replacing bath fan

[arrow]

My current bath fan generates a lot of noise and I figured that the motor inside is not tight to the frame. I want to replace the bath fan. From a brief research, I think I have to go up to attic and replace the fan from there. I measured the fan (7 1/2 x 9 1/4) but could not find same size of the fan. Should I cut ceiling and fill the gab with something? Please give me some idea how it is done normally.
Thanks.

[Terry]

Some fans are just noisey.

Fans come with sound ratings measured in Sones.

A typical fan is 3.5 to 4.5 sones

80 CFM
Sones 0.4

A Panasonic fan my be 0.6 sones to 1.0 sones. It's hard to hear a Panasonic when it's on.

The Panasonic can be installed from below making it a good replacement fan.

[PEW]

You may want to take time to look at the fan blades. They can collect dust, hairspray, etc , and become out of balance which will cause vibration. Also, sometimes a balancing weight will rust and fall off which puts the blades out of balance. Or, it could be the motor bearings going, or a loose mount like you suggested.

As far a replacing, each installation can be different. Sometimes it can be easier to work from above, but depending on how it is mounted and how the hole has to be modified, it can be done from below.

Paul

[Gary Swart]

The fans I am familiar with can be mounted from below. There is a metal box that attaches to the rafters after the wires are pulled through. The size of the boxes might vary a tad, but those I have seen will fit between standard rafter spacing. I use a drill driver and screws on virtually all this type of work. Screws are easier to drive in and if you do mess up and have to reposition something, they are much easier to remove without damaging anything. If you do have to replace the fan, it should be a pretty straight forward job.

[chassis]

I just replaced a bathroom exhaust fan, not real difficult if you have access from above. Probably not terribly difficult if you do it from below. Get a fan with the same or larger ceiling opening. The bezel/trim piece will cover the rough cut opening in the ceiling drywall.

[alhurley]

My current bath fan generates a lot of noise.....

what kind of noise? wind noise? vibration noise? bearing noise? rattles? like the guys said - some fans are just plain noisy.
...

[hrsnblm]

If you decide to replace the fan and want to look into an almost "noiseless' replacement, look into in-line fans. I did this a couple of years ago and there is no noise except for the sound of air being drawn out of the room.. I love it.

And I am feeding the in-line fan from two different bathrooms. So I have one fan, but two ducts. I used a 4" duct and my only regret is that I didn't go with 5".

Howard

[SteveW]

I put a Panasonic fan in my bathroom a couple years ago. It is the quietest fan I've ever heard and moves a lot of air -- it can actually pull a door which is slightly ajar open from the power of the air movement.

The other thing I like about the Panasonic is that it is approved for vertical mounting, as well as horizontal. That was important to me as the only place I could mount it was on a wall (due to a cathedral ceiling).

[Bostongal]

We bought a Panasonic heat/vent/light - large size - and had it installed between the tub and vanity - the electrician had quite a time installing it, as it is cumbersome and unwieldy.

The heat doesn't seem to work well, and the light is too dim.


Bostongal

[Terry]

Considering that the light has two tubes in it for lighting, you must need quite a bit of light.
Is that the only light you have in the bathroom?

[brianj]

I just replaced my bathroom fan I installed last year. Nautillus or something like that...with a Hunter.

I paid around $120 for it, but it's a nice fan. Well constructed, not too loud. Nice big motor. The night light is an interesting feature too if you get up in the middle of the night and don't want to blind yourself.

I liked the style too


* Bathroom fan with light and nightlight
* Bent frosted glass mounted to a durable, all-metal housing with matching accents
* Glass can easily be detached for cleaning and relamping
* Pre-loaded screws
* 24-inch adjustable slider bars
* Square Foot Coverage: 95 sq. ft.
* CFM: 100
* Sones: 2.4
* Finish: Satin White
* Bulb Type: 2-A15 60 Watt Standard; 1-C7 7 Watt Nightlight
* Required Opening: 9 in. x 9.75 in.
* Housing Size: 8.9 in. x 9.7 in. x 7.4 in.
* Cover Size: 12 in. x 12 in.

[Mike Swearingen]

I have the "same" two Nautilus bathroom exhaust fan/lights that I installed when I built in 1977. Sort of. About the only thing "original" are the fixture boxes and vent pipes.
I just replace the motors, blower wheels and other parts as necessary. MUCH faster, easier and less expensive than full replacement to me.
Coincidentally just replaced the motor and blower wheel last week in my upstairs bath. Zippity Do Da. No clue what the sones are with the new motor, but it's quieter than the one that I replaced.
Mike

[katerlyn]

How difficult would it be, then, to replace a nautilus exhaust light fan? I would really prefer to have a heater, too...My present nautilus exterior size is about 9.25x10 inches.

[HoneySuckle]

Is Panasonic better than Broan for bathroom fans?

[jadnashua]

If you are asking which will last longer...it is probably a wash. As to which will be quieter, most Panasonics will be quieter than most Broans. You need to check the individual specs for the ones you are interested in. So, best is relative to what is most important to you and your pocketbook.