Replacing bathroom exhaust fans
#1
08-16-18, 06:17 PM
Replacing bathroom exhaust fans
We're looking to replace two existing bathroom exhaust fans, one canned light, and another canned light with a combo light/exhaust fan directly above the shower.
I can potentially do the bathroom fans myself, with a couple of issues to note:
1. For both of these, the geniuses who installed them not only screwed them in, but also nailed them in (on both sides). So, it's going to be a PITA getting those nails out. I bought a cats claw to help but haven't tried it yet. Another concern with one of these is it doesn't appear that they left any slack in the electrical wiring going into the box, and because the new box is wider, I don't think the electrical wiring is going to reach.
2. Both of these are above toilets and I'm not sure how I (or an electrician if I hire one) will be able to get to them without stepping on the toilets (which I'm against doing). I thought of building something out of wood to straddle the toilet that would allow me to reach the fan by standing on that platform. Any ideas how I can build a platform? I have some 2x6's and some 1/2" plywood I can use.
This is also going to require insulated duct work and one fan requires that it be on a GFCI protected circuit, and I'll also have to install another vent on the outside of the house for the new combo light/fan.
One quote was near $1000, but they're not HVAC qualified and told me they couldn't do the duct work. The other that would do it all wanted $1600. Do these quotes seem reasonable? I know it's a lot of work, but it seems like a lot of money.
One other related question. Two of the new fans have a 4" outlet (and in fact, it's smaller than 4" when I measured it), yet the 4" duct work I bought won't fit. Am I supposed to use an 1" larger duct work than the outlet to the fans? Sure seems that way.
Thanks, Andy
I can potentially do the bathroom fans myself, with a couple of issues to note:
1. For both of these, the geniuses who installed them not only screwed them in, but also nailed them in (on both sides). So, it's going to be a PITA getting those nails out. I bought a cats claw to help but haven't tried it yet. Another concern with one of these is it doesn't appear that they left any slack in the electrical wiring going into the box, and because the new box is wider, I don't think the electrical wiring is going to reach.
2. Both of these are above toilets and I'm not sure how I (or an electrician if I hire one) will be able to get to them without stepping on the toilets (which I'm against doing). I thought of building something out of wood to straddle the toilet that would allow me to reach the fan by standing on that platform. Any ideas how I can build a platform? I have some 2x6's and some 1/2" plywood I can use.
This is also going to require insulated duct work and one fan requires that it be on a GFCI protected circuit, and I'll also have to install another vent on the outside of the house for the new combo light/fan.
One quote was near $1000, but they're not HVAC qualified and told me they couldn't do the duct work. The other that would do it all wanted $1600. Do these quotes seem reasonable? I know it's a lot of work, but it seems like a lot of money.
One other related question. Two of the new fans have a 4" outlet (and in fact, it's smaller than 4" when I measured it), yet the 4" duct work I bought won't fit. Am I supposed to use an 1" larger duct work than the outlet to the fans? Sure seems that way.
Thanks, Andy
Last edited by hikerguy; 08-16-18 at 06:34 PM.
#2
08-16-18, 06:43 PM
Group Moderator
If these units are not over a shower/tub.... then they don't need to be on GFI protected circuit.
Do you have attic access to get to the fans ?
If you have attic access.... cut the nails off up there or pry the unit up.
The prices you were quoted sound high but could be sort of inline if they include both fan units.
Do you have attic access to get to the fans ?
If you have attic access.... cut the nails off up there or pry the unit up.
The prices you were quoted sound high but could be sort of inline if they include both fan units.
#3
09-07-18, 06:34 PM
Thanks PJMax. I'm going to try and take a Dremel to them this weekend. I can't even get a cats claw under them, so I'm going to try and either cut off the nail head or the medal around them.
That price is just for labor and the duct work. I had to purchase the three fans and light. All told, they're quoting almost $1800, which seems ridiculously high for three fans, GFCI, three new runs of duct work, and one canned light. They also need to install one 6" vendt (yes, the 150CFM has a 6" connector").
That price is just for labor and the duct work. I had to purchase the three fans and light. All told, they're quoting almost $1800, which seems ridiculously high for three fans, GFCI, three new runs of duct work, and one canned light. They also need to install one 6" vendt (yes, the 150CFM has a 6" connector").
