Home - Garden
Is DIYing Your Bathroom Exhaust Fan A Good Idea?
An Expert Weighs In
By BROOKE YOUNGER
Bathroom fans are essential to reduce humidity, prevent mold growth, and vent odors, but when they need to be replaced, consider an expert’s advice before attempting it yourself.
In an exclusive interview with House Digest, Chris Lozano, virtual electrical expert at Frontdoor stresses that you need to have the right tools and must ensure the power is off.
He advises wearing gloves and a mask: “Exhaust fans [...] can be sharp and easily cut your hands and arms. Be prepared for insulation which may fall when you pull the fan down.”
“It is important to get accurate measurements of the hole in the ceiling and the actual vent cover of your new bathroom fan replacement to make sure they will match,” says Lozano.
You’ll need to ensure the framing won’t impede the installation of a larger vent. If it’s smaller, Lozano says “to patch the sheetrock so that no attic air gets into the room.”
The fan ducts also need to be properly placed or the hot, humid air can cause mold. “Ensure that the fan is vented outside through the roof, siding, or soffit,” Lozano points out.
For awkward ceilings or structures, Lozano recommends hiring an electrician to install the fan and vent, and a carpenter to handle the roof, siding, or soffit, and ceiling repairs.
Lozano suggests getting a consultation first: “To gauge [...] if it should be a DIY or professional job, homeowners could do a video chat with an electrical expert at Frontdoor.”