There are several ways to turn on an extractor fan in your bathroom, depending on the type of fan installed. Here's a breakdown of the most common methods:
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Pull Cord:
- Many bathroom extractor fans feature a simple pull cord. Pulling the cord once will turn the fan on, and pulling it again will turn it off. This is the most manual and straightforward option.
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Linked to the Light Switch:
- A very common setup is for the extractor fan to be wired to your bathroom's light switch. When you turn on the lights, the fan automatically turns on, and when you turn the lights off, the fan turns off. This offers convenience but may not be ideal if you only need the fan for a short period. Some fans with this setup also include a timer (see below).
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Humidity Sensor (Humidistat):
- These fans have a built-in humidity sensor. When the sensor detects a certain level of humidity in the bathroom air (usually after a shower or bath), the fan automatically turns on. Once the humidity drops below the threshold, the fan will turn off, often with a short delay timer. Some models let you adjust the humidity sensitivity.
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PIR (Passive Infrared) Sensor:
- These fans use a motion detector (PIR sensor) to detect when someone enters the bathroom. The fan turns on automatically when motion is detected and then turns off after a pre-set time after the motion stops. This is useful for infrequent bathroom visits where humidity may not be high enough to trigger a humidistat.
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Timer:
- Some fans have built-in timers. These are often used in conjunction with the light switch. When you turn off the light, the fan continues to run for a pre-set amount of time (e.g., 5, 10, 15 minutes) to ensure proper ventilation before automatically switching off. The timer duration is often adjustable.
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Smart Fan/App Control:
- Modern extractor fans are now available with smart features, allowing you to control them via a smartphone app. These may offer features like scheduling, humidity monitoring, and remote on/off control.
Troubleshooting:
If your extractor fan isn't working, check the following:
- Power Supply: Ensure the fan is receiving power. Check the circuit breaker or fuse.
- Wiring: If you're comfortable doing so (otherwise consult an electrician), check the wiring connections to the fan.
- Fan Blades: Make sure the fan blades are free of debris and can rotate freely.
- Sensor Settings: If you have a humidity sensor, check the sensitivity settings.
- Timer Settings: If your fan has a timer, verify that it's set correctly.
