A bathroom fan is an essential equipment in every bathroom. It keeps the bathroom dry by keeping off the moisture that could make it dumpy hence leading to foul smell. Well, undertaking such a project requires commitment and necessary carpentry skills because of the heavy workload. Read on and find out.
Start By Preparation
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First, you need to prepare adequately and ensure you have all the necessary tools. There are also two important issues that you need to focus on before setting off this project. These are venting to the outside and power source. Venting allows the air from your bathroom to be taken by the exhaust fan and released outside through the roof or side of the house.
Usually, the bathroom fan is installed on the ceiling, so you might require a direct electricity access point for it to run.
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Take Measurements
When you are ready with the required tool and you have the power-point access, you can now begin the installation.
First, you will require to take measurements that will involve some marking on the ceiling. Use a drill to mark a reference hole and mark the vent fan housing where you intend to install your fan. You also need to mark a point for the intake port.
Afterward, use your jigsaw to cut out the intake porthole. Most people prefer a rectangular shaped intake porthole depending on the make of your bathroom fan. Ensure you hold the cut part using one hand so that it might not fall on the bathroom floor.
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Fix the Fan onto the Porthole
When you are all set with the location of the fan, you can now fix it. First, you need to attach a duct elbow to the outlet port to make it easy for you. Cable connectors should also be inserted on the other side of the fan housing and support it using metallic brackets.
You can now fix the fan to the joints by ensuring the metal brackets fitted well using a cordless drill.
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Locate the Exit Point of the Duct Pipe
You need to locate the shortest route to the outside for the duct pipe to make the fan more efficient. You can run the vent through the roof or sidewall because venting using the attic might attract mold infestation.
Attach Vent Cap
Usually, there is variation when it comes to attaching the vent caps. It all depends on where you have chosen to be your exit point.
If your exit point is on the wall, then you need to make corresponding holes both in the inside and the outside where you will attach the cap. For the roof, you will need to cut off a circular hole and on the roof remove any shingles above the hole. Ensure you have roofing nails and cement before you start fixing the vent cap.
Routing the Fan to the Exterior
By now, you will have made a great milestone in the installation of your bathroom fan. Therefore, you need to go back to the bathroom and ensure the placement of the fan vertically is alright. In the attic, attach flexible tubing connecting the fan and the vent.
Check Electrical Connections
Electrical wiring is an important element to complete your project. You may do your wiring from the bathroom or the attic depending on the type of fan. However, you need to be keen on the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure all work is done when the power button is off. If you are not competent enough, you might request an electrician to give you a hand.
Attach the Grille
When you are confident that all the electrical cables have been properly fitted then you are almost done. All you need to do is to fix the Grille by fitting the blower motor. Attach the Grille to face the house and turn on the circuit breaker. Go back to the bathroom and test if your fan is working.
Installing Guide on YouTube
Final Verdict
Installing the bathroom exhaust fan is that simple. The method that I have sketched in this article will see you the whole process. It is always essential to have a company of a technician if you are fixing it for the first time. This is to prevent inappropriate electrical wiring, which might lead to accidents. Therefore, once you are all set, you can begin to enjoy all-time fresh and dry bathrooms.