Typically, bathroom exhaust fans have a lifespan of about 10 years, provided they receive proper care and maintenance.
The lifespan of your bathroom exhaust fan is typically around 10 years, depending on the quality and maintenance of the unit. However, even if your fan is still performing well, it's not uncommon to see signs of wear and tear. When this happens, it's time to replace your exhaust fan.
You might look to upgrade the exhaust fan if the fan is not properly clearing the room of moisture or odors, the fan is too loud, or something is not mechanically working with it.
If the fan in your vent is slow to turn on, this is a sign that the motor isn't working efficiently anymore. If it doesn't turn on at all, the motor has probably already failed. It's more than 10 years old. Like most appliances, these fans last about 10 years before their parts and motors start to wear out.
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.
Like any appliance, your bathroom exhaust fan requires regular care and maintenance for a long life. Routine cleaning is simple and should be performed at least once a year.
HVAC Technicians
Additionally, they have the skills to troubleshoot and resolve any issues related to the ventilation system, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of the exhaust fan.
If you need to replace an existing bathroom vent fan, you should call a licensed electrician. They can troubleshoot your existing fan, upgrade fan wires, repair the exhaust fan motor, or replace the unit entirely. While some electricians will also do the ductwork and venting, most will only handle the wiring.
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.
If you're finding excessive moisture on your mirrors and walls, this can be a major indicator that your bathroom ventilation isn't working properly. If your bathroom exhaust fan is making a lot of noise, is slow to start, or is failing to remove moisture, your bathroom fan needs to be cleaned or replaced.
The easiest way to check if the fan is ventilating properly is to take a Kleenex or single square of toilet paper and place it along the fan while it's running. If the fan holds up the paper and keeps it attached, then it's working properly.
Signs of Trouble: Watch out for wobbling blades, unusual noises, or sluggish fan speeds. These could indicate worn-out parts, loose connections, or a failing motor, all signs it might be time for a replacement.
Motor damage – humidity and dust can cause a fan's motor to burn out; this cannot be fixed and needs a like-for-like replacement. Wiring Issues – damaged or improper wiring can disrupt your fan's electrical connection. Blades inside the fan housing – these could begin to seize up due to moisture passing through the fan.
A bathroom 50 square feet or smaller needs a 50-CFM fan. For bathrooms between 50 and 100 square feet, estimate approximately 1 CFM per square foot. If your bathroom is larger than 100 square feet, tally the CFM requirements for the individual fixtures to estimate your needs.
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.