Typically, bathroom exhaust fans have a lifespan of about 10 years, provided they receive proper care and maintenance. If you think you have a fan that's nearing the end of its functional life, read on to learn about the signs that indicate it's time for a replacement.
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 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.
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.
It most commonly occurs when the blower fan motor becomes aged or is overworked. A lack of regular maintenance is generally to blame for blower fan burnout.
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 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.
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.
The cost to replace a bathroom fan starts at $259 for a simple direct swap with no extra work involved. If new ducts, changes or upgrades to wiring, or adding extras like humidity sensors are necessary, expect to pay anywhere from $144 and $374.
Here are several common causes of a noisy bathroom fan:
The fan is loose within its housing. The fan has come out of alignment with the housing. There are loose or damaged fan blades. The fan motor is going out.
In some cases, it's pretty simple to tell by turning on the switch. If nothing happens, it's apparent there's something wrong. But in other cases, your exhaust fan may turn on and run, giving off the appearance that it's working, when it actually is not.
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're going to need to replace the motor or buy a new fan. Replacing the motor is relatively easy. It costs about as much as buying a new fan, but at least you don't have to tear out the old fan.
Whether you need a new wall bathroom exhaust fan or a ceiling bathroom exhaust fan, installing a bathroom fan is a project you can do yourself.
Turn Off the Breaker
Before you begin, turn off the electrical breaker to the bathroom fan. Remove the existing fan cover. Next, use a circuit tester to ensure the power is off.
It is important to hire an electrician who has the experience and expertise to securely and correctly mount ceiling fans. This will also ensure that you and your family are safe, as the work will be done safely during the first installation.
Most homeowners adept at replacing ceiling lights or outlets should be able to replace a bathroom fan without an electrician. Wiring is usually a straightforward one-for-one match from the old fan to the new fan.
Generally, it will take about two hours to remove the fan and another two or three to replace it.