Humidity and foul odors can be a huge problem in bathrooms. Nonetheless adding an exhaust fan is a practical solution to resolve these issues.
Furthermore, the MarketWatch report indicates that the global Bathroom Exhaust Fan market size would increase to USD 6672 million by 2027 – implying that it’s becoming more of a necessity for folks who wish to keep their homes updated.
If you suspect there are issues with your current bathroom fan such as decreased performance or noises – swapping out such facilities may fix the problems quickly.
Despite common belief otherwise – replacing bathroom fans isn’t as daunting a task as it appears provided you have all materials/tools available beforehand.
Thus we’ll outline a comprehensive approach to how to replace and install these exhaust fans efficiently in this article.
Table of Contents
What You Will Need To Install And Replace Bathroom Exhaust Fan
Home wiring and electrical configuration tasks demand careful execution with standard operating procedures put in place for safety reasons.
Hence before starting work in this area: One should commence by disconnecting power from the breaker box; also wearing adequate personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and respirators in dusty environments is highly recommended; Lastly, when fitting a new bathroom extractor, fan gathers up all material components that will be required for construction beforehand.
- Goggles
- Screwdriver
- Oscillating saw
- Hand gloves
- A utility knife
- Flexible caulk
- Circuit tester
- Putty knife
- Wire connectors
How To Install And Replace Bathroom Exhaust Fan: Follow These 5 Steps
The installation process of different types of exhaust fans follows almost the same essential steps. Here, our guide will show you how to install and replace bathroom exhaust fans in 4 easy steps.
1). Determine Which Type Of Exhaust Fan To Purchase
Before starting on removing your old bathroom exhaust fan, pause and observe any notable markings and record its exterior profile measurements. This information holds great significance as it determines which replacement vent suits you best down the road.
The sizing differs among exhaust fans based on room square footage capacities they can handle, which is useful knowledge when replacing your exhausted fan with a similar size specification. For standard 9-foot ceiling bathrooms, determining which specific type of unit would work best depends first on calculating your restroom area’s square footage.
Small ventilation options suffice for spaces up to (70sqft) while medium ones covering (up to 100 sqft) require similar treatment when selecting new ventilation units to install. Finally, installing larger-sized units becomes essential for rooms exceeding over (100sqft).
2). Removing The Old Exhaust Fan
Safety comes first! Begin by shutting off the power supply for your home from the breaker box before initiating the installation process of the new exhaust fan motor -this can be accomplished by flipping switches until all electrical current supply gets cut down entirely.
It may be helpful if you make a note on the electrical panel alerting others of ongoing work too! Additionally, consider donning eye protection when removing the cover grill so that debris does not enter your eyesight range unnecessarily during the work procedure proceeding further along than planned beforehand.
Check for voltage in wiring using a circuit tester; if found, switch things back off until voltage readings establish 0v as present throughout wiring involved around older equipment earlier installed on site (exhaust fan).
If possible, discover a plastic connector/ plug which connects unit wiring components together & remove connections with a screwdriver carefully thereafter freeing the old exhaust fan.
You will then remove screws holding old hardware in place while taking care to support it from damage so that it remains intact throughout unfastened screws…
Lowering freely after all secure points release equally without sudden stresses or breakages happening in the process.
This way, you’ll have access to duct attachments for the next steps taken while replacing the ventilation system entirely with no complications occurring inadvertently.
3). Create An Opening Of Appropriate Size For Your New Exhaust Fan
When replacing or upgrading an exhaust fan in your bathroom, ensure that you select a model with compatible housing and bracketry.
If this is not possible, use a screwdriver to remove all parts from a previous installation before beginning work on a newer model. This allows for accurate measurement when cutting out what’s needed for the installation’s fit.
Choose appropriate protective gear like goggles or gloves prior to starting work using an oscillating saw as well as hand tools meant specifically for opening ceilings without causing mechanical damage elsewhere on pipe systems—take caution approaching electrical wires too!
Before attempting further installs through other areas just outlined above (attic or crawl space), audit where power and ventilation components rest so as not to damage them during future installs.
4). Install Your New Exhaust Fan Housing
Once you’ve cut a hole just right – position your new exhaust fan covering over top & validate all lengths/angles are good-to-go prior to making any permanent installations just yet!
When confident of placement accuracy- proceed with following the manufacturer’s installation instructions to avoid surprises or blunders later on down the road–even making sure to pre-drill all screw holes intended for mounting prior to applying force with hardware.
Using housing brackets as a guide for your drilling activity will also be quite helpful during this process! After completing each step as instructed, take extra care to ensure your housing unit is adequately secured and structurally conducive during periods of success & loads of heat!
When considering optimal methods for holding up ducting and other needed components, we strongly suggest attaching your apparatus onto wooden joists alongside pieces of useful blocking (as needed) rather than using nothing but drywall as support which may not be strong enough over time.
Lastly, complete your project by hoisting the fan motor assembly up into form & then locking it securely into place using any hardware pieces supplied by the manufacturer!
5). Connecting Wires For Your New Exhaust Fan
Connecting your new exhaust fan can be straightforward if it features a plastic electrical connector or plug that corresponds with its designated connection point.
However, in cases when that’s not available or fitting difficulties arise during installation with pre-existing wiring, splicing wires together is necessary-reminding you to turn off electricity beforehand is essential for safe practice measures.
To begin this process, first clamp your electrical cable onto the exhaust fan housing-Leaving enough length (6-8 inches) extending into its receptacle box-strip approximately half-an-inch of insulation from each wire’s end, then proceed in connecting them using twist-on type connectors.
Ensure proper grounding measures are adhered-to through connecting bare copper wire using a ground screw fixed securely onto the plate at an electric press-box while also stapling cables throughout designated areas upon joists and vertical framing members within 12 inches from their clamps.
Although this reconnection process may seem daunting; If needed, please don’t hesitate to Contact a professional/licensed electrician for assistance in commencing this task- especially worth considering if general wiring is not something you’re confident in handling regularly.
Lastly, to meet safety requirements, it’s essential to have your electrical work inspected by professionals/practitioners in the field and adhere strictly to all regulatory standards.
Related Article: 5-Step Process On How To Level Ground For Pool: Improve Your Swiming Experience!
When You Need To Replace A Bathroom Exhaust Fan
If you’re experiencing issues with your bathroom’s exhaust fan not removing steam adequately during baths or showers, or if you’ve noticed strange noises coming from the unit during operation, swapping it out for an updated model might just be your best bet for resolving these problems effectively and affordably.
Newer versions generally produce less noise while efficiently pushing moist air outside via their small electric motors powering rotation of fan blades within ducts designed for this purpose — an uncomplicated technology ideal for homeowners who don’t want anything too complex added to their homes.
Most new exhaust fans are self-contained modular units comprising all necessary electronics and technical components — further simplifying installation drastically.
