Upgrade Bathroom Fans
The easiest way to upgrade a noisy, old bathroom vent fan is to replace the parts that most often wear out - namely, the fan and motor - and to throw on a new grille for a renewed look. If your old fan was manufactured by Broan, NuTone or Nautilus anytime after 1985 (most builder-grade bath fans fit this description), you can purchase a one-size-fits-all fan upgrade kit through Broan. This includes a new motor and fan, two motor mounts, a grille and a small wrench for tightening the fan mounting nuts. If the upgrade kit won't work, call some local HVAC or plumbing parts suppliers for a replacement motor (and fan, if necessary); chances are, replacing the motor and fan and cleaning the grille and fan housing will make your old fan run like new.
Instructions
1. Shut off the power to the fan's circuit at the home's service panel (breaker box).
2. Pull the fan grille down from the ceiling, and remove it by releasing the spring clips from the fan housing (some grilles may be secured with a cap nut). Unplug the motor from the fan housing or motor mount. Remove the motor mounting plate (or strap holding the motor in place) and pull the motor/fan assembly from the fan housing.
3. Vacuum inside the fan housing. Also clean the grille, if you're reusing it. If you don't have an upgrade kit, locate the model number inside the fan housing or on the motor, and find a local supplier who has the parts you need in stock. Bring the old parts with you to ensure an exact match before purchasing.
4. Install the new motor assembly to the mounting plate, as applicable. Reinstall the mounting plate in the fan housing. Plug in the motor, then install the new (or newly cleaned) grille. Restore power to the fan's circuit.
Tags: from housing, mounting plate, Bathroom Fans, housing motor, inside housing, motor assembly, power circuit