A bathroom that stays damp and grows mould no matter how much you air it out, a bedroom that’s unbearable in February, or an extractor fan that rattles constantly and barely moves any air at all. A fan that runs but doesn’t actually vent outside is doing almost nothing for the damp problem it’s meant to solve.
Why this comes up
An extractor fan venting into the loft instead of outside, which just moves the moisture problem.
A fan that’s simply worn out and no longer moving enough air.
A room with no fan at all, relying only on opening a window.
Wanting a ceiling fan added for airflow rather than air conditioning running constantly.
A landlord compliance requirement for adequate bathroom ventilation.
Persistent mould returning no matter how often it’s cleaned, a sign the ventilation itself is the problem, not the cleaning.
How we handle it
Check the circuit and ceiling structure can take the new fitting.
Install with correct ducting to outside, not just vented into the loft.
Recommend humidity-sensing or timer-delay controls if the fan is often left running longer than needed, or switched off too early.
Wire switching or timer control depending on what you prefer.
Test airflow properly and certify the work.
What to expect
Most fans are a half-day job. Ducting a bathroom fan properly all the way to an eave takes longer than a straight swap, but it’s worth doing right rather than leaving it venting into the roof. We’ll also check the existing switching, some older fans are wired to the light switch only, which means they turn off the moment you leave the room instead of clearing the moisture first.
What it costs
Priced per fan. Replacing an existing unit is cheaper than installing in a new position that needs both cable and ducting run from scratch. Adding a humidity sensor or timer control to the fan is a small extra cost that often pays for itself in reduced mould and repainting down the line.
Common questions
My extractor fan runs but the room still steams up.
It’s very likely venting into the loft instead of outside, or the ducting is crushed somewhere along the run. Both are fixable.
Do all bathrooms legally need an extractor fan?
Generally yes if there’s no openable window providing enough ventilation, and it’s worth having either way for mould control.
Can a ceiling fan replace air conditioning?
Not entirely, but it makes a room feel several degrees cooler for a fraction of the running cost, and works well alongside AC.
How long do extractor fans last?
Typically 10 to 15 years with normal use, though bathroom units in constant humidity tend to wear faster.
Can I add a light to the same fan unit?
Yes, combination fan-light units are common in bathrooms and a straightforward upgrade if the existing fan is due for replacement anyway.
Should my bathroom fan run on a timer?
Ideally, yes. A timer or humidity sensor keeps it running after you leave the room, which is when moisture actually needs clearing.
Can you fit a fan in a room with no existing ceiling access?
Usually, though it may mean a small amount of patching. We’ll assess access before quoting so there are no surprises.