How to Change a Bathroom Exhaust Fan

Bathroom exhaust fans play an important role in circulating air and preventing moisture buildup in bathrooms. When fans fail to operate, the most effective repair is to replace the fan unit. This is a relatively simple procedure that involves removing the fan motor cover and removing the retaining screws which hold the old fan in place and inserting a new unit. The replacement procedure is simple and inexpensive and can be completed in 5 to 10 minutes.

Things You'll Need

• 1 replacement fan unit
• 1 flat-head screwdriver
• 1 stool of sufficient height to reach ceiling fan

Instructions

Remove Old Exhaust Fan

1. 

   Using a stool positioned directly beneath the inoperative fan, grasp 2 opposite sides of the plastic fan cover and pull cover down 2 to 3 inches until wire holding clasps on each side are exposed.

2. Squeeze the 2 wires on each clasp together until the fan cover is released and set aside fan cover.

3. 

   Locate fan electrical plug and unplug the connection from the electrical outlet.

4. Locate the screw securing the fan unit to the ceiling. This is often found directly adjacent the electrical outlet. Some fan models will have 2 securing screws. These will be located on opposite sides of the fan base.

5. 

   Use flat-head screwdriver to remove securing screw, pull fan out of the fan well and set old fan aside.

Install Replacement Exhaust Fan

1. 

   Align replacement fan in position to allow electrical plug to be inserted in electrical socket and plug into electrical outlet.

2. 

   Insert fan into ceiling well and secure by inserting and tightening securing screw(s).

3. Test fan by turning on wall switch. If fan fails to operate, check to be certain that the plug is fully inserted into the electrical outlet. If fan still does not operate, check circuit breaker and reset if necessary.

4. 

   Replace fan cover by holding cover in place with 2 wire clasps just below the slots in the fan base. Squeeze the 2 wire ends of each clasp together and insert these into the the slots on opposite sides of the fan base. Once properly inserted, the ends of the wire claps will spring into place.

5. 

   Push the fan cover up allowing the wire clasps to be fully inserted into the slots on the fan base, at which point the clasps will spring open securing the cover in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Replacement fans can be found at Home Improvement stores. Be certain that replacement fan is the same brand as the fan being replaced.