What Is Humidistat Extractor Fan?
What Is Humidistat Extractor Fan?
A humidistat is a device that controls the operation of an extractor fan based on the humidity level in the air.
When the humidity is high, the humidistat turns the fan on to remove excess moisture. When the humidity level drops, the humidistat turns the fan off.
It is generally recommended to connect the humidistat to the lighting circuit so that the fan operates both when the lights are on and when the humidity is high.
This is particularly useful in bathrooms where odors and other pollutants may be present. The sensitivity of the sensor can be adjusted to suit the specific needs of the room and the humidity levels that are considered optimal.
Instructions for adjusting the sensor can usually be found in the manufacturer’s instructions or the Commissioning Notice provided by the electrician who installed the fan.
How Does A Humidistat Extractor Work?
Humidistat fans are an effective way to remove excess moisture from a property, but it’s important to consider the current installation of extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
Traditional extractor fans that turn on and off with the room’s light switch can still leave a lot of moisture behind. A better solution is to use modern, humidistat-controlled fans.
These fans are easy to install and have built-in sensors that turn on only when the humidity threshold is reached, ensuring that extraction only occurs as long as necessary to control moisture and prevent condensation.
What Should A Humidistat Fan Be Set To?
You can adjust the sensor’s sensitivity by using a small dial or screw located inside the fan. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions provided in the Commissioning Notice left by your electrician during installation.
A humidity trigger level of around 65% is a good starting point. If the fan is turning on too frequently, increase the trigger level. If the fan is not turning on when the humidity is high, decrease the trigger level.
These instructions can also be found in the Commissioning Notice. If the fan was installed in a new house or conversion, also request a Flow Rate Test (PEATA) Certificate from your builder.
What Should I Set My Humidistat To In Winter?
The ideal relative humidity for a home varies depending on the season and outdoor temperature.
In the spring, summer, and fall, a relative humidity of 30-50% is generally recommended. However, during the winter when it is cold outside, it may be more appropriate to have a lower indoor relative humidity level, such as below 30%.
The appropriate humidity level can be determined by using a humidistat and adjusting it based on the outdoor temperature.
If the outdoor temperature is -10 degrees, set the humidistat at 20%, for 0 degrees set it at 25%, for 10 degrees set it at 30%, for 20 degrees set it at 35%, and for 30 degrees set it at 40%.
If it’s not possible to track the outdoor temperature, observe the conditions inside the house and adjust the humidistat accordingly.
Start with a relative humidity of 30-50% and lower it if condensation forms on surfaces in the home. The goal is to achieve the ideal indoor humidity conditions for the current outdoor temperature.
