Whether you live in a brand-new apartment or a charming older home, your bathroom is one of the most moisture-intensive spaces in the entire house. And while a hot shower may feel refreshing, all that steam lingers—and without proper ventilation, it can silently damage your home and your health. That’s where the extractor fan comes in. Often overlooked, this compact device is one of the most important investments you can make in your bathroom. Below, we break down exactly why every bathroom needs one, using scientific studies and expert-backed research to support each point.

What Exactly Is an Extractor Fan?

An extractor fan is a mechanical ventilation system designed to remove humid air, odors, and pollutants from enclosed indoor spaces—especially bathrooms. It works by sucking moist, stale air out of the room and expelling it outdoors, which helps regulate humidity, prevent mold, and improve air quality.

There are various types, including ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted, inline, and even those with built-in humidity sensors or timer controls. But no matter the model, the mission is the same: keep your bathroom dry and breathable.

Extractor Fans Prevent Mold and Mildew Growth

Moisture is the number one ingredient for mold. And bathrooms are naturally damp environments, especially if they lack windows or cross-ventilation.

According to research, bathrooms without adequate extractor fans often maintain relative humidity (RH) levels above 70%—the critical threshold where mold begins to form (Clark, 2010). These spores can settle on tile grout, ceilings, and even behind drywall, leading to discoloration, odor, and even respiratory issues.

Fact: Humidistat-controlled fans often ran longer than expected in studies, yet still couldn't keep RH under 70%, showing that proper fan sizing and placement are crucial to success.

They Protect Your Home from Moisture Damage

It’s not just mold that’s a problem. Excess bathroom humidity can peel paint, warp wooden doors and cabinets, and weaken drywall. Over time, moisture seeps into hidden areas, promoting decay and costly structural damage.

In one study, moisture from a bathroom without an extractor fan was found to migrate into adjacent rooms, increasing overall home humidity and spreading the risk of condensation and damage (Saiz et al., 1993).

They Improve Indoor Air Quality

Beyond moisture, bathrooms are also a hotspot for airborne pollutants. Cleaning products, aerosol sprays, and body care items often release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.

Some modern extractor fans go a step further with purification functions. These include filters that trap fine particles and catalytic elements that neutralize ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and other harmful gases.

Breathing clean air, even in the bathroom, matters—especially for those with asthma, allergies, or sensitivities to fragrances.

They Help Preserve the Structure of Your Home

Without an extractor fan, moisture has nowhere to go. It clings to mirrors, walls, and ceilings. Over time, this creates the perfect storm for water stains, corrosion, wood rot, and crumbling plaster or grout.

Exhaust air from a bathroom needs to be vented outdoors, not into an attic or ceiling cavity. Proper installation and a well-chosen fan help ensure that condensation doesn’t build up in unintended areas of your home’s structure.

Modern Fans Are Quiet and Energy-Efficient

Older fans had a reputation for being noisy and inefficient—but today’s extractor fans are quieter, smarter, and more energy-conscious than ever before.

According to performance trend studies from 2005 to 2013, bathroom fan noise has steadily decreased, even as airflow efficiency improved (Choi et al., 2016). Some models now operate below 1.0 sone—quieter than a whisper.

You can also find fans with humidity sensors that activate automatically when moisture levels rise, and shut off when no longer needed, minimizing electricity use.

They’re Often Required by Building Codes

In many regions, building codes require mechanical ventilation in bathrooms without operable windows. This is to ensure a minimum air exchange rate (often measured in CFM—cubic feet per minute).

Failing to install an extractor fan where required can not only lead to fines but may jeopardize insurance claims or reduce your home’s resale value.

They Keep Your Mirrors from Fogging and Your Bathroom Comfortable

Let’s not forget comfort. Nobody likes stepping out of a shower into a cloud of fog or wiping down a mirror every morning. Extractor fans help maintain clear, dry air—reducing condensation on glass and tile, and making your bathroom feel clean and refreshing.

Strategic fan placement—above the shower or bathtub—maximizes steam capture and helps mirrors stay fog-free.

Final Word: Every Bathroom Deserves an Extractor Fan

From preventing mold and preserving property value to improving air quality and enhancing comfort, extractor fans are an affordable, essential component of a healthy home. If your bathroom doesn’t have one—or you’ve been living with an outdated, noisy, underpowered model—it’s time to make a change. Look for a model at Midea Homes with the right CFM rating, noise level, and smart features for your space.

Looking for a great deal? Shop high-performance extractor fans from Midea Homes — a trusted New Zealand brand offering smart, quiet, and energy-efficient bathroom fans now on sale.

References:

  • Choi, W., Pate, M., & Sweeney, J. (2016). Study of bathroom ventilation fan performance trends for years 2005 to 2013—Data analysis of loudness and efficacy. Energy and Buildings, 116, 468-477. 
  • Clark, M. (2010). HELP , IT ’ S RUNNING AND I CAN ’ T TURN IT OFF ! AN INVESTIGATION OF HUMIDITY CONTROL AND TIMER OPERATED FANS.
  • Saiz, N., Kolokotroni, M., & Littler, J. (1993). Moisture movement and extractor fans: Experimental study. Building Services Engineering Research & Technology, 14, 23 - 28. h