When should I replace my bathroom exhaust fan?

08 Apr.,2024

 

Being a homeowner comes with a long list of responsibilities. But, when you think about the things you need to do to maintain your home,  your bathroom exhaust fan probably doesn’t come to mind. Because they’re so easily forgotten, they can sometimes break down without you even noticing. And, while you may not realize it, your bathroom exhaust fan does a lot for the comfort and safety of your home.

What is a bathroom exhaust fan?

When you take a shower, the steam from the hot water needs somewhere to go. When you flush the toilet, those smells need somewhere to go too. That’s where the bathroom exhaust fan comes to the rescue. Bathroom exhaust fans are an important part of your home’s ventilation system. They work by removing heat, odors, and moisture that would otherwise linger in your bathroom and create comfort problems — from the risk of mold to quality of air.

4 Signs Your Bathroom Exhaust Fan Needs to be Replaced

1. It’s Louder Than Before

It’s normal for your bathroom exhaust fan to make some noise while it’s on. However, if you recently noticed the noise is louder than before, this is a sign the exhaust fan motor is starting to die. When the fan motor dies, the bathroom exhaust fan needs to be replaced.

2. Moisture is Taking Over Your Bathroom

Did you know that your bathroom is a higher risk for mold growth than any other place in your home? The running water from your shower, toilet, and sink increase humidity levels, which create the perfect environment for mold to thrive. If the air in your bathroom feels thick and stuffy — it’s likely your bathroom exhaust fan needs to be replaced. In order to prevent a serious mold problem from developing, a fully functioning bathroom exhaust is needed to draw out the excess moisture.

3. Stubborn Odors

Aside from removing moisture and humidity, your bathroom exhaust fan also removes odors. Having a home that’s clean and fresh is important to many homeowners. After all, home is where you relax and spend your downtime. Yet, despite your best cleaning efforts, odors still come back and linger. When an odor manifests in the bathroom, your exhaust fan draws it out. If odors are still loitering in your bathroom — a new bathroom exhaust fan is sure to keep them at bay.

4. It’s Exceeded its Lifespan

Many homeowners have the same bathroom exhaust fan for several years. However, like most systems, these fans don’t last forever. The average lifespan for a bathroom exhaust fan is about ten years. If you can’t remember when it was last replaced or have no idea how old it is, it’s a smart idea to invest in a new one.

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Bathroom exhaust fans play an important role in controlling moisture levels and odor inside household restrooms. Without a properly functioning exhaust fan in your bathroom, mold can form, your interior paint can suffer moisture-related deterioration, and unpleasant odors can linger in your home.

Even if you have fans already set up, it’s important to keep in mind that they won’t last forever. Typically, bathroom exhaust fans have a lifespan of about 10 years, provided they receive proper care and maintenance. If you think you have a fan that’s nearing the end of its functional life, read on to learn about the signs that indicate it’s time for a replacement.

 

You Notice Stubborn Odors in the Bathroom

The primary function of your bathroom exhaust fan is to remove moisture from the air, but it also helps eliminate unpleasant odors from the room. If you’ve noticed a lingering stench after someone uses the commode, that may indicate the fan is no longer operating efficiently.

If you can’t stand the odor, get in touch with an electrician who can inspect the device for problems. If you need a replacement unit, your electrician can also take care of the bathroom fan installation service.

 

The Fan Is Louder Than Normal

Whether your exhaust fan has gradually grown louder than usual or it suddenly starts making much more noise than it used to, it’s probably time for a replacement. It’s normal for a bathroom exhaust fan to make a small amount of noise, but when that noise gets really noticeable, it usually indicates the fan motor is on the verge of dying.

 

Your Bathroom Feels Stuffy

When you take a shower or bath with your exhaust fan running, what does the air in your bathroom feel like when you’re finished? Thick or stuffy? If the air feels humid when you finish bathing, the fan isn’t moving moisture out through the exhaust vent as efficiently as it should.

When moisture hangs in the air, it can prompt several unpleasant problems, including:

●        Mold growth

●        Paint deterioration

●        Pest intrusion

●        Caulking deterioration

●        Wood rot

If your bathroom feels consistently stuffy, call a licensed electrician for bathroom fan installation service. Getting a new fan professionally installed will help ensure your bathroom doesn’t become a breeding ground for organic growths or insects. 

 

The Fan Seems Sluggish

Does your exhaust fan power up slowly? Or does it seem like it’s just not spinning at the speed it once did? If you’ve noticed either of these issues, it’s definitely time for a replacement. A licensed electrician can inspect the existing fan to make sure there are no wiring issues that may be causing sluggish operation. And, since electricians are also expert bathroom exhaust fan installers, he can take care of the replacement along with the inspection.

 

You Smell Something Burning When the Fan Is On

If you’ve noticed even the faintest scent of burning plastic while the fan is operational, you need to call a bathroom exhaust fan installer stat. A fan that smells like it’s burning may have an electrical problem, which can present a serious fire hazard if you don’t address the issue promptly.

 

Schedule Your Bathroom Fan Installation Service With Harrison Electric Today

If your bathroom is due for a new exhaust fan, let Harrison Electric’s bathroom exhaust fan installers handle the job. Since 1985, we’ve proudly served the electrical needs of homeowners throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro, and when you need electricians you can trust, we’re here for you too. To schedule service, feel free to give us a call today at 763-544-3300 or request a quote. You can also send a message with any questions or concerns, and we’ll get in touch promptly.

When should I replace my bathroom exhaust fan?

5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Bathroom Exhaust Fan