How to Replace Bathroom Vent Fans Without Attics

Bathroom vent fans help remove odors and moisture. If the fan is loud or does not work, replacing it with a new one is a common do-it-yourself project that requires a small amount of tools and time. However, it is important you measure the fan and get one from your local home-builder store that is suited for your bathroom. This helps take the guesswork out of installing the new fan.

Ladder
Flat-head and Phillips screwdriver
Pencil
Plastic screw anchors

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the electrical breaker to the bathroom. Check the switch and make sure the fan does not engage when turned on.
- 2
  Snap the cover plate off by inserting a flat-head screwdriver between it and the ceiling and pressing down, while standing on a ladder.
- 3
  Unscrew the motor by taking out the screws holding it in place. Generally, these are Phillips-head screws. Unsnap the quick-connect harness holding the motor in place.
- 4
  Remove the screws holding the outside fan housing in place. Slowly pull the housing downward and remove the vent duct. Unscrew the clamp holding it in place.
- 5
  Place the new vent-fan housing in the hole. If the holes do not line up with the old ones, use a pencil to mark them. Drill the new holes with a bit one size smaller than the screws, and place plastic screw anchors in the holes.
- 6
  Pull the electrical cable through the new fan housing and tighten the clamp holding it in place. Attach the vent duct and clamp it down as well.
- 7
  Screw the new fan housing into the ceiling. Connect the new motor by attaching the quick connect wires, and securing it with the clamp provided with the new vent fan.
- 8
  Attach the new cover by snapping it over the vent. Turn on the electrical breaker and test the new bathroom vent fan.

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