# Are Bathroom vent fans hard to install? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 21, 2018, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bathroom-vent-fans-hard-to-install/826510 "2018-12-21T23:29:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Tempe\_Jeff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tempe_jeff/32/7328_2.png) [@Tempe\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tempe_Jeff)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2018, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bathroom-vent-fans-hard-to-install/826510/1 "2018-12-21T23:29:26Z")
I have a ceiling exhaust fan making noise and, squeaking at start-up. Are they standardized in size? Is installation complicated? ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2018, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bathroom-vent-fans-hard-to-install/826510/2 "2018-12-21T23:38:52Z")
> [@Tempe\_Jeff](#): > > I have a ceiling exhaust fan making noise and, squeaking at start-up. Are they standardized in size? Is installation complicated? I have replaced the fan motor alone a couple of times. I think it is just a couple of screws and on mine it literally just plugged-in (with a standard appliance plug). [Like this](https://www.homedepot.com/p/NuTone-50-CFM-Replacement-Motor-Wheel-for-696N-C350BN/202191734). Just have to find the right replacement for your model, no need to replace the entire assembly, I would gather. ---
**Author:** ![ZonexandScout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zonexandscout/32/544_2.png) [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2018, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bathroom-vent-fans-hard-to-install/826510/3 "2018-12-21T23:40:00Z")
I’ve installed or replaced several in the last few years, but I’m not an expert. No, they’re not hard to install, especially if there is existing electrical wiring and exterior vent you can use. A new one takes me about an hour. No, they’re not standard in size. If you can find a new one that fits into the old box, great. Twice, though, I couldn’t find the same model, so I installed one slightly larger and just trimmed the edges of the old opening to fit. It was simple. You can easily find reducers or adapters to connect the new one to the existing exterior vent. If you need to extend the electrical wiring, just get a box and cover you can nail to the joist near the van and add some cable. (This assumes you can get to the old fan from your attic. It’s a bit trickier if your fan is in a first floor ceiling with a finished second floor.) ---
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2018, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bathroom-vent-fans-hard-to-install/826510/4 "2018-12-21T23:40:59Z")
> [@Tempe\_Jeff](#): > > I have a ceiling exhaust fan making noise and, squeaking at start-up. Are they standardized in size? Is installation complicated? I had the same problem. I removed the motor and googled the model number, got a hit and bought a new one. I also could have tried a local business that specializes in electric motors but got lucky. Much easier than trying to put in a new unit - which would have meant tearing out sheetrock. ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2018, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bathroom-vent-fans-hard-to-install/826510/5 "2018-12-21T23:41:25Z")
Installing one fresh? It can be easy, or it can be a _major_ PITA. Replacing an existing one? Piece of cake! ---
**Author:** ![ZonexandScout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zonexandscout/32/544_2.png) [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2018, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bathroom-vent-fans-hard-to-install/826510/6 "2018-12-21T23:42:00Z")
> [@snowthx](#): > > I have replaced the fan motor alone a couple of times. I think it is just a couple of screws and on mine it literally just plugged-in (with a standard appliance plug). [Like this](https://www.homedepot.com/p/NuTone-50-CFM-Replacement-Motor-Wheel-for-696N-C350BN/202191734). Just have to find the right replacement for your model, no need to replace the entire assembly, I would gather. Good point. To be honest, I’ve fixed a few fan (and other) motors from squeaking by putting heavy grease on the motor shaft. It usually lasts a year or so. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2018, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bathroom-vent-fans-hard-to-install/826510/7 "2018-12-22T00:37:50Z")
Agree with the others. If the fan is broken, you can get a new motor like the one linked to above. Home Depot etc will have replacements for the common ones. This is a ten minute job and you’ll probably spend more time cleaning up drywall and toilet paper dust than anything else. Replacing the entire unit, on the other hand, is at least a half hour job if you done it before, have access to the area above (ie attic) and the new one fits in the old hole. If any of those are different it’s going to be a much bigger project. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2018, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bathroom-vent-fans-hard-to-install/826510/8 "2018-12-22T02:01:59Z")
How old is the fan? Could be a LOT of dust up there. ---
**Author:** ![Tempe\_Jeff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tempe_jeff/32/7328_2.png) [@Tempe\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tempe_Jeff)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2018, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bathroom-vent-fans-hard-to-install/826510/9 "2018-12-22T03:11:32Z")
The fan is of unknown age. The Townhouse was built in 1971 and, still has aluminum wiring in it. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2018, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bathroom-vent-fans-hard-to-install/826510/10 "2018-12-22T04:11:13Z")
You might see if you can find a low-sone (low noise) replacement. I know Panasonic makes them, but others probably do, too. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2018, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bathroom-vent-fans-hard-to-install/826510/11 "2018-12-22T04:35:35Z")
At that age, it’s definitely worth cleaning out the ducting while you’ve got it open. Also, get some weather stripping tape to seal the connection between the fan and the duct. Cheap duct tape will eventually allow moisture to get out into the void, dampening your joists and any subfloor above. ---
