Solved! Who Installs Bathroom Exhaust Fans? -Bob Villa | Salisbury Pipes

Q: The exhaust fan in my master bathroom doesn’t seem to be working properly and I want it replaced. Who Installs Bathroom Exhaust Fans? Is this a task I can handle myself?

A: The question of who installs exhaust fans is more complex than a homeowner might think. Before you search “bathroom extractor installation near me” online, you should know that a licensed electrician, plumber, or HVAC technician can likely replace an existing extractor fan or install a new one in a bathroom. But who you call will depend on how the bathroom is set up and whether it’s a simple replacement or whether new ducting or roof access is required. So who can install a bathroom exhaust fan? Find the right professional for your needs below.

An electrician should replace a bathroom exhaust fan if wiring needs to be done or if you are installing a fan where none previously existed.

If there is an open space in the ceiling where a homeowner would like an exhaust fan, a licensed electrician can be hired to install a bathroom fan. A new fan requires new wiring to be installed, and anything that requires electrical work is best left to an electrician to protect the safety of residents and minimize the risk of home damage. Modern extractor fans often include a light to increase bathroom brightness while removing excess moisture or unwanted odors. A professional electrician is a good choice for bathroom exhaust fan installation, whether it is installing a new fan or replacing an old one

If the plumbing needs repairing, consider an HVAC technician.

Homeowners can think of an HVAC technician as someone who primarily works on heating and air conditioning systems. While that’s true, these experts also handle projects that deal with channels, such as B. cooker hoods, dryers or in this case a bathroom exhaust fan. When a homeowner needs to know who to hire to bleed a bathroom exhaust fan, the answer is most likely an HVAC technician. While not every bathroom fan needs a duct system, those that do need to be bled by a professional to ensure air is properly transported out of the bathroom.

The skills of a roofer may be required when access to the attic or roof is required to install a bathroom vent.

Furnishing a home may require the exhaust fan to vent to the roof. Or when replacing an existing fan, the installer may need access to the attic or roof if that is where the fans will be vented. In these cases, a roofer can be the pro to install a bathroom exhaust fan. They know if there are specific codes or requirements that need to be met when they install the new fan, and they also have the tools and equipment to do the job themselves.

A handyman or general contractor may be able to replace a bathroom exhaust fan, but they must be familiar with HVAC and electrical wiring.

This task may seem simple, but any project that involves handling electrical wire or plumbing should be undertaken by someone familiar with both. So while a homeowner might be tempted to save money by hiring a handyman instead of a licensed electrician, plumber, or HVAC technician, the job can cost more in the long run if it’s not done right the first time. In fact, incorrect installation can cause damage to the house if excess moisture is not properly removed from the room or faulty wiring creates a fire hazard. If a homeowner decides to hire a handyman or general contractor, it’s a good idea to ask them about their HVAC and electrical installation experience to make sure they know how to install a bathroom fan.

If your bathroom exhaust fan doesn’t seem to be working or is more than 10 years old, you should consider replacing it.

Today’s exhaust fans are much more efficient than those of years past, so it’s a good idea to replace an outdated or faulty fan. If a homeowner has an older fan in a bathroom that isn’t used very often, they may be able to go without it for a while. However, a busy bathroom with heavy traffic from several household members needs a fan that works well. A new bathroom exhaust fan is a fundamental upgrade that can enhance a bathroom at a fraction of the cost of other upgrades (such as new fixtures or tile).

Installing a bathroom exhaust fan requires selecting the right fan and location in the room.

Before searching for bathroom exhaust fan installers, it is wise for homeowners to decide where the fan will go and what type of fan will work best for the bathroom. If a homeowner is unsure what type of fan they need or where it should be located, they can read tips on installing bathroom fans or visit the local hardware store for advice from a customer service representative. A larger bathroom will need a fan with a larger cubic feet per minute (cfm) rating, while checking the label to see a fan’s sones (how loud the fan is) will tell you how loud it will be when it’s on becomes. If a homeowner prefers a quieter fan, it is best to look for one with 2 or less sone.

Bathroom extractor fans are rated on the unit’s ability to move air.

So how does anyone know which exhaust fan is the most efficient or which one is best for a large or small bathroom? The answer to these questions lies in the fan’s CFM rating, which measures how well the fan moves the air out of a bathroom. A bathroom exhaust fan with a cfm rating of 40 to 79 works best for a bathroom that is 40 to 79 square feet, while a fan with a cfm rating of 150 to 200 works best for a bathroom larger than 150 square feet is appropriate. The higher the cfm rating, the more it will likely cost, but the better the unit will perform.

A bathroom exhaust fan unit can cost as little as $20 or as much as $500.

Exhaust fans themselves are on the lower end of the DIY cost spectrum, ranging from $20 to $80 for the most basic units. However, fans get more expensive as more bells and whistles like lights, Bluetooth capabilities, heaters, humidity sensors, and timers are added. Some fans can cost up to $500 without the labor of installing them. If a homeowner hires an electrician to install the exhaust fan, they can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $100 per hour worked.

Make sure the professionals you hire are properly licensed and insured.

Searching “who can install a bathroom fan” can return results for local electricians or HVAC technicians who can do the job. If you don’t already have one of these experts on your contact list, you should get references or look for professionals with good track records and ratings. Not only that, it is best to ensure whoever is being hired has the correct licenses and insurance as they will likely be working with the wiring or ducts of the home. General liability insurance, which every professional should have in your home, not only covers the plumber in the event of an accident, but also ensures that they are responsible for repairs should their work go wrong or cause damage to your home. The safety of you, your home and the installer is worth the effort to ensure their credentials.