Exhaust Fan replacement

[VashHT]

Our bathroom exhaust fan crapped out yesterday, was sounding funny before that so I figured something was wrong but it suddenly stopped yesterday and now nothing so I'm guessing it's dead. I figure I need to replace it, are there any special considerations I need to make besides making sure the new one fits?

I think the dead one might have a light in it that isn't hooked up so I don't think I need to worry about that. The bathroom is kind of medium sized so I was going to get a 70-80 CFM fan. Not sure I really need anything else, I've never replaced an exhaust fan before but it doesn't seem too difficult.

 

[Greenman]

Are you replacing just the internals or the entire fan assembly? If it's just the fan motor all you have to do is get the right one and pop it in, 2 or 3 screws max. If it's the entire fan that's a whole different can of worms.

 

[VashHT]

Ah I didn't realize they just sold the motor, I think that's all I need to replace in mine. Yeah I was thinking it looked easy to replace the whole thing at first until I realized I'd probably need to get in the attic to do it, I'd much rather just pull out the motor so I'm hoping Home Depot has one that fits.

 

[pete6032]

I would replace with the exact same fan so you aren't left trying to cut the vent hold or awkwardly trying to fit a new one in.

 

[Greenman]

I would replace with the exact same fan so you aren't left trying to cut the vent hold or awkwardly trying to fit a new one in.

Since it's most likely a cheap and loud fan, it would be a good time to upgrade to a Panasonic.

 

[pete6032]

Since it's most likely a cheap and loud fan, it would be a good time to upgrade to a Panasonic.

Sometimes you need the noise to cover your... well you know what I mean.

 

[Greenman]

Sometimes you need the noise to cover your... well you know what I mean.

After 40 years of marriage, there aren't many secrets left.

 

[jmagg]

I went with the Panasonic 7-8 yrs ago. PIA to install but would buy again. Don't forget to put it on a timer.

 

[VashHT]

I think we have a Panasonic fan in our master bathroom, it is a lot quieter than this one (think it's a Broan 70cfm) and it has a timer and everything which is nice. This is our guest bathroom so I'm not too worried about the noise, and after taking it halfway apart yesterday the whole box is kind of rigged up in there so I think it'll be a real pita to replace the whole thing.

They nailed the box to the support beam next to it and I can't get a hammer in there to back them out so I need to go pick up a prybar or something. Luckily Menard's seems to have a replacement motorfor the model I have so I'm going to see if I can just drop the old motor and fan out and replace that.

 

[Greenman]

I think we have a Panasonic fan in our master bathroom, it is a lot quieter than this one (think it's a Broan 70cfm) and it has a timer and everything which is nice. This is our guest bathroom so I'm not too worried about the noise, and after taking it halfway apart yesterday the whole box is kind of rigged up in there so I think it'll be a real pita to replace the whole thing.

They nailed the box to the support beam next to it and I can't get a hammer in there to back them out so I need to go pick up a prybar or something. Luckily Menard's seems to have a replacement motorfor the model I have so I'm going to see if I can just drop the old motor and fan out and replace that.

There is also a vent pipe connected to the fan that you'll need to deal with. It could be ridged or flexible. There could also be two bars nailed into the joist on the exterior of the box. You should look in the attic before you start ripping things apart.

 

[VashHT]

Luckily I was able to avoid all that, figured out the motor mounting plate can be dropped out without taking out the whole enclosure. Menard's had an exact replacement for $27, once I figured out how to take out the mounting plate it took me like 5 minutes to swap the motor/fan and get it back up in the housing, works great now. Thanks for the advice everybody, this is my first time fixing an exhaust fan so wasn't too sure where to start.

 

[Paperdoc]

Congrats! You found the right (and easiest) way!

 

[marvdmartian]

If your house is like mine was, you might want to ensure that it's actually exhausting that moist, warm air outside, and NOT just into the attic! Yep, the previous owner was an idiot, or too lazy to do it right (or both!!). So I had to buy new fans, new insulated flex ducting, and new roof vents!