How to Install Bathroom Fan

You need not be a hi-fi electrical or mechanical engineer to do this. If you did well in school connecting circuits and all in science class, you would be able to do just fine. Don't worry! I will cut the suspense now. I am talking about whether it is a cake walk or a tough job to know how to install bathroom fan. Well, even if you have a fair idea of how electrical circuits and the likes work, it might not be as hard. Even if you don't, you can definitely dabble into this work done by us mortals. Assuming that you are installing a new fan and starting from scratch, this is how you may be able to do it.

Installing Bathroom Fan

Supplies
Drywall saw or rotary saw, Electrical supplies (wire, boxes, housing clamps, etc.), Exhaust duct (for new installs), Razor knife, Greenboard or drywall tape, Joint compound, Light bulbs for light/bathroom fan, Ladder for power cut-off.

Method
Step #1: Okay this is not to scare you off at the beginning, but it is a fact. A new bathroom fan installation is going to be difficult and complex. However, if your bathroom has an access from above and a clear opening towards exhaust duct, it can be accomplished.

Step #2: Determine the power source for the fan. You would ideally need to run minimum one, or even more than that switched circuits from the point where fan is going to be fixed from the switch. Normally you require a single circuit for a light, fan and heat unit, if equipped.

Step #3: Now your job is to find an exhaust duct. This is normally vented to the outer side of the house through the side of the house or through the roof.

Step #4: You are ready to install the fan at this juncture. Install the proper cable clamp in the electrical housing knockout meant for the cable supposed to run to the unit. Then attach the fan housing to the ceiling joist, followed by attaching the exhaust duct. Connect the electrical unit to the corresponding wires and terminals. You are almost done as far as how to install a bathroom fan is concerned.

Step #5: Ultimately the last step you would need to do is check and test whether the fan is working properly. Turn the power at the breaker and test the switches. Once this is done, again keep the power off till you are completely done with the installing a bathroom fan.

Replacing a Dysfunctional Bathroom Fan

This was about installing a brand new fan. Here is how you can replace a dysfunctional fan in bathroom.

• Disconnect the existing electrical connections from the fan which was already there.
• While doing this, take extra care because the housing is connected to the vent duct and you would want to use it again.
• Check out if the exhaust is the same size as the exhaust attached to the housing.
• You would also want to check the kind of electrical cable has been connected to the fan and then fix the correct cable clamp in the electrical housing knockout.
• Then the new fan has to be connected to the ceiling joist then connect the exhaust duct.
• Run the electrical cable through the already installed clamp into housing.
• Then to go a step closer to installing a ceiling fan, connect the electrical cables to the corresponding wires or terminals, making sure that the whole electrical unit of the fan is in place and properly grounded.
• Turn the power on at the breaker, followed by testing the fan for affirming proper motion.
• Then just like you did earlier, turn the power off till you are completely done with the installation the fan.
• But now we have a problem. There is a gaping hole in the ceiling which has to be fixed.
• Start the repair by cutting the ceiling material back.
• This will give you a square or rectangle having a minimum of half of the joist edges of the ceiling on either side of the fan where a new piece can be screwed.
• Cut a piece of drywall or greenboard according to the size of that hole and then mark the location of the housing flange, which is on the backside of the piece. This is to cut out the opening of the fan.
• Cut the opening of the fan and hold the piece up to test the fitting.
• Install the drywall with the help of drywall screws along the ceiling joists.
• To fix the unsupported edges use either drywall clips, screws and backer boards.
• Finally mud and tape the joints and fix a bulb in the socket and check. Fix the cover, turning the power on at the breaker.

I hope this proves to be useful! I sign off here!