Updating your bathroom ventilation is usually a simple project, but it can be a challenge in an older home. Navigating an outdated electrical system or a lack of any bathroom vent system in the first place can make for a more complicated project. Master electrician Heath Eastman tackles this issue in the video above, demonstrating how to install a bathroom fan in a 1920s home with old wiring.
Types of Exhaust Fans
When you’re choosing a bathroom exhaust fan, there are two main options: a standard bathroom vent fan or a remote vent fan. Eastman shows these fan options to the homeowner, who chooses the quieter, less obtrusive remote fan.
Standard Bathroom Vent Fan
A standard bathroom vent fan is the most common type. It features a motor installed directly behind the grill in the bathroom ceiling. Expect a standard bathroom vent fan to have these characteristics:
- Bulkier appearance
- Easier to install
- More affordable
- Louder during operation
Remote Fan
Remote fans offer a different approach to bathroom ventilation:
- Connected to the bathroom via ductwork
- Generally quieter than standard fans
- Installed in the attic or another remote location
- More challenging to install
- Smaller, less obtrusive grill in the bathroom ceiling
Assessing Your Bathroom Space
Before installing a bathroom fan, evaluate your space and access points. What may work perfectly for one home will be wrong for another, so look at your bathroom, ceiling access, and attic carefully to ensure there’s room for a bathroom fan installation. Eastman emphasizes the importance of this step.
Pay attention to these areas in particular:
- Ceiling access: You’ll need access to the ceiling from either the bathroom itself or the attic space above. Plus, you need enough room for the fan unit and direct access to the exterior of your home for venting.
- Attic: If possible, inspect the attic space above the bathroom for open areas for fan placement, existing ductwork or venting options, and potential obstructions like plumbing or electrical lines.
Choosing a Bathroom Fan Location
The positioning of your bathroom fan will affect how well the fan removes moisture and steam from the bathroom, thereby reducing the risk of mold and mildew.
A good spot for an exhaust fan is above or within one foot of the shower. This position allows the fan to capture steam and moisture at the source, prevent humidity from spreading throughout the bathroom, and reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth.
While above or near the shower is preferred, fans can be installed in other spots in the bathroom. Factor in ceiling joists, structural elements, and existing electrical wiring to find a location for the fan that ideally doesn’t require moving systems around. Also, consider aesthetics and room layout to find a location that is the least obtrusive.
Remote fans offer more flexibility in grill placement, as they can pull air from various locations within the room. This means you could have the fan intake near the shower but the motor located in a less obtrusive location, like the attic.
Electrical Considerations for Installing a Bathroom Fan
Installing a bathroom fan often requires electrical work, which can be more complicated in older homes.
Power Source
You’ll need a power source controlled by a switch to operate the fan. This is typically straightforward in newer homes with modern wiring. However, older homes may present their own unique challenges:
- A dedicated circuit might be necessary for the fan.
- BX wire (metal wire without a copper ground) may be present.
- New wiring may need to be run from an alternative power source.
Updating old wiring can be beneficial beyond the scope of this project, potentially increasing the safety of your home, but it’s a much larger and more expensive project than simply installing a bathroom vent system.
Switch Options
There are several switch options for controlling your new bathroom fan:
- Humidity sensor switch: This switch automatically activates the fan when the humidity level in the bathroom rises, helping prevent mold and mildew by ensuring proper ventilation without manual operation.
- Standard on/off switch: A basic, manual switch allows you to turn the fan on or off as needed. It offers simple control but requires you to remember to turn the fan off after use.
- Timer switch: A timer switch allows you to set the fan to run for a specific period before automatically shutting off, ensuring the bathroom stays ventilated while avoiding unnecessary energy use.
For this project, Eastman installed a timer switch offering 10-, 20-, 30-, and 60-minute increments, providing convenient and customizable operation.
Bathroom Fan Installation Process
Installing a bathroom fan, especially in an older home, involves several steps. Eastman demonstrates how to install the fan from start to finish. He starts by turning off the power to the bathroom at the circuit breaker. To prepare the space, remove existing fixtures or cut a new opening for the fan.
Wiring the Fan
To wire the fan, you first need to locate a suitable power source. Finding a power source might be challenging in an older home, but safely running new wiring is essential for the fan’s operation. Eastman demonstrates how to fish new wiring through the walls when dealing with outdated electrical systems.
Eastman starts by sourcing an access point to fish the new wire for the remote motor. He drills a hole that will run parallel to the plumbing chase from the basement to the attic, then goes up to the attic and does the same while staying as in line as possible. Next, he drops a fiberglass fish down from the attic and catches it in the basement. He ties the new wire on and then pulls it back up to the attic. He repeats the same process to wire in the bathroom fan switch. Then it’s time to connect the fan to the chosen switch type.
Mounting the Fan and Connecting Ductwork
Mount the fan securely and install ductwork to prevent moisture from escaping into other parts of your home. To install the grill in the homeowner’s shower, Eastman cuts a hole in the ceiling using a six-inch hole saw. After the damper has dropped into place, he secures it to the joist using wood screws. Then, he installs the exhaust grill on the ceiling.
With the remote motor mounted and wired, all that’s left to do is connect the ductwork and run it to the exterior of the gable lamp. Eastman collaborated with a sheet metal technician to install 4-inch ductwork from the fan to the exterior of the gable end. Proper external venting prevents moisture buildup in the attic or walls.
Choosing the right ductwork for your installation needs can make a big difference in both performance and noise levels. Flexible insulated ductwork is ideal for short, straight runs, while rigid metal ducts are best for longer runs or when making turns. Bathroom exhaust fans must be vented to the outside of your home, commonly through the roof, a gable end, or an exterior wall.
Finishing Touches
Testing the fan before sealing all access points lets you troubleshoot any issues before they become big problems. You might experience unusual noise or poor suction, but sealing all the gaps around the fan grill should ensure that all vented air is directed outside.
Additional Fan Installation Tips for Older Homes
Older homes come with their own unique challenges and quirks. Here are some additional tips for successfully installing a bathroom fan in an older property.
Evaluating Existing Wiring
Older homes often have outdated wiring types that might not be compatible with modern appliances. When you encounter BX wire or knob-and-tube wiring, consider updating these systems not just for the bathroom fan but for overall electrical safety.
Attic and Crawl Space Safety
Inspecting attics and crawl spaces in older homes can reveal unexpected hazards, such as old asbestos insulation or structural issues. Wear appropriate protective gear and ensure stable footing.
Consulting Professionals
While DIY projects offer a sense of accomplishment, consulting with an electrician for the wiring aspects and a contractor for venting could save time and help you avoid potential issues. Their expertise is particularly valuable in older homes with unpredictable conditions.
Benefits of Proper Bathroom Ventilation
Installing a bathroom fan reduces humidity and moisture buildup, which prevents mold and mildew growth and protects bathroom fixtures and finishes from moisture damage. Installing a fan also reduces odors and improves indoor air quality. Proper ventilation ensures a healthier living environment for you and your home.