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Kitchen & Bath · Free DIY Guide

How to Replace a Bathroom Exhaust Fan

  • Time: 2–3 hours
  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Steps: 6

A good exhaust fan prevents mold and peeling paint. If the old one hums, rattles or barely pulls air, replace it.

Tools & materials

  • Replacement fan (or a retrofit motor kit sized to your housing)
  • Non-contact voltage tester
  • Screwdrivers
  • Wire connectors
  • Foil tape
  • Ladder

Step by step

  1. Step 1

    Turn off the breaker and confirm the power is off with a voltage tester.

  2. Step 2

    Remove the grille and unplug or disconnect the old motor. Measure the housing.

  3. Step 3

    For a same-size retrofit, install the new motor into the old housing per the kit.

  4. Step 4

    For a full replacement, remove the housing, mount the new one to the joist, and connect the duct with foil tape.

  5. Step 5

    Connect the wires (black to black, white to white, ground to ground) and install the grille.

  6. Step 6

    Turn on power and hold a tissue to the grille to confirm suction.

When to stop and call ProFix

If you see any of these, stop and call us:

  • You need attic access you can't reach safely
  • The fan vents into the attic instead of outside (needs a new duct run)
  • No breaker is labeled or wires look damaged
  • You want to add a fan where there isn't one

Not in the mood to DIY? A ProFix pro can handle it for you in Chicago Metro and Dallas–Fort Worth, with a written price before work starts.

Related guides

These guides are general information for simple repairs. You're responsible for your own safety and for following local codes and your lease or HOA rules. When in doubt, stop and call a licensed professional. All DIY guides

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