Replacing Bath Exhaust Fan
BillHartmann
| Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on
I am working on a house that has a bad bath exhaust fan. It looks like they took the cover off and retextured the ceiling, fan, and motor. Of course the motor is now toast.
The attic asses is very difficult. And the ceiling is covered with 8-10″ of cels.
If I tried to replace the whole assemble from the inside I will end up with a bathroom full of cels.
If I could just replace the motor assemble it would be an easy fix. The unit is an Emerson-Rittenhouse. Are they still around and or maybe a new name?
Any one else have any suggestions for fixing this other than through the attic?
Replies
I think you overestimate the insulation, but your terminology "cels" confuses me as to whats there. I've done this in the past (and will again this week) and my MO is get below the fan, take off everything you can easily, locate the screws or nails that are holding the box in (perhaps assisted by flat bar). Sawzall nails. Remove box. Put new box in, wire, etc. Usually new holes get made for attaching to wood framing. If it's vented out the roof, attach the vent first. If it vents into the attic, just be sure the attachments are on and free of the insul before putting it up. If "cels" refers to blown in cellulose, if you don't go jerking things around too bad, you'll probably be surprised how little of it actually rains down on you.
Yes, I was talking about blown cellulose. I was envision standing in the bathroom filled about 3 ft deep with insulation.
My father in law's exhaust fan died recently after 20 some odd years. We pulled the moter out and bought a replacement at an electric motor shop for $30. It was a lot easier then replacing the unit.
paul
I just don't understand why replacing the whole unit from the bathroom side is so bad . How much stuff can fall out? Usually it is interwoven enough to stay somewhat intact. When done, spray some insulating foam to replace what fell out and find another project to tackle.
If you can only tackle it from the attic side then first roll out a 1.5ml or thicker plastic sheet so you don't get the s__t all over you. The s__t also cuts better with a long sissor than with a utility knife.
" How much stuff can fall out?"
Maybe I have seen too many Road Runner cartoons and I Love Lucy shows, but I have this image that I will be sweep out of the room on a flood of cels. <G>.
" and find another project to tackle."
In this house it is not a case of finding other projects, it is a case of trying not to be buried by them (both literally<G> and time wise).
But I am going to try to locate a replacement motor. Several people have told me that they have gotten ones at appliance part stores, Graingers and the like.
But if that fail then then I will try to replace it from the bath.
If you can find the same model exhaust fan, just swap the motors.
What you really need is a young fella, you'd be amazed what kind of nooks and crannies they can get into. If you don't have a young one, I love the old roadrunner cartoons, rip the thing out and tell us what happened!
Jesse James said to make up a gang of young men from 16 to 21, " Theres nothin they won't do."
You should be able to find a replacement motor and fan. Search google for the manufacturer. Then try Grainger, Johnstone Supply or C W Jones or you local HVAC supply distributor.
How old is the fan? if it is an older unit why replace the "guts" of it when a newer more effictive fan may cost less than a new motor? I have replaced many fans in attics with "cell" insulation, the mess from the insulation usually was not the problem, the larger issue was undersized fans and/ or undersized or improperly placed ducting. I'd suggest replacement of the fan and inspection of the duct and roof/ wall vent