The Mike Holmes-Approved Way To Quickly & Easily Test Your Bathroom Exhaust Fan

For many homeowners, turning on the bathroom exhaust fan before jumping in the shower or after deep cleaning the bathroom is a force of habit. And for good reason: the benefits of a bathroom exhaust fan range from helping remove odors to cutting down on humidity to stop mold from growing. In other words, it's crucial to keep your bathroom fresh and healthy.

But when was the last time you checked that your exhaust fan was ventilating properly? If it's been a while, you're not alone; many homeowners forget to regularly test the fan. While this might feel like an extra — and perhaps unnecessary — task to add to your home maintenance checklist, Mike Holmes, host of HGTV's "Holmes on Homes," recommends it. "A shower produces a large amount of water vapor and steam. If you don't have proper ventilation in your bathrooms, you can end up with mold," he writes in an Instagram post. "Test your fan's strength," he urges homeowners. The good news is that the test is easy, fast, and you can do it with things that are already in your bathroom.

To check if your bathroom's exhaust fan is working, use the tissue paper test. Turn the fan on, then hold a tissue close to the vent. If the tissue is pulled towards the vent and held in place, your fan is in good shape. If it falls to the ground, it's not working properly.

If your fan failed the test, clean your bathroom vent fan (make sure to turn the circuit breaker off first), then try again. If that doesn't work, head into the attic to make sure the ductwork is connected properly. If the tissue still falls, it may be time to replace either the vent fan's motor or the fan itself.

The signs that you need to replace your motor are almost exactly the same as those that indicate it's time for a new unit: a burning odor, increased noise, or the blades aren't spinning properly when it's running. The best way to decide if you should replace the motor or the fan is to consider the exhaust fan's age. These appliances generally have a ten-year lifespan, so if your fan is newer, it may simply need a new motor. If it's older or you're unsure when it was installed, consider replacing it altogether. You can DIY a bathroom exhaust fan replacement if you're comfortable with the process, have the proper tools, and take precautions. If it's a little out of your comfort zone, call your electrician.