Replace An Attic Exhaust Fan

Most homes have at least one exhaust fan in the attic.  Depending on the size and shape of the attic, the attic may have 2 or 3 exhaust fans.  Since the attic is usually hot in the summer months - sometimes reaching as much as 130 degrees F - the exhaust fans will often have bearing failure.  The bearings are usually of the sealed type and can not be lubricated. Most of the time it is cheaper to replace the exhaust fan than try to repair them. Some exhaust fans have a thermostat that can fail but you may not find the correct thermostat and it is still easier to just replace the complete exhaust fan.

The tools required to replace the exhaust fan are: flashlight, wire strippers, needle nose pliers, screw drivers and nut drivers. See tool list

When going into the attic, be very careful to step on the ceiling joist and not between or you can be hurt or at least damage the ceiling sheet rock.

To replace the exhaust fan, first verify that the power is turned off.  You can turn the breaker off or if the breaker is not marked, using a multimeter, verify the voltage is off by shutting the breakers off one at a time and reading the voltage at the exhaust fan connections. ( They are usually connected with wire nuts that you can carefully remove to check the voltage. After the power is turned off and verified disconnect the wires from the exhaust fan. The wires may be physically attached to the exhaust fan by a clamp which can be loosened to pull the wire out of the exhaust fan. Most fan motors have 3 screws holding them to the housing. Remove the mounting screws and pull the exhaust fan out. By doing this you do not have to climb a ladder on outside to rremove the exhaust fan. Then reinstall the fan with the mounting screws and reconnect the wires. Turn on voltage and verify that the exhaust fan is working and you are done.

For more information on household electrical repairs visit Household Electrical Repairs Household Electrical Repairs

Article submitted Tuesday, June 17, 2008
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