How to clean exhaust fans and know when it’s time for a replacement.

Have you noticed your bathroom mirror fogs up more after a shower even though the exhaust fan is running? It could be time to clean the fan. Here’s what you need to know.

Signs a bathroom fan needs to be cleaned

In addition to uncleared steam, other signs your fan needs attention are odd noises or the fan running louder than normal.

Do a visual inspection of the fan. Most vent covers are held in place by a pair of wire clips. Pull the cover straight down to access the clips, then squeeze the clips to release the cover from the fan. You might be surprised how much dust and debris like pet hair can accumulate in an exhaust fan. If the build-up becomes too great, it could cause the fan to overheat and catch on fire.

If there are any visual signs of overheating or damaged insulation on the wires, or you notice a burnt smell, stop using the fan and have a new one installed.

Clean the cover and fan

Once the plastic fan cover is removed, wash it in warm water with mild dish soap. While it dries, use a vacuum hose tool to remove dust from the fan itself.

To re-insert the cover, reverse the process used to remove it. Squeeze the wire clips so the ends fit in the slots that help hold the cover up. Once both clips are positioned, push the cover into place.

Safe use of bathroom fans

Bathroom fans aren’t designed to run 24/7. Turn the fan off when you’re done in the bathroom. You could even install a timer that turns it off automatically.

When to replace a bathroom exhaust fan

If the fan is still slow to clear the air or noisy after cleaning it’s time for a replacement. (FYI: The average lifespan for bathroom exhaust fans is ten years.)

When choosing a new fan, keep in mind that an ENERGY STAR-certified fan will use 48% less energy. This efficiency helps you save money and gain better performance with less noise.

 

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