As a wholesaler in household items, a question we receive more than most is one that relates to a humidity controlled extractor fan, or a humidistat fan as it is often called.
The question is one that involves a possible fault with the fan, and whether this is normal, a problem with the installation or a manufacturing defect.
Of course, I cannot speak for every instance involving a humidistat fan, but it is worth considering the following before asking for a replacement, or before buying a humidity fan in the first instance.
Humidity fans have a habit of running on and on for hours or even days after installing the item.
In effect, it does not cease operation, even with an adjustment on the settings.
Whereas there is every possibility this may be a fault or an incorrect installation, there is actually a very common issue with these fans that people do not realise.
Most people opt for a new extractor fan as part of a redecoration exercise.
If the bathroom needs decorating, then most appliances often get replaced or renewed in the process.
This is where the problem exists.
A newly decorated room actually emits a very large amount of moisture or humidity, and these levels can last for several days, or even weeks in some cases.
If the fan detects this humidity, which it is designed to do, then the fan will run on and on.
As the levels take so long to drop in the newly decorated room, so the extractor fan will continue to operate.
This is also true in a room where condensation has been allowed to build up over time, and may take longer than predicted to return the room to a normal level of humidity.
This is not uncommon, and is not a fault with the fan, but is worth bearing in mind.
There are several ways to eliminate the problem, including waiting a week or two to install the fan, or waiting a while after decorating the room to purchase the humidity fan in the first instance.
Maybe opting for another type of fan will better suit you, but this is not to say a humidity fan is useless, and far from it.
There are a wealth of excellent extractor fans available, and a humidistat fan is a highly useful addition to any bathroom.
It is just something to consider when your fan fails to stop when you think it should do.
Of course, if the room the fan is going in to has not been decorated recently, then it is more likely an issue with the fan or wiring, and you should seek help from a qualified electrician.
Hopefully this information will prove useful in dealing with a troublesome humidity controlled extractor fan.