How to Install a Bathroom Fan
Determine the correct CFM rating for your bathroom., Consider the sound rating of your fan., Choose the location of the fan., Gather the required tools.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Determine the correct CFM rating for your bathroom.
The first thing you need to do when installing a new bathroom fan is determine the CFM rating for your bathroom, so you can buy the appropriate strength fan.
CFM stands for "Cubic Feet per Minute" and refers to how much air the fan can move per minute.
Small bathrooms will need low CFM fans, while larger bathrooms may require fans with a much higher CFM.To calculate the CFM for your bathroom, multiply the room's cubic footage (length x width x height).
For example, if your bathroom measured 120 square feet, you would multiply that by the height of the ceiling (say 8') to get
960.
THEN divide by
7.5 to get a CFM rating of
128.
You will find the CFM rating of a new fan printed on its box. , The next thing to consider is the sound rating of your new fan, which is measured in sones.
New fans usually have a sound rating somewhere between
0.5 (very quiet) and 6 (very loud) sones.
Some people prefer to have very quiet fans, while others value the privacy offered by louder fans, especially in public areas of the home.
Like the CFM, the sone ratings of new fans will be printed on the box , The location of your bathroom fan is important.
It should be installed at the center point between your shower and toilet for optimum ventilation.
However, if your bathroom is very large, you may need to install more than one fan.
If you are installing a new fan, you will need to consider the layout of your attic, where the bulk of the fan will be located.
It should be placed in the the space between two joists, in an area free from any pipes or other obstructions.
If you are replacing an old fan, the easiest thing to do is just to put the new fan in same location (unless you have a very good reason for wanting it in a different spot). , Installing a bathroom fan is a manageable DIY project for homeowners with basic carpentry and electrical skills.
Before you begin, it's a good idea to have all of the required tools and materials easily at hand.
In terms of tools, you will need some basic hand tools such as a screwdriver and a combination pliers, in addition to a power drill and a jigsaw.
In terms of materials, you will need a length of flexible duct pipe, a vent cap, screws, caulk and wire nuts.
If you're running the duct pip out through the roof you will also need roofing cement, shingles and roofing nails.
You will also need a stepladder in order to reach the fan from below, safety goggles and a respirator to wear while drilling, and roof brackets, roof cleats or a safety harness for potential roof work. -
Step 2: Consider the sound rating of your fan.
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Step 3: Choose the location of the fan.
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Step 4: Gather the required tools.
Detailed Guide
The first thing you need to do when installing a new bathroom fan is determine the CFM rating for your bathroom, so you can buy the appropriate strength fan.
CFM stands for "Cubic Feet per Minute" and refers to how much air the fan can move per minute.
Small bathrooms will need low CFM fans, while larger bathrooms may require fans with a much higher CFM.To calculate the CFM for your bathroom, multiply the room's cubic footage (length x width x height).
For example, if your bathroom measured 120 square feet, you would multiply that by the height of the ceiling (say 8') to get
960.
THEN divide by
7.5 to get a CFM rating of
128.
You will find the CFM rating of a new fan printed on its box. , The next thing to consider is the sound rating of your new fan, which is measured in sones.
New fans usually have a sound rating somewhere between
0.5 (very quiet) and 6 (very loud) sones.
Some people prefer to have very quiet fans, while others value the privacy offered by louder fans, especially in public areas of the home.
Like the CFM, the sone ratings of new fans will be printed on the box , The location of your bathroom fan is important.
It should be installed at the center point between your shower and toilet for optimum ventilation.
However, if your bathroom is very large, you may need to install more than one fan.
If you are installing a new fan, you will need to consider the layout of your attic, where the bulk of the fan will be located.
It should be placed in the the space between two joists, in an area free from any pipes or other obstructions.
If you are replacing an old fan, the easiest thing to do is just to put the new fan in same location (unless you have a very good reason for wanting it in a different spot). , Installing a bathroom fan is a manageable DIY project for homeowners with basic carpentry and electrical skills.
Before you begin, it's a good idea to have all of the required tools and materials easily at hand.
In terms of tools, you will need some basic hand tools such as a screwdriver and a combination pliers, in addition to a power drill and a jigsaw.
In terms of materials, you will need a length of flexible duct pipe, a vent cap, screws, caulk and wire nuts.
If you're running the duct pip out through the roof you will also need roofing cement, shingles and roofing nails.
You will also need a stepladder in order to reach the fan from below, safety goggles and a respirator to wear while drilling, and roof brackets, roof cleats or a safety harness for potential roof work.
About the Author
Jerry Ford
Specializes in breaking down complex pet care topics into simple steps.
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