Mistakes to avoid when choosing ventilation fans

Why Smart Airflow Decisions Matter for Comfort, Health, and Efficiency

 

Good air circulation is one of those things you don’t notice—until it’s missing. A stuffy bathroom, a smoky kitchen, or persistent damp patches often point to one common issue: poor ventilation. And while ventilation fans seem like a simple fix, choosing the wrong one—or installing it poorly—can make the problem worse.

Ventilation fans do more than move air. They control humidity, reduce indoor pollutants, and prevent the buildup of mould and mildew. But not all fans are created equal.

Here are the most common mistakes homeowners and renovators make when selecting ventilation fans—and how to avoid them.

 

1. Choosing the Wrong Size Fan for the Room

One of the most common errors is installing a fan that’s too weak—or unnecessarily powerful—for the space. A fan’s power is measured in cubic metres per hour (m³/h) or litres per second (L/s), and it needs to be matched to the size and function of the room.

For example:

  • A small ensuite needs a lower-capacity fan than a large family bathroom.
  • A kitchen fan should remove more air than a toilet or laundry room fan.

Tip: Check product recommendations and calculate room volume before purchasing. Oversized fans may create noise, while undersized units won’t remove enough moisture or odour.

 


2. Ignoring Where the Fan Extracts To

Ventilation only works if air is properly removed from the building. Installing a fan that extracts into a ceiling cavity, roof space, or wall cavity traps moisture where you don’t want it—leading to hidden mould, rot, or insulation damage.

Best practice:

  • Use ducted fans that expel air outside, not into enclosed spaces.
  • In multi-storey or apartment dwellings, check with building regulations to confirm legal extraction paths.
  • Roof-mounted extraction is often the safest long-term choice for upper levels.


3. Overlooking Noise Levels

Some ventilation fans hum quietly in the background. Others roar like jet engines. If your fan is near a bedroom or living space, noise can quickly become a source of frustration—especially if it runs automatically with lights or humidity sensors.

What to check:

  • Decibel rating (dB) on product specs
  • Whether the motor is isolated or vibration-reducing
  • Reviews from other homeowners about real-world noise levels

 

Look for models marketed as “quiet” or “silent” if the fan will be used frequently or for long periods.

 

4. Forgetting About Energy Efficiency

Older or budget fans may draw more power than necessary, especially when used daily. Over time, this adds to your energy bill—and your carbon footprint. Some also lack features like timers or humidity sensors, meaning they stay on longer than needed.

What to look for:

  • Energy-efficient motors (often labelled EC or brushless)
  • Built-in timers or adjustable settings
  • Motion or humidity sensors that optimise operation automatically

Smart ventilation doesn’t just improve air—it reduces waste.

 

5. DIY Installation Without Electrical Know-How

Although installing a ventilation fan may appear simple, many of them require secure roof access, ducting changes, or hardwiring. A badly done installation can lead to:

  • Electrical hazards
  • Incorrect air direction or airflow
  • Leaks in ceiling cavities or poor sealing around vents

Solution: Always use a licensed electrician for wired units. If the fan includes a duct or roof vent, coordinate with a qualified installer to ensure it complies with Australian building codes.

 

Conclusion: Better air starts with better choices

Choosing a ventilation fan isn’t just about airflow—it’s about making sure your home stays healthy, safe, and comfortable in the long term. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure the fan you install works efficiently, quietly, and effectively—right from day one.

Whether you’re renovating a bathroom, updating a kitchen, or building from scratch, a well-chosen fan is one of the most underrated investments you can make. Because when the air flows right, everything else just feels better.

 

 

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