Basic bathroom exhaust fan maintenance checklist:
Clean the fan every six months. Dust and debris can accumulate on the exterior housing, fan blades, and inside the vent. Check the fan's vent. Inspect the vent leading outside to make sure it is not blocked by a build-up of debris, bird nests, or other obstructions.
With the fan turned off, remove the fan cover, and vacuum out any dust or dirt that has become lodged in the fan. Lubricate the fan with silicone spray. Reattach the cover on the fan. If problems persist, buy and install a replacement unit.
Typically, your bathroom ventilation should be cleaned at least 1 or 2 times a year. If you keep up with routine cleaning and maintenance, your bathroom fan can last up to 10 years or more. It's possible to clean your bathroom fan yourself. But for a more thorough cleaning, it's recommended that you hire professionals.
A clogged bathroom exhaust fan doesn't just compromise indoor air quality; it also affects energy efficiency. When the fan is obstructed, it has to work harder to expel air, leading to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills.
The bathroom exhaust fan can be dangerous if you use it excessively. If the air is not properly ventilated, it can lead to an explosion. The fumes from the combustion process can be explosive, so proper ventilation is necessary. Bathroom exhaust fans should be used only when needed.
Plumbers. Although rare, some plumbers will replace existing bathroom vent fans. However, they usually do not handle bathroom fan installation. If you have an existing fan and are already making other upgrades to your bath, ask your plumber if they can replace it.
Several factors can cause a bathroom exhaust fan to stop working. Common issues include power supply problems, blocked vents, motor damage, wiring issues, and age.
You might be surprised to learn that installing or replacing a bathroom exhaust fan is a moderately easy DIY project. All you need are the right tools, basic electrical and carpentry skills, and a little patience.
Knowing which fan works best for your bathroom is key. Remember, the varying power consumption capacities of fans can range from 10W – 100W. The higher the wattage the more power, the more electricity will cost and be used. All-in-all, the fans cost is around $42 per year or $2.87 cents per hour.
This fan will remove any moisture that's in the air by sucking it into a duct that will redirect it to a vent leading outside. It's important to have this fan on during showers, otherwise, moisture will settle onto the walls and fixtures. When moisture is constantly present, mold can begin to grow.
Even if you have fans already set up, it's important to keep in mind that they won't last forever. Typically, bathroom exhaust fans have a lifespan of about 10 years, provided they receive proper care and maintenance.
Every 6 months, do a thorough cleaning. Every few weeks, it's a good idea to use an electrostatic duster with an extendable handle to remove visible dust from the exterior.
A bathroom exhaust fan has a ten-year lifespan on average. It's a good idea to buy a new one if you can't recall when it was last replaced or you're unsure of its age.
A handyperson or general contractor may be able to replace a bathroom exhaust fan, but they'll need to be proficient with HVAC and electrical wiring. This job may seem simple, but any project that requires the handling of electrical wiring or ductwork should be completed by someone familiar with both.
For weekly cleaning, you do not need to disassemble the fan to clean the blades. Use a hairdryer or compressed air to blow away dust from the surface of the blades. Use the coolest air setting on the hairdryer and keep it about six to ten inches away from the blades.
3. Clean the fan without removing the motor. Attach a crevice to a vacuum cleaner and remove the dust from the fan without detaching it from the motor. Then switch to a brush attachment for the fan motor components to remove any cakey grease and dirt.
Not only does a dirty ceiling fan run less efficiently than a clean one, but it can even scatter clumps of particles throughout the room. Knowing how to clean ceiling fan blades, globes, and chains is important for keeping your home's air cool and dust-free.