**Author:** ![OldGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/3bc359/32.png) [@OldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldGuy)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2018, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bathroom-vent-fans-hard-to-install/826510/12 "2018-12-22T05:23:07Z")
> [@Tempe\_Jeff](#): > > The fan is of unknown age. The Townhouse was built in 1971 and, still has aluminum wiring in it. If the fan has aluminum wiring, check the termination points when you take out the motor. Aluminum terminations are much more likely to cause fires if not maintained well than copper termination points are. ---
**Author:** ![Lucas\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lucas_jackson/32/303_2.png) [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2018, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bathroom-vent-fans-hard-to-install/826510/13 "2018-12-22T06:01:24Z")
It’s something I do occasionally. Not too hard. The last time I bought one at HD it was cheaper to buy the replacement kit than the motor alone. ---
**Author:** ![pohjonen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pohjonen/32/423_2.png) [@pohjonen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pohjonen)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2018, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bathroom-vent-fans-hard-to-install/826510/14 "2018-12-23T03:18:58Z")
We replaced one. Home Depot sold us the wrong one which did not fit, but I found the right one on Amazon. We’re a couple of old ladies. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Toledo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/34f0e0/32.png) [@Toledo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Toledo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2018, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bathroom-vent-fans-hard-to-install/826510/15 "2018-12-23T03:27:35Z")
I’ve fixed two of them (13 years old) recently. Pulled the motor frame out, cleaned it off, WD-40 to get it loose/free spinning, then some light oil (like sewing machine oil, or 3-in-1 oil). Put back in , runs fine. The aluminum wire doesn’t usually matter, they plug in with a regular plug on a short (6") cord. If that works, they do just fine. ---
**Author:** ![TSBG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/77aa72/32.png) [@TSBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TSBG)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2018, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bathroom-vent-fans-hard-to-install/826510/16 "2018-12-23T05:09:27Z")
Installing a new ceiling fan, especially if there’s already a cutout and exhaust hose, should be cheap and easy even if you pay someone to do it. And the newer fans are incredibly quiet. Last time I had this done I put in the cheapest model and it was so quiet I wasn’t sure at first that it was working. ---
**Author:** ![Tempe\_Jeff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tempe_jeff/32/7328_2.png) [@Tempe\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tempe_Jeff)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2018, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bathroom-vent-fans-hard-to-install/826510/17 "2018-12-23T19:57:16Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > You might see if you can find a low-sone (low noise) replacement. I know Panasonic makes them, but others probably do, too. I feel that a louder Fan would be better. Why hear the various bodily emanations when, someone is using the Bathroom? Anyhow, I was able to find a direct replacement Fan Motor Assembly and, it was a 5 minute job to replace. I thought it would be more involved. Thanks to all! ---
**Author:** ![bubba001](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f17d59/32.png) [@bubba001](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bubba001)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2018, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bathroom-vent-fans-hard-to-install/826510/18 "2018-12-24T23:04:51Z")
I’ve replaced several. I’ve replaced the motors on a couple. Putting a new installation is only a little more complex. If there is one there, I replace it with the same brand and size, or as close as possible. I hate doing any drywall, and doing ceiling drywall sucks the most. ---
**Author:** ![FluffyBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecb155/32.png) [@FluffyBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FluffyBob)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2018, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bathroom-vent-fans-hard-to-install/826510/19 "2018-12-26T18:48:30Z")
> [@ZonexandScout](#): > > I’ve installed or replaced several in the last few years, but I’m not an expert. > > No, they’re not hard to install, especially if there is existing electrical wiring and exterior vent you can use. A new one takes me about an hour. > > No, they’re not standard in size. If you can find a new one that fits into the old box, great. Twice, though, I couldn’t find the same model, so I installed one slightly larger and just trimmed the edges of the old opening to fit. It was simple. > > You can easily find reducers or adapters to connect the new one to the existing exterior vent. If you need to extend the electrical wiring, just get a box and cover you can nail to the joist near the van and add some cable. (This assumes you can get to the old fan from your attic. It’s a bit trickier if your fan is in a first floor ceiling with a finished second floor.) It is an electrical code violation to conceal a junction box; just mount the new fan in the original location or fish a new longer cable properly from the switch box. Speaking as someone who has to fix people’s renovation half-assery constantly. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2018, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bathroom-vent-fans-hard-to-install/826510/20 "2018-12-26T19:03:55Z")
> [@FluffyBob](#): > > It is an electrical code violation to conceal a junction box; just mount the new fan in the original location or fish a new longer cable properly from the switch box. > > Speaking as someone who has to fix people’s renovation half-assery constantly. A junction box in an attic is considered accessible. It might be annoying to get up into the attic, but generally as long as you don’t have to remove part of the building (ie cut into drywall, removing paneling, take up part of the floor etc), it’s okay. I believe they can even be buried in loose fill or batt insulation. Now, you’re local AHJ may feel differently but in general the NEC allows it. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bathroom-vent-fans-hard-to-install/826510.md?page=2)