You simply need fundamental carpentry and electrical skills to get the job done. Plus this article will equip you with the necessary knowledge on How to Install an Exhaust Fan easily.
An Exhaust or Extractor fan is considered an essential home tool because it is useful in eliminating moisture and foul odors from your bathroom, kitchen window, or laundry room. It also prevents molds and mildews from growing. Because it is good in eliminating moisture from the air.
It can also prevent windows and doors from warping; and paint and wallpaper from peeling. So if you don’t have an Exhaust at home yet, you must think of installing one to enjoy the above-mentioned benefits.
The steps How to Install Exhaust Fan at your bathroom, kitchen window or laundry room? demand more knowledge and skills from a DIY enthusiast. These include experience in handling household electrical wiring, which can be a dangerous job. This is a basic guide for fitting an Exhaust fan in your bathroom, kitchen window, or laundry room.
An Exhaust fan removes the odor, smoke and moisture in the area. You can buy it in two main types:
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- An axial fan can be mounted on a window or an exterior wall. It works by transporting air over shorter distances and, thus, removing the undesirable aspects.
- A centrifugal fan moves the air over long distances. It is usually mounted into ceilings.
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You can ask the extractor fan salesman about the pros and cons of each type. You may choose a centrifugal fan because of its more powerful action, for example.
Tools to Fit an Extractor Fan
Before starting the work, you must have all the tools, supplies and fan within easy reach. You will likely need the following tools and supplies:
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- Power drill with a masonry drill bit set
- Tape measure
- Insulated screwdrivers and pliers
- Insulated wire strippers
- Bolster and cold chisels
- Cable detector
- Club hammer
- Plasterboard saw and jigsaw
- Flexible duct pipe
- Screws
- Vent cap
- Caulk and wire nuts
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You should also use a safety stepladder for installing the fan on the wall or ceiling. You must wear your personal protective equipment, such as safety goggles and dust mask.
You may even wear roof cleats and a safety harnesses if you’re working on the roof. Plus, your clothes should fit in a comfortable manner (i.e.. no baggy clothes). You may want to wear old clothes and overalls since this is a messy job.
Step By Step How to Install Extractor Fan in Your Bathroom – Its really Easy!
Determine the Right CFM and Sound Ratings
Of course, the extractor fan should be the correct specifications. The two most important features are the cubic feet per minute (CFM) and sound ratings.
The CFM rating refers to the amount of air that the fan will move per minute. The larger the bathroom, the higher the CFM rating should be for the best results. The computation for CFM is as follows:
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- Get the bathroom’s cubic footage (multiply its length, width, and height)
- Divide the cubic footage by 7.5
- Get an extractor fan with the same or higher CFM rating as the result
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In a bathroom measuring 120 square feet with an 8-foot ceiling, the cubic footage is 960 square feet. Divide 960 by 7.5 to get a 128 CFM rating.
The sound rating is just as important since noise pollution can be a health concern. New fans typically have 0.5 (very quiet) to 6 (very loud) sones in sound rating. Check the rating printed on the side of the fan’s box.
Select the Location or Consult Your Local Electrical Inspector
Your next step is choosing the location of the extractor fan. If you’re installing a new fan in an old slot, you will have an easier and faster time at it. If you’re installing a new fan in a new slot, your choice should be:
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- In the space between two joists for stability
- In an area without pipes and other obstructions in the way
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Let’s assume that you’re installing the fan on the ceiling. You have to look for a good spot so:
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- Open the roof cavity where the fan will likely be placed
- Look for a gap in the joists
- Check that there are no obstructions including pipes, electrical wires, and insulation
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You can then tape a cardboard template on the ceiling, if necessary. Just outline the extractor fan housing on a piece of cardboard and cut the shape.
The following steps are general in nature. You can change them according to your own knowledge and skills. Would be better to ask your local electrical inspector if you need to secure a permit since this task deals with electrical wiring.
1. Prepare the Work Area
Aside from the drill, bit, and bolts, you might need other tools as well. Before you start, make sure that you have a hammer, hammer drill, and adjustable wrench at hand. You never know when you might need to use them.
Drill a reference hole on the ceiling as your mark. Use your power drill and a ¾-inch spade bit for it.
Measure the vent fan housing with a tape measure and note the measurements on paper.
Go up to the attic over the bathroom. Find the reference hole using a flashlight. Clear away the obstructions including the insulation around it.
Use a copy of the cardboard template as a guide for clearing the area. Compare the cardboard measurements and vent house measurements just to be sure.
Go back to your bathroom. Using a tape measure, get the measurements of the fan’s intake port.
Mark the fan’s intake port outline on the ceiling by using its measurements. Use a pencil and framing square for the job.
Keep in mind the carpenter’s adage: Measure once, cut twice. You don’t want to cut out a too large or too small hole on the ceiling.
Prepare the Bathroom Fan to Be Installed
There are many high quality bathroom fans at home centers that you can choose from. These new releases are quite silent, produce more air, and use less energy as opposed to older models, so you must take advantage by buying a new bathroom fan. In additional, if you need Install Floor and Wall Tiles, try to fit Fan this before.
