Mold, mildew and bacteria can accumulate over time in your bathroom if you do not have an exhaust fan or if your current fan needs repair or replacement. An exhaust fan helps to prevent mold spores and the growth of mildew throughout your bathroom space and restores that fresh and clean atmosphere everyone wants in their bathroom. If you are a do it yourselfer wanting to perform your own exhaust fan installation or replacement, here are some important tips and facts for you.
HOW CLEAN AND SAFE IS YOUR EXISTING EXHAUST FAN IN YOUR BATHROOM?
Having an exhaust fan in your bathroom certainly contributes to a safer and cleaner atmosphere, but having a dirty exhaust fan is entirely ineffective. An operational exhaust fan that is clean, performs exactly as you need it to. It draws out the moisture and odors in your bathroom by using suction and delivering it through a vent to the outside of your home. A bathroom fan, however, over time, accumulates a great deal of grime and dust, which ultimately minimizes the effective operation of the fan. Once the fan cover or the blades become extremely dirty, they can no longer remove airborne contaminants, pollutants and moisture from your bathroom space effectively. With that said, it is important to routinely clean your exhaust fan in your efforts to avoid the growth of mildew and mold spores which can ultimately present with other more serious problems.
CAREFUL STEPS TO TAKE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AN EXHAUST FAN
Be sure to turn off the circuit breaker to the exhaust fan before you attempt to replace it. Remove the cover from the fan and place it in warm water with a small amount of soap. Using a small vacuum, remove all the dust and other particles that have accumulated on the fan and its overall housing. Next, scrub and wipe down the fan blades using a microfiber cloth to remove any particles, dust or dirt you were not able to remove with a vacuum.
Dry all the fan blades carefully and replace the cover before attempting to turn the fan on and try running it again. If after engaging in these steps, the fan is still not operational, then it may be time to invest in a replacement fan or perhaps a whole new exhaust fan installation.
HOW TO REPLACE YOUR BATHROOM EXHAUST FAN
Again, you want to begin by turning off the circuit breaker that powers your exhaust fan. Remove the fan cover and disconnect the vent pipe and wires. It may be necessary to go into your home’s attic in order to remove the hardware that is located above the ceiling. Vacuum away any dust, dirt or grime that is present throughout the area and utilize a microfiber cloth to remove any dirt that remains after vacuuming. While you are at it, this is a good time to ensure that your exhaust fan is delivering the moisture to the outside of your home and not into your home’s attic before you move forward with your new exhaust fan installation.
Following the instructions that came with your new fan, whether attaching from the bottom into your ceiling or from the attic, be sure the vent pipe is attached and secured to the new fan. Finally, plug the new fan into an outlet, replace the cover, turn on the circuit breaker and test run the fan.
This process may appear to be somewhat simple to the average do it yourselfer but, more often than now, replacing an existing exhaust fan or installing a new exhaust fan is better accomplished by reaching out to professionals. Gervais Electric is definitely the team for you!
THE PROFESSIONALS YOU CAN TRUST
For more information about an exhaust fan installation or to schedule your installation appointment, be sure to reach out to Gervais Electric. Our team of highly skilled and professional electricians is steadfast in our commitment to meet the needs of all our valued clients and in providing only the highest quality electrical parts, repairs and services. No matter what your electrical needs may be, whether residential or commercial, look to Gervais Electric – your go to team for all your electrical needs.
