Replacing a Bathroom Exhaust Fan and Bathroom Exhaust Fan's Motor
A
how to guide on how to Replace a Bathroom Exhaust Fan and Fan Motor
By Mark J. Donovan
Replacing a
bathroom exhaust fan frequently does not require the replacement of the
entire unit. Typically it is the bathroom exhaust fan’s motor that only
needs to be replaced. Many bathroom exhaust fan manufacturers offer
replacement fan motors that a homeowner can install within an hour or two.
Replacing a bathroom exhaust fan motor is much simpler and less invasive
than replacing an entire bathroom exhaust fan.
It is
important to note that a bathroom exhaust fan is critical for preventing
the formation of mold and mildew in your bathroom, and thus it is
imperative to replace a failed bathroom exhaust fan as soon as it has
failed. Shower steam that is not drawn out of the bathroom inevitably
leads to the formation of mold spores. An exhaust fan works by drawing
the shower steam out of the bathroom and venting it to the outside, thus
preventing the formation of the mold spores.
To replace a
bathroom exhaust fan motor start by inspecting the fan and writing down the
model number, but first make sure you have turned off power to the fan
at the electrical circuit breaker panel. Test to make sure the fan is
actually off by flipping the fan switch on/off in the bathroom. If the fan
does not turn on after flipping the fan switch on/off then proceed.
To obtain the
fan’s model number, first remove the grill and inspect the fan housing box.
The grille is usually connected via a couple of springs, screws or plastic
tabs.
Once the grille
has been removed, find the model number. The model number should be located
somewhere in the fan housing box. You may need to wipe away some dust to see
it.
Once you have
recorded the manufacturer and model number unplug the fan motor and remove it along with the
supporting plate. Usually the fan plate is connected via tabs or screws.
Find a Qualified Residential Electrical Contractor in Your Area
Get Free Quotes. Easy, Quick and No
Obligations!
For the home improvement or home remodeling project that is
too big for you, check out our partner
NeedContractor. They are a national
resource for finding pre-screened, insured, and licensed home improvement and remodeling contractors in your local area.
Get Matched in 48 hours with Residential
Electrical
Contractors!
After removing
the fan motor and plate assembly from the bathroom exhaust fan housing unit,
next remove the blower fan off of the motor’s shaft. The blower fan is
usually attached with a screw or is simply pressed fit over the motor’s
shaft. Removing the blower fan can sometimes be a challenge so be prepared
for a little elbow work. If you damage the blower fan, don’t worry as
replacement ones are readily available at your home improvement store.
Once you have
removed the blower fan from the motor shaft, take the fan motor to a local
home improvement center and find an equivalent replacement to it.
Once you have
located a replacement bathroom exhaust fan motor simply work backwards to
install it.
First install
the blower fan onto the new motor’s shaft.
Next connect
the motor assembly back into the fan plate.
Install the fan
plate back into the bathroom exhaust fan housing unit, making sure you plug
it in.
Reinstall the
bathroom exhaust fan grille.
Turn power back
on to the fan at the electrical circuit breaker panel box.
Test the fan to
ensure it operates correctly by flipping the fan switch on in the bathroom.
How to Finance your Home Electrical Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Additional Home Electrical Wiring Resources
Electrical Wiring, Lighting and Ceiling Fans from Amazon.com
Electrical
Contractor Price Quotes For FREE,
No Obligation!
Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and receive a free price quote
on residential electrical work from one of our prescreened and licensed
electrical contractors. This process is free and there is no obligation to
continue once you receive your electrical contractor price estimate.
- Replacing a
Bathroom Exhaust Fan and Bathroom Exhaust Fan's Motor -
