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How to Replace a Bathroom Exhaust Fan

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A properly functioning exhaust fan is one of the most critical elements of any bathroom. The primary purpose of exhaust fans is to pull moisture out of the bathroom and vent it to the outside through a roof vent. Removal of moisture from bathrooms not only makes the air in the bathroom more comfortable, but it prevents the growth of mold and mildew. Hooking up a bathroom exhaust fan is a relatively simple project that most homeowners can accomplish on their own.

Things You Will Need

Screwdriver

Wire nut

Wire stripper

Exhaust fan

Duct tape

Step 1

Locate the main circuit breaker for the home and shut off the switch for the bathroom in which you are installing the exhaust fan.

Step 2

Remove the existing bathroom fan. This is done by first removing the cover, which sometimes snaps off but may require the removal of screws. Next, detach the silver exhaust tube by pulling it away from the fan. Finally, remove the fan itself by removing the screws with a screwdriver. The fan will easily detach from the ceiling.

Step 3

Secure the new exhaust fan in place using the screws provided with the fan. Make sure to place the screws directly into the ceiling joist or wood braces.

Step 4

Run electrical cable from the light switch to the exhaust fan and connect it to the electrical circuit at the wall switch. If you are not familiar with electrical work, an electrician should be hired to perform this work. This is not necessary if you are replacing an existing exhaust fan.

Step 5

Wire the fan to the electrical wire following manufacturer's directions. To attach wires, strip 1/2 inch of the plastic coating away from the end of each wire using a wire stripper. Place the exposed wire ends next to each other and insert both of them into a wire nut. Turn the wire nut clockwise until it won't turn anymore. In simple installations, white wires are connected, black wires are connected and the green grounding wire is connected to the grounding clip on the fan housing.

Step 6

Connect the silver round exhaust duct to the fan by pulling the duct down over the round opening on the inside of the fan.

Step 7

Go into the attic and wrap duct tape around the base of the duct in the interior of the attic. While in the attic, make sure that there is no installation within two feet of the fan.