Martec Exhaust Fans and Bathroom Heating Buying Guide
Martec makes ceiling exhaust fans and 3-in-1 bathroom heater units for Australian homes. This collection includes the low profile Flow and Saturn exhaust fans, the Striker and Forme 3-in-1 units that combine a fan, an LED light and infrared heat lamps, and replacement heat lamps and LED globes. They suit ensuites, family bathrooms, laundries and internal rooms with no window.
What size exhaust fan do I need for my bathroom?
Work out the room volume (length x width x height in metres) and multiply it by about 15 air changes per hour for a bathroom with a shower. A 3 x 2 x 2.5m bathroom is 15 cubic metres, so it needs around 225 cubic metres per hour. As a guide, the Saturn 270 (180 m³/h) suits a small ensuite. The Forme (300 m³/h), Striker (360 m³/h) and Flow 265 (390 m³/h) suit a typical family bathroom. The Saturn 335 (443 m³/h) and Flow 315 (600 m³/h) suit large rooms or high ceilings. Long or bendy duct runs reduce airflow, so allow some extra.
What is the difference between the Flow and the Saturn?
Both are low profile exhaust fans in round and square styles, and the main differences are airflow, duct size and IP rating. The Flow comes in 265mm and 315mm, uses a 125mm or 150mm duct, runs under 40dB and is rated IPX2. The Saturn comes in 270mm with a 100mm duct, or a 335mm round version with a 150mm duct and a 1200 lumen LED light. It runs under 45dB and is rated IPX4.
Is a 3-in-1 bathroom heater worth it?
A 3-in-1 unit is a good choice for a cold bathroom, because it adds instant infrared warmth to the fan and light in one ceiling cut-out. The Martec Striker and Forme use 275W heat lamps in two or four lamp versions. The Striker extracts 360 m³/h, has a 1200 lumen LED with adjustable colour and a half heat function. The Forme extracts 300 m³/h with a 725 lumen tricolour LED. Both run under 40dB and are rated IPX4.
Where should a bathroom exhaust fan go?
Place the fan high in the ceiling near the shower or bath and away from the door, so steam is drawn across the room. Duct it to the outside, not into the roof space, where moisture can cause mould and rot. The room also needs replacement air, such as a gap under the door. Check the IP rating needed for your fan's position with your electrician.
Will it fit my ceiling?
Check the cut-out size and the ceiling depth before you order. The Flow 265 needs a 240mm cut-out and 210mm of depth, and the Flow 315 needs 295mm and 240mm. The Saturn needs 220mm of depth. The Striker and four-lamp Forme need a 320 x 320mm cut-out and 200mm of depth, and the two-lamp Forme needs 375 x 202mm. The fan must also fit between the ceiling joists.
Can I install an exhaust fan myself?
Some Flow and Saturn models come with a plug for an existing ceiling power point. Hardwired fans and all 3-in-1 heater units must be installed by a licensed electrician. Run the fan during your shower and for at least 15 minutes after, and clean the grille at least twice a year with the power off.
Completing the room
Compare more bathroom exhaust fans and 3 in 1 bathroom heater lights, or browse bathroom heating and ventilation and Martec ceiling fans at The Blue Space.
