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Introduction
Installing a bathroom exhaust fan is a relatively easy project for any moderately skilled do-it-yourselfer. In the first part of this article I will cover the installation of the fan unit itself and in the second part I will cover running the electrical. There are many different types of vent fan units-exhaust fan units, exhaust fan units with light, exhaust fan with light and night light, etc but they all install alike. The difference lies in the electrical wiring. The other differences in installation lie with the way they are vented using a roof cap vent, a soffit vent or a through the wall vent. This project will require working on ladders and the roof of your home so if you aren't comfortable working at heights this project isn't for you. Before undertaking this project I recommend that you read my article on ladder safety.
Time required: 6 to 10 hours depending on skill level and structure.
Tools that you will need to complete this project
· 6 foot step ladder
· Extension ladder
· 3/8" drill/driver
· Zircon Stud sensor Pro LCD Electronic stud finder
· Large layout square/speed square
· Jig saw
· 4" Hole saw
· 1/4" X 18" Irwin's installer bit
· 3/8" Spade bit
· Tape measure
· Lineman Pliers
· Diagonal Pliers/wire cutter
· Wire strippers
· Long nose pliers
· Flat blade screwdriver
· Phillips Head screwdriver
· Wire fishing tape
· Digital Multimeter
· Caulking gun
· Tarps/drop cloths
· safety goggles
· Dust mask
Materials and supplies that you will need for this project
· Vent fan/light unit90° sheet metal elbow
· 12' connector duct
· Roof vent cap or through the wall vent or soffitt vent
· Aluminum foil duct tape
· 12/3 w/gr romex cable
· toggle switches
· Old work box
· Assorted wire nuts/wire connector
· Silicon caulking
Installation procedure
1. Begin by making a mark on the bathroom ceiling where you want to install the vent fan/light unit. The best place to locate these units is halfway between the toilet and the shower/tub unit. Using the stud finder make sure your mark isn't right over one of the rafters, then drill a reference hole using the Irwin 1/4" X 18" installer's drill bit. Drill completely through the bathroom ceiling and into the attic space.
2. Using that hole as a reference point remove the attic floor boards as needed and remove any insulation present. If your home has blown in insulation you may want to use A shop vacuum to remove it before proceeding further
3. Back in the bathroom, layout the opening using the layout square and then cutout the opening using the jig saw. A reciprocating saw or a hand drywall saw will also work. Before completing the cut support the waste piece with one hand so it doesn't fall and take some of the good plaster or plaster board with it
4. Attach the 90º elbow to the vent fan housing with the elbow pointing straight up. Remove one of the 1/2 K.O.s (knockouts) from the fan units electrical splice box and install a 1/2" Romex Cable connector. Then slide the four metal support brackets into the tabs protruding from the vent fan housing
5. Back in the attic center the vent fan on the ceiling opening and attach the fan support brackets to the joists. Secure the supports to the joists using 1 1/2" drywall screws.
6. Attach one end of the vent duct to the elbow and tape securely using the Aluminum Foil Duct tape
7. Now locate a spot between to studs within 6 feet of the vent fan to install the through the wall vent cap. A through the wall vent cap or a soffit vent is preferred over a roof vent cap because there is less chance of a water leak. Take several measurements from nearby references like a window or some other easily identified references so you can use the to locate the spot on exterior wall of your home
8. Step up your extension ladder and drill a 4" hole at this location. The hole doesn't have to be centered exactly between the studs so long as it is between the studs
9. Install the wall vent assembly using the foam gasket and a bead of silicon caulking to seal it
10.Connect the vent duct to the wall vent tube and tape with the Aluminum Foil Duct tape
Great job. Get a cup of coffee and relax for a moment and then we'll get down to installing the electrical wire and switches for your new fan/light unit.
Good morning Charlene, Every truly intelligent person knows their limitations but sometimes what we think are our limitations are self imposed. What were once strictly "manly things" are no longer strictly "manly things." Take a look at all the women in the construction industry today, on or off the job site no man would ever mistake them for being manly. Take auto racing as another prime example, back in the days when I got my start in racing stock cars on dirt tracks the only lady in racing was Shirley "Cha-Cha" Muldowney, but today they are everywhere. My only point here, Charlene, is that you might be surprised at what you could do if you gave it a try. I'm not suggesting that you try installing a bathroom vent fan as a first project but try something simple like installing a new plug on a table lamp or something of that nature. You may surprise yourself. Take care and have a great day.
You know Jerry, I just might try doing something I have never done before. I could never install a ceiling fan, or a bathroom vent... but I might be able to do some other thing like you said. I do want to try. You have inspired me to try something simple and then maybe work up. I have a tool box that my lady friend that I told you about.. gave me... I gave it to my son in law because I had no use for it. The next time something needs fixing, maybe I can try to fix it. My friend Nancy does this kind of thing all the time.
Jerry,
I have successfully installed a ceiling fan for my master bath, now it's time for my guest bathroom. My question is whether I can simply use the same exhaust port to the outside that I made for the first exhaust fan, and simply join the two exhaust vents in the attic with a T connector? Or will this create problems in that I would be exhausting one bathroom into the other instead of outside?
Good afternoon Brian. If you use the same vent to the outside for both fans you will run the risk of some back draft if both fans aren't running at the same time. You have two choices. You can use separate vents or you can install flappers in each branch that only open under positive pressure. These flapper valves only allow air flow in one direction. If you go with the flapper valves make sure you buy one rated to open at or under CFH (Cubic Feet per Hour) rating of the fan. The ratings may also be in CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute). You easiest route is to use a second vent, just place one under the other or place them side by side and they'll look like one unit from outside your house.
Thanks for this guide suggesting for installing a bathroom exhaust fan. Home Lighting
Yeah, I agree with you that installing a bathroom exhaust fan is a relatively easy project for any moderately skilled do-it-yourself. I would like to thank you for your excellent support. From this one I can know how to install a bathroom exhaust fan. chase auto loan
I like it very much especially the information you have putted here is like training. Keep the blog up to date. Thanks a lot.
Bathrooms are particularly prone to moisture problems caused by high humidity. Heat and moisture combine to produce moisture-laden air that fills the room and, upon contacting cooler tile, walls, and ceilings, condenses, turning back into water. This feeds mold, mildew, and even structural rot. To expel humid air before it has a chance to condense, every bathroom needs ventilation. In most cases, the best ventilation for a bathroom is an exhaust fan. Though the bathrooms in most new homes are equipped with adequate bath fans, an older home is often either entirely without a fan or has one that is underpowered. When buying a new ventilation fan, be sure to check its rating for air movement, which is measured by cubic feet per minute (CFM). For an average-size bathroom, the minimal requirement is 80 CFM. Replacing an existing fan with a new one is a relatively easy do-it-yourself project as long as the new unit will fit in the existing opening and can be connected to the existing exhaust duct. Installing a new fan where there wasn’t a fan before is more involved but often easiest if you place it where there is an existing ceiling light fixture. Before you install the fan housing, the job will require cutting a hole in the ceiling at the light fixture’s location, snaking a vent pipe (or duct) from there to an exterior wall, penetrating the exterior wall for the vent, and adding a vent cap. For this job, purchase a fan that has a built-in light to replace the light you remove. If the ventwork is beyond your skill level, call in a contractor. http://www.ring4van.com
I could never do anything like that. I have a lady friend though that does a lot of 'manly' stuff... wood working, fixing things .. installing things. I gave her a power drill one day for Christmas. I sometimes forward your stuff to her, because things you write about are right up her alley.