Bath Fan Replacement

[mkgrady]

I need to replace an existing bathroom exhaust fan. I won't have a chance to see it in advance. Does anybody recommend one that is a good retrofit model?

 

[Cow]

I won't retrofit a fan unless I see it in person first.

I just looked at replacing one the other day, it had never been vented. That right there would of turned into two trips anyways. You might as well look at it first.

Another reason to check it out first, I can pick a replacement fan out based on where the electrical and vents are located in the original.

 

[ptonsparky]

I need to replace an existing bathroom exhaust fan. I won't have a chance to see it in advance. Does anybody recommend one that is a good retrofit model?

Is it a 70 CFM Broan or a Nutone QT series?



IDK either. Decisions, decisions.




Make two trips.

 

[growler]

I won't retrofit a fan unless I see it in person first.

I wouldn't either. If all they want is the fan working such as in a home sale there could just be a replacemet motor and cover and a lot less work.

 

[mkgrady]

I decided to bring a Nutone Ez80N. It looks like an easy retrofit based on a video. I'd rather know the exact conditions but it just isn't a good option.

 

[JFletcher]

I need to replace an existing bathroom exhaust fan. I won't have a chance to see it in advance. Does anybody recommend one that is a good retrofit model?

If you can just replace the guts/cover, that is the least time spent. This happens approximately 0.0000000% of the time.

W/e you replace it with will have an incompatible discharge duct size with existing ductwork.

and have the electrical and/or ductwork on the wrong side of the fan from existing.

or wont fit in the existing joists... or you'll have to dig out spray foam.

Murphy is STRONG with this one.

Bid worse case and expect to eat your hat 1 in 10 installs at that.

eta: ps, that's if you don't have to run an additional circuit for the heater......

 

[James L]

if you're looking for the easiest install, go to Home Depot and get a NuTone/Broan

The reason I say Home Depot is that they carry a lot of stuff that's geared toward DIY. that means it's more than likely going to be set up to retrofit from the in side of the fan

now, this won't get you the best fan but it will get you the easiest install

a couple of things to think about:

Some older fans did not mount on the side of the joist, using legs like a can light instead. Take a chunk of 2x6 with you in case you need to scab out a couple of times to get to the edge of the hole

When it comes to retrofitting a fan, larger is better. Not necessarily larger CFM but larger dimensions. The bigger hole will be much easier to work in

Size the CFM to the room. At least one CFM per square foot is my rule.

But be careful going over 100 CFM with a 4 inch duct. sometimes it will cause loud turbulence

 

[mkgrady]

if you're looking for the easiest install, go to Home Depot and get a NuTone/Broan

The reason I say Home Depot is that they carry a lot of stuff that's geared toward DIY. that means it's more than likely going to be set up to retrofit from the in side of the fan

now, this won't get you the best fan but it will get you the easiest install

a couple of things to think about:

Some older fans did not mount on the side of the joist, using legs like a can light instead. Take a chunk of 2x6 with you in case you need to scab out a couple of times to get to the edge of the hole

When it comes to retrofitting a fan, larger is better. Not necessarily larger CFM but larger dimensions. The bigger hole will be much easier to work in

Size the CFM to the room. At least one CFM per square foot is my rule.

But be careful going over 100 CFM with a 4 inch duct. sometimes it will cause loud turbulence

Thanks James. Good ideas

 

[James L]

Thanks James. Good ideas

No problem. I didn't see it earlier where you already said you picked out the NuTone ez80n. I've never used it but it probably won't get any easier than that.

I looked it up on Amazon and one guy said he installed it in 30 minutes. I wouldn't bet on that though

 

[mkgrady]

No problem. I didn't see it earlier where you already said you picked out the NuTone ez80n. I've never used it but it probably won't get any easier than that.

I looked it up on Amazon and one guy said he installed it in 30 minutes. I wouldn't bet on that though

I watched a video of a retrofit install. Looked real easy. Comes with ears like a plastic old work box

 

[James L]

I watched a video of a retrofit install. Looked real easy. Comes with ears like a plastic old work box

No kiddin?
I'll be tuning in for an update on how it goes.

 

[JFletcher]

Here's how almost every bathroom fan (re)install has gone for me:

1) Get there, look at fan
2) Realize it's an obsolete model w/no direct replacement
3) Get a new fan from xxxx
4) Try to remove old fan and housing from old joists.
5) Do that with cuts and cursing.
6) Get shop vac to remove ton of blown in that came down with fan housing (make this step 0 if you've done more than 1 of these)
7) New fan doesn't fit with/orient correctly with existing ductwork or wiring, which are run like banjo strings.
8) There is 9" clearance between joists and the roof above fan. (eta: and it's August 2pm so it's 140* in the attic)
9) ???
10) Profit!!!

Don't ask for details past step 7, you're on your own.

I watched a video of a retrofit install. Looked real easy. Comes with ears like a plastic old work box

camera tricks/editing. I can assure you that a)it's not easy and b) they LIED to get hit revenue. :lol:

 

[Bob V]

I need to replace an existing bathroom exhaust fan. I won't have a chance to see it in advance. Does anybody recommend one that is a good retrofit model?

Sometimes you can replace just the interior motor assembly by just unplugging it. Or you might be able to replace the motor itself. In either case you need to look at it first.