Hi Keith, I have a bathroom exhaust vent that has been making some funny, fast clicking sounds over the past week. I took the cover off and wiped away the dust (a lot of it) when the motor was hot, and now the fan has stopped working. Do I have to replace the entire unit?
—Kevin, E. Plymouth, MI

Hi Kevin,
Bathroom fans can help remove the moisture that can cause mildew in your bathroom and can help remove bathroom odors. A fan that is not working properly can be noisy and inefficient.

By replacing the motor, rather than the entire unit, you can save time and money. The last motor I replaced, the entire project was under $20.

You may want to consider using a fan upgrade kit. According to one of our HandyPro technicians, Patrick, they’re available at most hardware stores for approximately $30-60.

The benefits are:

1. They can be less noisy
2. You can use the same housing unit in many cases, and
3. They can be upgraded to move more cubic feet per minute of air, or CFM, than your existing unit.

“They fit all the 50-CFM fans by Broan-Nutone, and they come with three different mounting plates. The kit changes the fan design from straight blades to squirrel cage design,” says Patrick.

“I've used them before, and my clients have been very happy.”

If you decided to replace the entire unit, there are also many new models on the market. They include lights, heaters and moisture sensors for “hands free,” but for now we will focus on replacing the motor to help you with your question.

Whether you decided to upgrade or replace the motor unit itself,  The first step is to ensure the switch on your breaker or fuse box is turned off. Then remove the fan cover and unplug the motor from the assembly unit.

Next find the screws to remove the motor and unit in which it is attached, also known as the motor plate. (This is a good time to vacuum and remove any dust).

After the motor assembly unit is removed, unscrew the motor itself. On the unit is a model number; you can take this number to your local hardware store, or you can order a new motor on an internet site such as Amazon.com or grainger.com.

Reattach the new motor to the housing, plug it in and turn on the electricity to give it a try. Once the cover is on, test the suction of the fan by covering the vent with a paper towel. It should adhere to the fan cover while turned on.

While you are involved with this project, be sure that the unit is vented to the outside of your home through the roof or siding. I’ve seen attics inundated with mildew because the moisture was vented into the attic only, saturating the beams and roofline and causing major damage and unsafe conditions.

 

Enjoy the sound and wind power of your new bathroom fan.

Paul is a State of Michigan Licensed Builder. Paul serves as President and founding member of Nationally franchised HandyPro Handyman Service, servicing Washtenaw, Wayne and Oakland Counties. www.handypro.com. Listen to Paul every Saturday at 11 a.m. on “It’s Your Business, Make It Happen” WAAM Talk 1600AM. Email questions or comments to kpaul@handypro.com.