Installing an Exhaust Fan the Easy Way

A bathroom exhaust fan is one item most people don't even think about when looking at a bathroom. It is, however, one of the most important elements of the room. A bathroom exhaust fan protects the entire room and everything in it from mold and mildew.

If you've ever taken a shower and watched your mirror steam up, then you realize how much moisture is generated from a simple shower. The purpose of an exhaust fan is to pull that mold-causing moisture from the room and push it to the outside of the house. For an exhaust fan to do its job properly, it must be hooked up correctly and vented to the outside of the house. It is critical that the fan is vented properly. Otherwise, you are simply trading moisture in one room for moisture in the attic over every room.

An exhaust fan is one of the simplest things a homeowner can do to help keep moisture out of his bathroom. And it can be done without costing a fortune. Fans vary in cost from cheap to fairly expensive depending on the quality of the fan. The quality is measured by the amount of noise it makes while running and the amount of moisture it can eliminate from the room. For example, if you don't mind a noisy fan running when it is turned on, you can save some money by not buying the quietest model. And in some cases, this might not be a bad thing. If you live in an apartment or a small house that doesn't have much insulation between the walls, the noise from the fan could add a measure of privacy when the bathroom is in use. Or install the exhaust fan separate from the light and only turn it on when you need to pull moisture out of the room, like after a shower. You can purchase just the exhaust fan for much less that the combination fan and light. Keep in mind that if you do that you will have to run a separate electrical connection for the fan. It will also have to have its own switch.

The amount of moisture the fan will pull from the room is measured in CFM. This simply means how many cubic feet of space the fan is good for. So if you have a large bathroom, you may need one with a higher CFM rating. A small bathroom can use a lower CFM fan. Of course you need to keep in mind the amount of usage the room gets. If you have three kids, plus you and your mate all using the same bathroom, you might be better off to get a higher CFM rated fan. On the other hand, you could build another bathroom. Just be sure to install an exhaust fan in it.

Now that you know why you need an exhaust fan, you're wondering how to install one. After deciding on the CFM rating and the amount of noise you can tolerate from the fan, the next decision is whether you want the combination light/fan or just the fan. If you can't get access to run the wire, you may have to go with the combination.

Once you have the type of fan you plan on using and the duct work, gather the tools necessary to complete the job. This will depend on which fan you use. If you go with the combination light/fan, you may be able to install it where the light was. You may have to enlarge the opening for the duct work of the fan to fit. The fan should come with a guide for creating the right size opening. Most everything you will need to install the fan will come with it. This includes wire nuts for connecting the electrical wires. Basic tools you will need are screwdrivers, wire strippers, a hammer and #8 nails or a cordless screwdriver and some wood screws for attaching the fan box to a joist in the ceiling. It's also always a good idea to have a good flashlight handy.

Once you have gathered everything, you will need to turn the electricity off to the area you are working on. This doesn't just mean flipping the switch to the bathroom light. Turn the power off in the main circuit box to the light. For safety's sake, either lock the box or tag it to let others know you are working on it. Once you are back at the bathroom light, test to make sure the electricity is off. A small electrical tester is an inexpensive, yet lifesaving tool.

Now it's safe to remove the old light. If the opening is not large enough, cut it out with a drywall knife. The body of the actual fan will fit up into the ceiling. It should be attached firmly to either a joist with the nails or screws or to a metal bracket. It must be secure. Next, connect the wiring of the fan to the wiring in the ceiling that you unhooked from the old light. The fan should come with instructions on how to connect it. It's usually pretty basic, black to black, white to white, and ground to ground, but occasionally you will run into different colors of wiring. If you are unsure after reading the instructions, check with an electrician.

Once the wiring is done, you can put the cover on and turn the electricity back on. Test the unit to make sure the fan and light are working. If everything appears good, it is time to attach the duct work. You will need access to the attic. Attach the duct work to the fan unit and run it to the soffit of the house. It is very important that the ductwork goes all the way to the outside edge of the attic. Do not simply leave the duct work lying up in the attic. You will only create more problems if you do that.

Congratulations! You're done. You've helped to create a safer environment for you and your family.