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If your bathroom exhaust fan isn’t working, is too loud, or doesn’t move air well enough, it might be time to replace it. You can replace a bathroom exhaust fan in a couple of hours for $50 to $150. In some cases, you may even be able to replace just the working parts in about half the time of a full replacement and for about $25 to $50.
Before You Begin
Can you use a replacement kit instead of replacing the entire fan? A replacement kit includes a motor/blower unit, a mounting motor plate, and a grille—everything except for the fan housing. You can replace just the motor/blower unit if:
- Fan housing is in good condition: The metal housing holding the current motor/blower unit must be solid and firmly attached to the ceiling joists.
- Kit matches the housing: The replacement kit is an exact match for the fan housing, down to the make and model number.
- Kit has the features you want: The replacement kit must have the sones (noise) rating and the air handling capacity that you want.
Permits and Codes
A permit may not be required to replace a bathroom exhaust fan. If no permit was issued for the existing bathroom fan, you may need to apply for a permit for the new fan. Check with your local permitting office. The new fan and installation must comply with exhaust fan codes set forth in the International Residential Code.
Safety Considerations
Make sure that the electricity is turned off to the exhaust fan before you open it up. Bathroom ceilings often have insulation, mold, droppings, and dust, so wear a dust mask when removing the fan.
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
Both Methods
- Electric drill
- Step ladder
- Shop vacuum
- Flashlight
- Electric cable ripper
- Wire stripper
- Dust mask
Materials
Replace Motor/Blower Only
- Motor/blower replacement or upgrade kit
Replace Entire Unit
- Bathroom exhaust fan
- Cable clamp (NM wire)
- Clamp or duct tape
Instructions
How to Replace a Bathroom Fan—Motor/Blower Only
Instead of replacing the entire bathroom fan, you may be able to replace the motor/blower only. Motor/blower replacements are less expensive and save on the hassle and mess of replacing the fan housing.
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Turn Off the Power
Turn off the power to the exhaust fan by turning off the circuit breaker in the electric service panel.
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Remove the Fan Grille
Remove the grille on the exhaust fan. Many exhaust fans have spring clips that disengage by pulling the grille away from the fan body.
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Unplug the Motor/Blower
Unplug the fan motor/blower unit within the fan housing. This is a short two-wire double-prong plug. Unplug this wire and leave it hanging.
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Disengage the Motor/Blower Unit
Pry back the tabs holding the motor or mounting plate that holds the motor/blower unit in the housing. In some cases, you may need to push tabs to disengage the motor plate.
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Remove the Motor/Blower Unit
Tilt or pivot the motor plate downward and remove it from the housing.
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Install the New Motor/Blower Unit
First, vacuum out the housing to remove dust and cobwebs. Then, insert the new motor/blower unit.
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Plug In the Motor/Blower Unit
Plug the motor blower unit in again. Turn on the circuit breaker and test the fan.
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Replace the Grille
Squeeze the two wire clips together and fit them into the fan housing. Press the grill up until it locks into place against the ceiling.
How to Replace a Bathroom Fan—Entire Unit
If the fan housing is in poor shape or you can’t find a suitable replacement kit, replace the entire bathroom fan, including the housing.
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Turn Off the Power
Turn off the power to the bathroom fan at the circuit breaker panel.
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Remove the Fan Grille
Pry the grille off by pulling downward, then squeeze the two metal clips together to release the grille from the fan housing.
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Remove the Bathroom Fan
Turn out the screws on the bottom or the side of the fan housing that hold the housing to the joists. Gently lower the fan housing and its attached blower/motor unit. Have an assistant hold the fan housing while you remove the duct and the electrical wire from the fan.
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Run the Electric Cable Into the New Bathroom Fan
Rip off about 4 inches of sheathing from the electric wire coming from the ceiling. Strip the ends of each coated wire. Add a cable clamp to the bathroom fan. Run the wire through the cable clamp, then screw the clamp tightly down.
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Attach the Fan’s Electrical Wires
Attach the wires in the bathroom fan to the wires from the ceiling. Match color to color and attach them with the provided wire nuts:
- Black to black
- White to white
- Green to green (or sometimes green to bare)
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Attach the Duct
Attach the duct to the outlet on the fan housing. Secure the duct with clamps or duct tape.
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Attach the Fan Housing to the Joists
Push the fan housing unit up into the ceiling until its bottom edge is flush with the ceiling. Screw it into place against the joists from below. Drive the screws through the lip on the bottom of the housing, up into the joists. Some models may require the screws to be driven in through the side of the housing.
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Test the Bathroom Fan
Flip on the circuit breaker. Turn on the bathroom fan at the wall switch. Confirm that the fan is working. Also, if it is convenient and safe, go to the vent on the outside of the house and test for adequate airflow.
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Replace the Grille
Squeeze the two wire clips on the grille together. Fit the clips into the receiving slots on the fan housing. Push up. Continue to push until the grille locks firmly into place against the ceiling.
When to Call a Professional
Installing a differently sized bathroom exhaust fan can be difficult since a new framework needs to be built to accommodate the fan. Fans that require attic access are similarly difficult to install. Call a professional in either situation.
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Can I replace a bathroom fan myself?
You can replace a bathroom fan by yourself if you are proficient in simple wiring and can work overhead on a ladder for half an hour or more. Since a previous bathroom fan was in place, the wire should be transferrable to the new bathroom fan.
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Can you replace a bathroom fan without an electrician?
Most homeowners adept at replacing ceiling lights or outlets should be able to replace a bathroom fan without an electrician. Wiring is usually a straightforward one-for-one match from the old fan to the new fan.
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How to easily replace a bathroom fan?
The easiest way to replace a bathroom fan is to purchase a replacement kit that includes the motor/blower unit, thus avoiding removal of the fan housing.
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How much does it cost to replace a bathroom exhaust fan?
It costs from $50 to $150 to replace a bathroom exhaust fan. Less expensive bathroom fans tend to be noisier (1 sones rating or more), while more expensive fans typically offer quieter operations. Beyond the cost of the fan, there are few other costs, if any.
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