Bathroom Fan Installation Cost
We all love a nice, hot shower or bath but did you know that it can cause serious problems for your bathroom? The damp and hot air which builds up in a bathroom after you’ve had a shower or bath can lead to dampness on the walls, mould, or mildew if it cannot escape from the bathroom quickly enough. That is where a bathroom extractor fan can come in handy. Perfect for bathrooms without a window or for extra ventilation, an extractor fan can ventilate and remove high levels of moisture to prevent unpleasant odours, stains or prevent any future health issues. Dampness can cause many issues if left untreated so it best to prevent it as soon as possible with the help of an extractor fan.
Supply costs
If you are looking to replace and install an extractor fan yourself then you will only have to factor in the costs of the fan and any extra materials. Extractor fans are available at many online or instore retailers and depending on the type or brand you choose can cost between £20 to £250.
|
TYPE OF FAN |
AVERAGE COSTS |
|
Wall Fan |
£20-£50 |
|
Window Fan |
£40-£70 |
|
Ceiling Fan |
£30-£55 |
|
Inline Fan |
£50-£100 |
|
Axial Fan |
£20-£80 |
|
Centrifugal Fan |
£40-£90 |
Professional Installation Cost
If you are looking to hire an electrician, then there will be added labour costs alongside the original cost of the fan. A standard extractor fans takes between 1 to 2 hours to install with a typical electrician’s hourly rates set at around £60 per hour. Labour costs will increase for larger bathrooms or for a completely new extractor fan installations due to time spent wiring, ducting, and venting to be able to fit a new fan. For the cost of a new fan plus installation it can cost between £250 to £350, whereas a replacement extractor fan plus installation is slightly cheaper ranging between £150 to £200.
Additional Cost factors
There are other factors aside from material and labour costs which can impact the final total of an extractor fan installation. Some factors that can affect the cost include:
- Type of Extractor Fan: The type of extractor fan you choose can affect the cost of the installation. For higher quality fans that may look nicer and last longer, expect to pay a more premium price than a budget fan.
- Accessibility: Some extractor fans may require using the loft to install the fan. As it adds more difficulty to the job it could take longer increasing labour costs.
- Size: There are a variety of different sized extractor fans to fit any bathroom. The amount of ventilation your bathroom currently has will determine the size of extractor fan you will need. Also, larger fans will be more expensive.
- Switch: From an on/off switch, automatic to a pull cord, there are many types of switches for an extractor fan. The cost may be affected by the type of switch you choose.
- Wiring: Old wiring can affect the cost of an extractor fan installation. If wiring needs replacing or repairing, then it can increase the overall cost of installing an extractor fan.
- Any damage: More complex installations might require you to re-plaster or re-paint which will add extra costs to the installation.
What are the different types of extractor fans?
There are 3 main types of bathroom extractor fans: inline, axial, and centrifugal. Find out more about each fan below:
Inline fans
Inline fans are usually found in roof spaces and have ducting fitted around them. They may also have external and or internal grills fitted around them. Inline fans are often very powerful and quiet fans for bathrooms and kitchens. They may be found in kitchen canopies.
Axial fans
In axial fans the air which is extracted gets pulled through a parallel (the rotating blade shaft) impeller. You will often see axial fans used for most of the domestic wall fans used. These usually use an axial impeller. You will often see axial fans used in bathrooms, en-suites and cloakrooms and areas where the air duct is piped into a wall or may be fitted in a window itself.
Centrifugal fans
The air from a centrifugal fan gets extracted at a right angle. The air is then spun out again by deflecting the air and by centrifugal force. Hence the name centrifugal fan. Centrifugal fans can be very powerful as they produce more pressure and can push the air they extract along larger runs of ducting. Centrifugal fans are also considered to be very efficient. They can often be found in such products as Vent Axia.
Who can install a bathroom extractor fan?
For installing a replacement extractor fan, it can be an easy job for anyone experienced with DIY. A replacement fan usually requires the same wiring, ducting, and space so it is just a straightforward swap. However, for a completely new bathroom extractor fan then it is best to hire an electrician. This is because a new extractor fan may require new holes in the ceiling and walls to be cut, as well as any new wiring and ducting work that is needed. The guarantee with hiring an electrician is that the extractor fan will comply with current regulations and be safe to use. However, if you are installing an extractor fan you should still get it checked by an electrician to ensure it is safely and securely installed.
Of course, if you are not 100% confident in installing an extractor fan then it is best to hire an electrician. Not fitting an extractor fan properly can lead to water escaping through the sides which can cause safety hazards, so it is recommended to go with an electrician if you are unsure on how to install a bathroom fan correctly.
