How to Repair an Exhaust Fan Motor
- Prepare. The first thing that you will need to do is get the electricity cut off in the bathroom. ...
- Remove Cover. Once you have the power turned off, you will need to get the cover removed. ...
- Inspect Fan. You will need to take a good look at your fan before you decide what is wrong with it. ...
- Pull out Exhaust Fan. ...
- Replace Motor. ...
Full Answer
How to reverse a bathroom fan motor?
How do you change the direction of an exhaust fan?
- Unplug the fan, or turn off the breaker that controls the fan.
- Remove the fan blade shroud from the fan housing to expose the motor.
- Locate the housing that covers the coils of wire.
- Locate the electrical wires that connect to each coil.
How to replace or repair a bathroom fan?
Part 1 Part 1 of 3: Preparing to Replace the Fan
- Check if a permit is necessary. Call up your local city or county government and ask if you're allowed to do home electrical work by yourself.
- Double-check the type of fan you currently have. Many bathroom fans are hard-wired through your ceiling or attic.
- Select your new fan. ...
- Gather your tools and supplies. ...
- Lay down a drop cloth. ...
How to replace a bathroom fan with no attic access?
To do this, you’ll want to:
- Turn off the breaker box.
- Remove the grill cover.
- Use a circuit tester to ensure that the power is turned off. These are easy to use and can be purchased at most home improvement stores.
- Remove the motor. You might have to remove a few screws to get it out. ...
- Remove the fan’s housing. ...
How to replace light bulb in bathroom exhaust fan?
How to Replace a Bathroom Exhaust Fan Light Bulb
- Important Safety Considerations. As with any repair in a bathroom, it's essential you keep water and power away from each other. ...
- Replacing Exhaust Fan Light Bulb. Once you have ensured that you've safely prepared the area, climb up to the exhaust fan and remove the cover.
- Other Exhaust Fan Maintenance. ...
Can you fix a bathroom fan motor?
If your bathroom fans are dead, here's some good news: You don't have to tear out the entire unit. Even if you fan is decades old, chances are you can get a replacement motor. Although a new motor costs about the same as a new fan, a bathroom vent fan motor replacement saves time and trouble.
What causes a bathroom exhaust fan to stop working?
If it still isn't working, you might have a clogged exhaust duct. You can clean it with a broom handle that has a rag attached on the end. You can also buy duct cleaning rods that can curve or make 90 degree bends to clean your ducts. Wet-dry vacuums can also work to clean shorter ducts.
How do you take apart a bathroom fan motor?
3:2512:23How to Replace a Bath Fan Motor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then just take a pry bar small pry bar even a screwdriver II would do it. And pull the fan. PullMoreAnd then just take a pry bar small pry bar even a screwdriver II would do it. And pull the fan. Pull that tab out of its slot. That it's in.
How do I fix my exhaust fan not spinning?
If the exhaust fan motor doesn't spin smoothly, you might need to clean the assembly or lubricate the motor with a few drops of light machine oil at each end of the motor shaft. The motor is burnt out and needs replacing.
How long do bathroom fans last?
about ten yearsWhen to Replace Your Exhaust Fans. Routine cleaning will help extend the life of your exhaust fans, but they won't last forever. The average life of a bathroom exhaust fan is about ten years, and kitchen hood fans tend to hang in there a little longer at around 15 years.
How much does it cost to replace a bathroom exhaust fan?
Bathroom exhaust fan replacement costs $150 to $550. The cost to install a new bathroom fan is $250 to $950 to vent the fan outside through the roof or wall. Toilet extractor fan prices are $50 to $150 on average, plus hiring an electrician or handyman costs $100 to $800 to install.
Can you fix a bathroom fan?
0:334:45How to replace or repair a bathroom fan - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you have an option now you can replace the entire thing which is a lot harder or you can goMoreSo you have an option now you can replace the entire thing which is a lot harder or you can go online and order just the motor. And the fan. And replace the internal.
Which motor is used in exhaust fan?
The split-phase motor is used in large industrial exhaust fans. These motors have both start and run windings that get energized when started. They can run well on medium current input.
How do you fix a noisy bathroom fan?
2:254:30How to Fix a Noisy Bathroom Exhaust Fan - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSimply push it on with a pair of needle nose pliers some blower wheels come with the retainer. TheMoreSimply push it on with a pair of needle nose pliers some blower wheels come with the retainer. The new blower wheel should spin freely reinsert the metal tabs into the respective.
Can exhaust fan be repaired?
Exhaust fan repairs will prevent mold growth in your house and keep the fan working for many more years. Chances are good that your broken fan doesn't need to be completely replaced. Mr. Electric repairs exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms every day.
