Bathroom fan replacement

[pete6032]

My current bathroom exhaust fan is about 15 years old and needs to be replaced. I see the big box stores sell the exact same model still. I could get this model or something nicer. If I get something nicer am I likely to run into issues with wiring/venting configuration where I will need to do a lot of extra work to get it installed properly, versus getting the same thing again?

 

[Greenman]

It depends on pretty much everything. Why does the fan you have need to be replaced? Burned out motor, making a lot of noise, or plugged exhaust?
Has the new model been revised in any way? You may be able to pull the fan assembly out of the new fan and put it in the old one without replacing the can. That would be quick and easy.
If noise is the issue, and the existing fan is a lower end model, you'll probably have to replace the entire unit with something quiet, that's a lot more work and requires access from above, or cutting a hole in the ceiling. Most bath fans will work with 3 or 4 inch duct, but make a bit more noise with 3".
Wiring shouldn't be an issue because they draw very little power.

 

[mindless1]

Compare them at the store, same model as yours with what you want to upgrade to, both where the wiring goes in and the duct size and of course any mounting location issues.

Why does it need replaced? Maybe just clean it out and put a couple drops of oil on the bushing/bearings? I've never had an exhaust fan go out in 15 years.

 

[Scarpozzi]

My fan motor wasn't starting so I ordered a replacement motor. Then found Nutone had an updated grate/cover. I didn't have to do drywall work or deal with my insulated ceiling to update it.

 

[bbhaag]

My fan motor wasn't starting so I ordered a replacement motor. Then found Nutone had an updated grate/cover. I didn't have to do drywall work or deal with my insulated ceiling to update it.

Hey I don't hold this against you. A couple of years ago when we moved into our new home my wife wanted to replace the light/exhaust fan in the main floor hallway bathroom.
I'm fairly competent when it comes to installing ceiling fans, lighting fixtures, ect and have a decent grasp of the basics when it comes to residential wiring BUT holy shit was I outta my element when it came to replacing the fixture.

Absolutely nothing was easy about it. The vent, wiring, size of the housing, ect were all different than the existing fixture. There is no standard between manufactures as far as I could tell and that made it extremely difficult to retrofit in a new fixture.

 

[Greenman]

Easy answer is to cut a big hole in the ceiling, install new fan, patch hole, repaint ceiling. Sometimes there is no easy answer.

 

[bbhaag]

Easy answer is to cut a big hole in the ceiling, install new fan, patch hole, repaint ceiling. Sometimes there is no easy answer.

See this is what kills me about the whole project. When all was said and done this is the right answer and to me that just seems wrong. I shouldn't have to redo drywall after installing a new exhaust fan in my bathroom or redo the venting because it doesn't line up. Could you imagine if every time you wanted to install a new ceiling fan in your living room you had to remove the surrounding drywall then the box then install a completely different setup only to do it all over again when you decide to replace the fan???
It's crazy and IMO there should be some type of standard for them.

 

[Greenman]

See this is what kills me about the whole project. When all was said and done this is the right answer and to me that just seems wrong. I shouldn't have to redo drywall after installing a new exhaust fan in my bathroom or redo the venting because it doesn't line up. Could you imagine if every time you wanted to install a new ceiling fan in your living room you had to remove the surrounding drywall then the box then install a completely different setup only to do it all over again when you decide to replace the fan???
It's crazy and IMO there should be some type of standard for them.

There should be a standard can that will accept any fan assembly. It would be big and clunky, but it would get the job done. It's never going to happen, but dreams are fun.

 

[highland145]

Motor died in ours, maybe 15 years old. It was between floors so replacing the whole unit, attaching the duct, matching the sand texture ceiling....screw that. IIRC, it was a NuTone, Lowes still sold the same model so I figured I would just swap the motor. They swapped the mounting brackets in the housing.... Have drill, will make some holes.

 

[Greenman]

Motor died in ours, maybe 15 years old. It was between floors so replacing the whole unit, attaching the duct, matching the sand texture ceiling....screw that. IIRC, it was a NuTone, Lowes still sold the same model so I figured I would just swap the motor. They swapped the mounting brackets in the housing.... Have drill, will make some holes.

Textured ceilings are another sore spot with me. I've seen a hundred variations of smearing crap on the ceiling to cover it up. Why not just do a good job on it and not bother with all the crap designed to hide the defects?

 

[highland145]

Textured ceilings are another sore spot with me. I've seen a hundred variations of smearing crap on the ceiling to cover it up. Why not just do a good job on it and not bother with all the crap designed to hide the defects?

1937 house, button board and I really suck at sheet rock work. I'd have spent a week pulling down plaster, masked up for the rock wool insulation, hanging/mudding new sheet rock, painting all for a $30 fan. Maybe 50sqft. Nope.

The rooms that we have completely re-done, paid a pro. I prefer smooth ceilings, too.

 

[Mermaidman]

Hey I don't hold this against you. A couple of years ago when we moved into our new home my wife wanted to replace the light/exhaust fan in the main floor hallway bathroom.
I'm fairly competent when it comes to installing ceiling fans, lighting fixtures, ect and have a decent grasp of the basics when it comes to residential wiring BUT holy shit was I outta my element when it came to replacing the fixture.

Absolutely nothing was easy about it. The vent, wiring, size of the housing, ect were all different than the existing fixture. There is no standard between manufactures as far as I could tell and that made it extremely difficult to retrofit in a new fixture.

Tell me about it! I upgraded a vent to an LED fixture with a quiet fan. The hardest part was removing the old fan, even with attic access, because the homebuilders secured it to the joists with gigantic nails/staples. Also had fun cutting the drywall to fit the new fan and adapting the ducting. I'm sure I did a crap job (haha "CRAP" job) on the ducting, but just wanted to get it over with.

 

[K1052]

My fan motor wasn't starting so I ordered a replacement motor. Then found Nutone had an updated grate/cover. I didn't have to do drywall work or deal with my insulated ceiling to update it.

I did this exact thing then the fan in the master bath gave up a week after we moved in. Thought about upgrading to another manufacturer then looked at what would be involved...nah.

 

[jmagg]

I went from Nutone to Panasonic. Serious PIA.

 

[Scarpozzi]

I did this exact thing then the fan in the master bath gave up a week after we moved in. Thought about upgrading to another manufacturer then looked at what would be involved...nah.

I appreciated the fact that they made the parts modular enough to do it. I need to replace my heater fan in that unit. It sometimes takes flipping the switch 2-3 times before the surge gets the fan moving. The coil is too weak. Luckily, it has that thermal cutoff, so it's fairly safe.

 

[iRONic]

I went from Nutone to Panasonic. Serious PIA.

Same here. Added a heat feature that entailed adding a dedicated 20 amp circuit. Pro job cost a couple hundred bucks but was worth it on cold NE mornings.

 

[jmagg]

I'm satisfied with the Panasonic, very quiet. Had to put a timer in.

 

[Greenman]

I'm satisfied with the Panasonic, very quiet. Had to put a timer in.

Panasonic is the name in bath fans. Only one worth using.