How To Replace Bathroom Vent Fan

A bathroom vent fan is an important part of any bathroom, as it helps to remove moisture and odors from the air. Over time, vent fans can become clogged with dust and dirt, or they may simply fail. If your bathroom vent fan is not working properly, you can replace it yourself with a few simple tools and materials.

Tools and Materials You'll Need

New bathroom vent fan
Screwdriver
Wire cutters
Electrical tape
Caulk gun
Caulk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Turn off the power to the vent fan at the circuit breaker. This is important for your safety.
Remove the old vent fan. Most vent fans are held in place by screws. Simply remove the screws and pull the fan out of the wall.
Disconnect the wires from the old vent fan. Use wire cutters to cut the wires about 6 inches from the fan. Cap the wires with electrical tape.
Install the new vent fan. Insert the new fan into the hole in the wall and secure it with screws. Be sure to caulk around the edges of the fan to seal it.
Connect the wires to the new vent fan. Strip the ends of the wires about 1 inch, and then connect them to the corresponding terminals on the fan. Use electrical tape to secure the connections.
Turn on the power to the vent fan at the circuit breaker.
Test the vent fan. Turn on the fan and make sure that it is working properly.

Tips

If you are not comfortable working with electricity, it is best to hire a qualified electrician to replace your bathroom vent fan.
When choosing a new vent fan, be sure to select one that is the right size for your bathroom. The fan should be able to move at least 50 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air.
If your bathroom is particularly humid, you may want to install a vent fan with a built-in humidity sensor. This will help to ensure that the fan turns on automatically when the humidity level in the bathroom reaches a certain point.

Conclusion

Replacing a bathroom vent fan is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about an hour. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can save yourself the cost of hiring a professional.