Drill a Hole and Put a Mark on the Ceiling
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- Be sure to cover the floor with old newspapers to protect it from falling debris.
- Use a jigsaw or drywall saw in cutting out the marked part on the ceiling.
- Support the rectangular piece from the ceiling with your free hand before lowering it to the floor.
- This is where an assistant will be useful.
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Make use of your drill and a 3⁄4 inch (1.9 cm) shovel bit to drill a hole in the ceiling that will serve as your reference as you begin to install the fan. Don’t forget to get the measurement of the vent fan housing.
Next up is to go to the attic and determine the reference hole, and get rid of its surrounding installation. Refer to the measurements of the fan housing to make sure that the fan fits well in the selected spot.
Next up is to go to the attic and determine the reference hole, Return to the bathroom to get the measurement of the intake port of the fan, which you will need so you can cut the suitable size of the hole in your ceiling.
You will also need a pencil and a framing square to mark the position of the intake port of the fan with the use of the earlier measurements. and get rid of its surrounding installation.
Refer to the measurements of the fan housing to make sure that the fan fits well in the selected spot.
Cut the Hole on the Ceiling’s Intake Port Hole
Using a jigsaw, cut the spot you previously marked in the previous step. A drywall saw can also be used if there’s no jigsaw available. Make sure that the ceiling’s cut section does not fall to the floor as you cut them to prevent pulling extra pieces of plaster with it.
Use your hand that does not hold the jigsaw to upkeep the ceiling. Don’t forget to wear a respirator and safety goggles as you saw through drywall and plaster to drywall to shield your lungs and eyes.
Place the Fan in the Chosen Position
Before you can put the fan into the sewed hole, you must attach first a 90 degree duct elbow to the proper outlet port with the use of a foil duct tape.
Afterwards, you can now insert a cable connector on the detachable knockout hole on the fan’s housing side. Then you can now glide the secondary metal brackets in their proper places.
Place the fan at the center and above the ceiling hole. Lower it a bit to go to its proper place. Ensure that all holes are connected properly.
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- Attach a 90-degree duct elbow to the outlet port; use a foil duct tape.
- Place a cable connector through the knockout hole on the fan housing’s side. Slide its supporting metal brackets into their proper places.
- Center the fan over the hole before placing it into position. Check that the connection points are in the proper orientation.
- Secure it to the joists. Use the metal brackets and drywall screws for this purpose.
- Attach the connections for the electrical cables and duct pipes.
- Test your new extractor fan.
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Making the attachments for the extractor fan demands electrical and plumbing skills. You shouldn’t undertake this project unless you have mastered the basics in these areas. You can also refer to the instructions manual for the fan.
Make Sure That The Fan Are Secured to the Joists
As soon as the fan is already placed in its proper position, you can now extend all metal brackets as they touch the joists on housing unit’s both sides. You can use drywall screws to secure both ends of the bracket to the joist.
Afterwards, bring the length of duct pipe and connect one end to the 90 degree duct elbow originating from fan housing with the use of a foil duct tape.
Determine the Appropriate Exit Point for the Duct Pipe
The next thing that you need to do is to determine the straightest and shortest route from the housing fan to its exterior. Remember that the shorter the duct pipe, the more efficient the bathroom fan will function.
Connect the Vent Cap
How you will attach the vent cap depends on whether the exit point is on the sidewall, or on the roof.
If sidewall is your exit point, choose a point between two wall studs and bring some measurements so you can find the same point as you go outside.
If roof is your exit point, sketch a suitable-sized circle on the interior and utilize a saw to cut it out.
Proceed to the roof and don’t forget to take necessary safety precautions with you. Eliminate the grits concealing the newly cut hole and install the vent cap with the use of roofing nails and cement. Remember also to replace loose shingles, if there is any.
Activate the Connections in the Housing Unit
Read the manual instructions before you activate the connections in the housing unit, because it depends on the type of fan you have, whether you will wire connections from bathroom, or from the attic. Of course, the most important is to switch off main power before your proceed.
Fasten the Grille
You are now down to the last step. Plug the motor into the electrical container and fasten it using the screws that come with the fan. You can now install the plastic grille by sliding its mounting wires into the existing slots in the housing unit.
It should sit comfortably against the ceiling. If you feel the need to spread the mounting wires a little more to produce more tension, then do so. Finally, you can now turn on the power and test if your bathroom fan is functioning well.
Conclusion
The installation of an Exhaust or extractor fan in the bathroom can be a DIY job. But you should have the right knowledge and skills for it. Otherwise, you will end up with a botched job.
At first glance, you may find installing a bathroom fan a bit of a heavy task than an easy-to-do DIY task. But as soon as you begin tackling the project, you’ll realize that with patience and adequate knowledge of the steps
On how to install a bathroom fan, you will surely finish the project smoothly and that would be helping to Clean your Toilet also. Kindly share this article with your family and friends via social media, so they can also get helpful insights about installing a bathroom fan.
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