What makes a fan to be humming but not rotating?
Dead capacitor is a common cause for a fan motor that hums but doesn't spin. You can tell if a capacitor is burnt out because it will often be visibly charred or cracked open.
How do I take my exhaust fan motor apart?
2:115:00Bathroom Fan Motor | Repair and Replace - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSome motors are attached to a mounting plate and will have to be removed as one piece remove anyMoreSome motors are attached to a mounting plate and will have to be removed as one piece remove any screws holding the mounting plate in place. Now use a flat blade screwdriver to release the tabs.
How do I replace a bath fan motor?
Bath fans vary in design, but motor replacement requires the same basic steps, no matter which brand or model you have. Turn off the power to the fan at the main breaker panel. Then unplug the fan and remove the motor plate (Photo 2). Some motor plates release by pressing or prying on the side of the fan housing.
How long does it take to replace a bathroom vent fan motor?
You don’t have to cut into the ceiling, crawl around your attic or get up on your roof. It usually takes less than an hour.
Can you replace a dead motor without tearing it out?
You can replace a dead motor without tearing out the ceiling and replacing the whole thing. You can also improve venting and prevent roof rot by running the vent through the roof, and not leave it in the attic as was done by many contractors. Both improvements are easy. This article shows you how. By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine.
Can you run a duct through the roof?
Running a new duct up through the roof isn’t a complex job, but you will have to work in the attic and on the roof. Since you’re doing all that work anyway, consider replacing the fan. An attic can get dangerously hot in summer, so work on a cool day. Wear a dust mask and eye protection.
What to do if exhaust fan doesn't spin?
If the exhaust fan motor doesn’t spin smoothly, you might need to clean the assembly or lubricate the motor with a few drops of light machine oil at each end of the motor shaft. The motor is burnt out and needs replacing.
Why is my bathroom fan not exhausting?
You know your fan gets rid of bathroom smells, but its main job is to remove hot, moist air and keep the room dry to help prevent mold and mildew. Use your exhaust fan both to get rid of smells and to cycle out wet air before and after showers and baths.
How to get rid of a bathroom smell?
Use your exhaust fan both to get rid of smells and to cycle out wet air before and after showers and baths. Quick tip: to help the bathroom fan remove odors and hot, moist air more efficiently: Turn on the fan when you enter so the air is already moving. When you leave, keep the door open.
Why isn't my bathroom fan working?
Here are some of the most common reasons, and how to fix them: Check to see if something tripped the circuit breaker. Reset the circuit breaker if necessary. Check the fan switch with a voltage tester.
How to test suction on a grill?
You can test suction by turning on the fan and then putting a piece of toilet paper up to the grill. If the toilet paper doesn’t cling to the grill, you probably need to clean it. Remove the grill and use an old brush to remove lint or dirt on the grill slats.
How many times can you replace a bathroom air conditioner?
You want to be sure you get one that’s powerful enough to replace the air in your bathroom 8 times in one hour. For that, check the CFM rating. Bathrooms 50 square feet and smaller typically have a CFM range of 50-79. For larger bathrooms, select a fan that can move at least 1 CFM per square foot of room.
How to check if a fan switch is bad?
Check the fan switch with a voltage tester. Replace it if you have a bad switch. If the fan switch is on a ground-fault circuit interrupter outlet (that outlet with the buttons that automatically turns off the electricity to prevent electrocution) test it to make sure it’s reset.
Tips
If a brand new fan isn't doing the job either, you might need to clean the whole duct.
About This Article
This article was co-authored by Mitchell Newman. Mitchell Newman is the Principal at Habitar Design and its sister company Stratagem Construction in Chicago, Illinois. He has 20 years of experience in construction, interior design and real estate development. This article has been viewed 1,419 times.
Replace A Dead Motor
Run Duct Outside to Prevent Roof Rot
- When there’s an attic above the bathroom, some installers take a shortcut: Instead of running the duct through the roof, they end the duct inside the attic. The result is that the fan fills the attic with moist air. That moisture feeds wood rot. In winter, frost forms in the attic and as the frost melts, water can damage the ceilings below. If you don’t have a cap on your roof like the one shown in …
Required Tools For This Project
- Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration. 1. 4-in-1 screwdriver 2. Adjustable wrench 3. Caulk gun 4. Drill bit set 5. Drill/driver - cordless 6. Pry bar 7. Utility knife
Required Materials For This Project
- Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list. 1. 4-in. flexible insulated duct 2. 6-in. hose clamps (2) 3. Aluminum duct 4. Roof cement (tube) 5. Roof vent cap 6. Roofing nails 7. Sheet metal screws