What Are Extractor Fans?

Extractor fans are ventilation devices used to remove warm, humid and stale air from indoor growing environments. They work by pulling air out of the grow space and replacing it with fresh air, helping maintain stable conditions for plant growth.

In grow tents and grow rooms, extractor fans are one of the most important components of the ventilation system.

Why Extractor Fans Are Important

Indoor growing environments can quickly build up heat, humidity and stale air without proper ventilation. Extractor fans help control these conditions and create a balanced environment.

• Removes excess heat generated by grow lights
• Controls humidity levels to prevent mould and mildew
• Improves airflow and air exchange
• Supports healthy plant growth and development
• Works with carbon filters to control odours

Without proper extraction, indoor grow spaces can become unstable and reduce plant performance.

Types of Extractor Fans

There are several types of extractor fans used in indoor growing setups:

• Inline extractor fans – the most common type, installed within ducting systems
• Mixed flow fans – combine airflow and pressure for efficient ventilation
• EC fans – high-efficiency fans with advanced speed control
• Silent or acoustic fans – designed to reduce noise in indoor environments

Each type is suited to different grow space sizes and performance requirements.

Choosing the Right Extractor Fan

When selecting an extractor fan, consider the following:

• The size of your grow tent or room
• The number and type of grow lights being used
• The required airflow (measured in m³/h or CFM)
• The level of noise you can tolerate

Larger grow spaces and higher-powered lighting setups require more powerful fans to maintain proper airflow.

Extractor Fans and Ventilation Systems

Extractor fans are part of a complete ventilation system and should be used alongside:

• Carbon filters for odour control
• Ducting and accessories to direct airflow
• Air circulation fans to move air within the space

This setup ensures that air is properly circulated, filtered and removed from the grow space.

Extractor Fans in Grow Tents

Grow tents rely heavily on extractor fans to manage temperature and humidity. Heat from grow lights can quickly build up, making proper extraction essential.

A well-sized extractor fan helps maintain consistent conditions, allowing plants to grow more efficiently and reducing the risk of environmental stress.

Helpful Guides for Ventilation

If you want to learn more about airflow and ventilation, explore our guides:

• Grow Room Ventilation Guide
• The Importance of Proper Ventilation in a Grow Tent
• Temperature and Humidity Guide

These guides will help you choose and optimise your ventilation setup.

Shop Extractor Fans in the UK

At Acorn Horticulture, we stock a wide range of extractor fans for indoor growers across the UK. From compact inline fans for small grow tents to high-performance systems for larger grow rooms, our range is designed to deliver reliable airflow and efficient ventilation.

Browse our full selection above to find the right extractor fan for your setup.

FAQs

What does an extractor fan do in a grow tent?

An extractor fan removes hot, stale air and replaces it with fresh air, helping regulate temperature and humidity.

What size extractor fan do I need?

The size depends on your grow space and lighting setup. Larger spaces require higher airflow capacity.

Do I need a carbon filter with my extractor fan?

Yes, a carbon filter is recommended to remove odours from extracted air.

Can extractor fans reduce humidity?

Yes, extractor fans help remove excess moisture from the air, reducing humidity levels.