people open a window to compensate.
Do extractor fans need much maintenance?
Periodic cleaning of the grille and blades keeps airflow up; a fan clogged with dust and grease loses much of its effectiveness.
Want this scoped properly before you commit?
We look at the room, check the services, and put the scope in writing so you can compare like with like.