Collection: Inline Exhaust Fans

The main difference between an inline exhaust fan and a ceiling exhaust fan lies in how and where the fan is installed. 

A ceiling exhaust fan is mounted directly into the ceiling and draws air straight up from the room. It is typically vented into the roof cavity or ducted to the outside. These fans are common in bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens where roof space is easily accessible. 

An inline exhaust fan, by contrast, is installed within the ceiling cavity or roof space and positioned between lengths of ducting. The visible part inside the room is usually just a ceiling grille, while the motor itself sits remotely in the duct. 

Because the motor is located away from the room, inline exhaust fans are generally much quieter than standard ceiling-mounted fans. 

When should you choose an inline exhaust fan instead of a ceiling exhaust fan? 

An inline exhaust fan is often the better choice when: 

• Roof space is limited 
• Noise reduction is a priority 
• Ducting needs to run over longer distances 
• Multiple rooms or vents need to be connected to one fan 
• A single bathroom requires more than one extraction point 

They are commonly used in modern homes, apartments, and renovations where performance and acoustic comfort are important. 

Yes. An inline exhaust fan can be used as a replacement for a traditional bathroom exhaust fan, and in many cases, it offers superior performance. 

Inline systems are frequently used to ventilate: 

multiple bathrooms using one central fan 

large bathrooms with more than one ceiling grille 

bathrooms located far from an external wall or roof vent 

By placing the inline fan in a central roof space or utility area, air can be extracted efficiently from several locations without installing multiple individual fans. 

Inline exhaust fans are available with different motor types to suit various ducting layouts: 

Axial Motors: Best suited for short duct runs with minimal bends and no branches. These motors move large volumes of air at low pressure and are ideal for simple installations. 

Centrifugal Motors: Designed for longer duct runs that include bends or branches. They maintain strong airflow even under higher pressure, making them suitable for more complex ducting systems. 

Mixflow Motors: A hybrid of axial and centrifugal designs. Mixflow motors are ideal for longer duct runs with bends, offering a balance of airflow volume and pressure handling. 

What are the advantages of using an inline exhaust fan? 

Inline exhaust fans offer several key benefits: 

• Quieter operation due to remote motor placement 
• Fexible installation anywhere within ducting 
• Ability to ventilate multiple rooms or vents 
• Strong moisture and humidity extraction 
• Longer lifespan thanks to higher-quality motors 
• Improved airflow over long duct runs 

These features make inline systems a popular choice for both residential and commercial applications. 

Yes. Inline exhaust fans are widely used in Australian homes, particularly in bathrooms, ensuites, laundries, and large living spaces that require effective ventilation without excess noise. 

They are also commonly specified in apartments, townhouses, and high-end residential builds where acoustic comfort and airflow performance are critical.