Exhaust Fans Only Buying Guide
This collection holds stand-alone exhaust fans, without heat lamps, from Martec and Fanco. It covers ceiling and wall fans in round and square designs with 100mm, 125mm and 150mm duct sizes, plus inline kits that keep the motor in the roof space. They suit bathrooms, ensuites, toilets and laundries.
What types of exhaust fan are there?
There are two main types here. A ceiling or wall fan has the motor behind the grille, which makes it simple to install and replace. An inline kit, such as the Fanco Designer and Premium Designer, places the fan in the roof space with only a slim cover in the ceiling, which moves the motor noise away from the room. The Fanco Dynamic can be mounted on a wall or a ceiling.
How do I choose the right size?
Multiply the room's length, width and ceiling height, then multiply by about 15 air changes an hour for a room with a shower. A bathroom of 2.4 x 2.5 metres with a 2.4 metre ceiling holds about 14.4 cubic metres and needs around 216 cubic metres an hour. For reference, the Martec Saturn 270mm moves 180 cubic metres an hour, the Fanco Dynamic moves 100, 180 or 280 depending on duct size, the Martec Flow moves 390 or 600, and the Fanco Hybrid 250 moves 482. The Fanco Designer inline kits move 280 or 520, and the Premium Designer 555.
What duct size do I need?
Use the duct size listed for the fan, and keep the run short and straight to the outside. The Martec Saturn 270mm takes 100mm, the Martec Flow takes 125mm or 150mm, and the Fanco Hybrid 250 and the larger Saturn take 150mm. The Fanco Designer kits come with 6 metres of flexible duct. Leave a gap of about 20mm under the door so replacement air can enter.
Which exhaust fan is the quietest?
The Fanco Premium Designer inline kit is the quietest at 33 dB(A). The Fanco Dynamic runs at 34 dB(A), the Hybrid 250 at 36 dB(A) and the Designer 125mm kit at 37 dB(A). The Martec Flow is under 40 dB and the Saturn under 45 dB.
What do the IP ratings mean?
The second digit of an IP rating shows protection against water, and an X in the first place means dust was not tested. The Fanco Dynamic is IP24, the Fanco Hybrid 250 and Martec Saturn are IPX4, and the Martec Flow is IPX2. Avoid placing a fan directly over or inside a shower recess, and have your electrician confirm the position under AS/NZS 3000.
How do I install and look after an exhaust fan?
Check the cut-out and the depth of your ceiling first: the Fanco Hybrid 250 needs a 300mm hole and 220mm of depth, while the Martec Flow and Saturn need a cut-out of 240mm to 295mm. Hardwired fans must be installed by a licensed electrician. Run the fan through each shower and for at least 15 minutes afterwards, and clean the grille every few months with the power off.
Completing the room
If the room also needs warmth, see 3-in-1 bathroom heater lights and bathroom heaters. Compare individual ranges with Martec Flow, Martec Saturn, Fanco Dynamic and Fanco Hybrid 250 at The Blue Space.
