Install a Bathroom Vent

For any bathroom design, a proper layout is the basic key for keeping the bathroom clean and free from moisture related problems such as paint peels, door warps, fungus spore accumulation and stale odors. As the bathroom flooring, walls and ceilings are continuously exposed to moisture, they are susceptible to growth of fungal spores. For many of the homeowners, getting rid of toxic mold and mildews is a never-ending project. Such a problem is quite obvious in bathrooms that do not have any ventilation windows. In order to solve all these major problems, the practical solution is to install a bathroom vent or an exhaust fan.

How to Install a Bathroom Vent?

A bathroom vent fan is usually mounted on the ceiling to serve the main purpose for removing moisture and odors from the bathroom via the exhaust piping. Installing a bathroom vent is really not as tough as you think. In fact, you can install a bathroom vent on your own with hiring a professional serviceman. What is more difficult is selecting a superior quality unit. You can find a myriad number of bathroom exhaust fans in the market, varying in terms of styles and quality. Select the style and color of the exhaust vent as per your personal preference.

While speaking about the quality of bathroom exhaust fans, it is measured in two primary attributes. The first factor is the amount of moisture removal by the exhaust vent, which is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), and the second factor is the noise generated by the unit. A superior quality bathroom exhaust fan removes higher amount of moisture per minute, and operates quietly. Considering these factors, purchase a bathroom exhaust vent according to your plan and budget.

Following are the basic steps to be considered while installing a bathroom vent:

Required Material
The tools required for installing a bathroom vent fan are exhaust vent kit (comprising all essential parts), screwdrivers, wire stripper (for stripping wires), wire nuts of various sizes, electrical tester (to check for correct wire connections), and jab saw (to make hole in the ceiling). Ensure that you kept all these tools and supplies ready prior to installation of the bathroom exhaust fan.

Selecting the Site for Installation
If you are installing a bathroom vent fan in place of an old unit, then you can mount the new fan in the same site as the existing one. Otherwise, you can select a location on the ceiling where there is an existing light fixture. By doing so, you are spared from fixation of new electrical wiring and connections for installation of the bathroom vent fan.

Preparing for Exhaust Fan Installation
Once you have decided the ceiling location to install bathroom vent fan, the next step is to prepare for fixation of the unit. For any home improvement project, safety comes first. So, switch off the main circuit panel to avoid any accidents. Preparation requires making a hole in the ceiling (where you have decide), and fixing an exhaust pipe (duct hose) that connects the hole to the exterior wall. For better understanding, go through the manual instruction provided with the unit.

Installing a Bathroom Vent
Before mounting the bathroom vent, check for wiring of the fan. In majority of the cases, bathroom lights are connected to a wall switch. If this is the same case with your bathroom lighting, then you can consider wiring the vent to the wall switch. Check the different wire colors and connect the fan wire to the wall switch carefully. Following this, mount the box in the ceiling hole from which the vent will hang. If possible, you can directly fix the box to the joist and then attach the duct hose to the bracket. Fasten the screws and nuts. Assure that outside venting is done properly. Switch on the power supply and test the working of the newly installed bathroom vent.

This was in brief on how to install a bathroom vent on your own. Make sure that the opening of the exhaust pipe in the exterior wall is oriented downwards. This prevents entry of rain water and/or unpleasant particles inside the bathroom. Installing an exhaust vent will not only save bathroom cleaning time, but it also helps in the overall maintenance of a bathroom. Read more on:

• Bathroom Remodeling
• Bathroom Renovation Ideas