Types of exhaust fan

Exhaust fans are not a linear bunch - not only are there different types, but there are different mounting mechanisms and, more recently, multi-function units too. We've tried to make the classifications as clear as possible but if you need more guidance, please get in touch.

Ceiling-mounted

Ceiling mounted fans, as the name suggests, are on the ceiling. These are probably what you think of when someone says bathroom exhaust fans. There are standard extractor only units, as well as handy combined units. 2-in-1 fans with lights, or even 3-in-1 with a heating element too. Ceiling fans have the fan built until the unit you can see and usually push air into the attic or out through the roof.

Roof mounted

A roof-mounted fan is installed in the ceiling of a room, but it extends above the roof. You can see a roof-mounted fan from the exterior of the home. Roof-mounted fans typically work to ventilate attics, keeping the humidity down.

Inline

An inline fan sits flat or slightly recessed into the air duct itself. Inline exhaust fans are typically powerful options and are often used commercially, too. These can be positioned in the wall or ceiling, differing from traditional wall or ceiling mounted fans by the fact they can push or pull air out. In an inline fan you won't usually see the fan mechanism or blade as these set in the duct itself, sometimes quite far up.

Wall-mounted

Wall-mounted fans can be a cost-effective way to ventilate a room, particularly if the room has an exterior wall. The fan is mounted in the wall with a duct pumping air through the outside wall of the house. Typically, people use a wall-mounted fan when there's no way to vent to the attic.

Window

Similar to a wall-mounted fan, but mounted into the pane of the window. Window extractor fans work best when you do not have enough room or the ductwork for an exhaust fan.

Range hood

An odd one to include but we get a number of questions here. This is the exhaust fan that typically sits about your stove or cooker. It provides strong, localised extraction. For the avoidance of doubt, this is a specialist exhaust fan and only one an exhaust fan designed for the use around stoves should be used here.

It depends where you're placing your fan however most will be IP rated since their purpose is to draw out moisture, so by definition they will be in a high moisture zone.

Absolutely! The improvement in technology in the past decade has meant that you can find (almost) silent exhaust fans. Just because they're quiet doesn't meant they're any less effective however. One of the quietest exhaust fans on the market is the aptly named Ventair Simply Quiet. For a 3-in-1, the Eglo Inferno has whisper-quiet motor.

Fan ducting will often outlive the fan its connected to but thankfully it is usually possible to find a fan that is compatible with your existing ducting. The diameter of the existing ducting and the fan's duct connector, and the airflow of the fan are two key considerations. The easiest approach is to choose a like for like model from the same company as the original fan, but we would always recommend checking with a product expert. If you need help, please send us a message with as much detail as possible and we'll do our best to help.

An inline duct fan is a type of exhaust fan where the fan mechanism is built into the ducting, usually along the tube so that it sits in the roof cavity. As such, with an inline fan, you would not normally see the fan through the ceiling vent. They are a popular option for homes with limited space above the ceiling.

Firstly, don't worry, you're not alone. We have many clients come to us who have limited space above their ceiling for an exhaust fan. Most exhaust fans will need at least 175mm of height about the ceiling (in the cavity) however there are some low profile options available, such as in our filtered collection here. In this collection you'll also find wall mount and inline fans which are a great solution for limited space. If you need further help, please get in touch and we'll be able to advise you on the best approach.

Extra Resources

Thanks to the wonderful team at Fantech, here are some additional resources to help you find and install your new extractor fan, or troubleshoot your current one.

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