Changing an attic fan is a job that many owners can deal with themselves with the appropriate instruments and directions. Attic followers assist to ventilate the attic, which may also help to scale back warmth buildup and enhance power effectivity. Over time, attic followers can develop into worn out or broken, and must be changed. In the event you’re not comfy changing an attic fan your self, you possibly can all the time rent a professional electrician to do the job for you. Nonetheless, when you’re up for the problem, changing an attic fan is a comparatively easy mission that may be accomplished in a number of hours.
Earlier than you start, you will want to collect the required instruments and supplies. You may want a brand new attic fan, a screwdriver, a drill, and a few wire nuts. You may additionally have to just be sure you have entry to the attic, and that you’ve got a technique to safely get on and off the roof.
After you have gathered your instruments and supplies, you possibly can start the method of changing your attic fan. First, you will have to take away the outdated attic fan. To do that, merely unscrew the screws which might be holding it in place. As soon as the screws are eliminated, you possibly can rigorously pull the outdated attic fan out of the opening. Watch out to not harm the wires or the insulation within the attic.
Security Precautions
When engaged on any electrical mission, you will need to take security precautions to keep away from damage. Listed here are some particular security precautions to take when changing an attic fan:
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**Flip off the ability to the attic fan on the circuit breaker panel.** That is a very powerful security precaution to take, as it should forestall you from being electrocuted. To show off the ability, merely flip the circuit breaker that’s labeled “attic fan” to the “off” place.
If you’re undecided which circuit breaker controls the attic fan, you possibly can flip off the principle breaker to your private home. Nonetheless, this can flip off energy to your whole dwelling, so solely do that if you’re unable to establish the proper circuit breaker.
Extra Ideas:
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If you’re not comfy working with electrical energy, it’s best to rent a professional electrician to interchange your attic fan.
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Ensure that to put on gloves and security glasses when engaged on the attic fan.
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If you’re working in a sizzling attic, remember to take breaks and drink loads of water to keep away from warmth exhaustion.
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**Safe the attic fan earlier than you begin engaged on it.** This can forestall the fan from falling and injuring you. To safe the fan, merely screw the mounting screws into the joists or rafters within the attic.
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**Disconnect {the electrical} wires from the attic fan.** To do that, merely unscrew the wire nuts which might be connecting the wires to the fan terminals. You should definitely word which wire goes to which terminal so to reconnect them correctly once you set up the brand new fan.
Shutting Off Energy
Security must be your prime precedence when changing an attic fan. To keep away from electrical shock, it is essential to make sure that the ability is turned off. This is a step-by-step information to shutting off energy to your attic fan:
1. Decide the Circuit Breaker
Find your private home’s electrical panel, usually discovered within the basement, storage, or utility room. Determine the circuit breaker that corresponds to your attic fan. It is normally labeled “attic fan” or “attic air flow.”
2. Flip Off the Circuit Breaker
Flip the circuit breaker to the “off” place. This can reduce off the ability provide to the attic fan. To substantiate if the ability is off, change on a light-weight within the attic. If it would not activate, the ability is efficiently disconnected.
3. Examine A number of Circuit Breakers
| Location | Attainable Circuit Breaker Labels |
|---|---|
| Basement | Attic Fan, Air flow, HVAC |
| Storage | Workshop, Exterior Lights, Attic |
| Utility Room | Lights, Retailers, Home equipment |
Observe that in some circumstances, a number of circuit breakers could also be related to the attic fan. Examine all related breakers and switch them off to make sure full energy disconnection.
Eradicating Outdated Fan
Earlier than you possibly can set up a brand new attic fan, it’s good to take away the outdated one. This can be a comparatively easy course of, however there are some things you want to remember.
1. Security First
Earlier than you begin working, be certain that to show off the ability to the attic fan on the circuit breaker. You also needs to put on security glasses and gloves to guard your self from any particles that will fall from the attic.
2. Take away the Grille
Step one is to take away the grille from the attic fan. That is normally held in place by a number of screws. As soon as the grille is eliminated, you’ll have entry to the fan motor.
3. Disconnect the Wiring
Subsequent, it’s good to disconnect the wiring from the fan motor. There can be two wires related to the motor: a black wire and a white wire. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws that maintain the wires in place, after which pull the wires off of the motor terminals.
| Wire Shade | Terminal |
|---|---|
| Black | Line |
| White | Impartial |
| Inexperienced or Naked Copper | Floor |
As soon as the wiring is disconnected, you possibly can take away the fan motor from the attic. Merely unscrew the bolts that maintain the motor in place, after which elevate the motor out of the housing.
Putting in New Fan
As soon as you have eliminated the outdated fan, it is time to set up the brand new one. Listed here are the steps:
- Safe the mounting bracket: The mounting bracket will include the brand new fan. Connect it to the ceiling joists utilizing screws. Ensure that the bracket is stage and securely hooked up.
- Mount the fan housing: The fan housing will match onto the mounting bracket. Line up the holes within the housing with the holes within the bracket and safe it with screws.
- Join the wiring: {The electrical} wires from the fan will must be related to the wires within the ceiling. Match the wires by colour and join them utilizing wire nuts. Cap the wire nuts with electrical tape to safe them.
- Set up the fan blades: The fan blades will normally snap into place on the fan motor. Match the blades one after the other and ensure they’re securely hooked up.
- Examine the fan’s operation: As soon as the fan is put in, flip it on and ensure it’s working easily. Hear for any uncommon noises or vibrations.
Wiring Connections
Earlier than continuing with the wiring connections, be sure that the ability to the fan is turned off on the breaker panel. This is a step-by-step information to attach the wiring:
1. Find the Wires
Find the present wires related to the outdated fan. Sometimes, there can be three wires: black (sizzling wire), white (impartial wire), and naked copper or inexperienced (floor wire).
2. Match the Wires
Join the three wires from the brand new fan to the corresponding wires from the ceiling. Join the black wire to the black wire, white wire to white wire, and naked copper or inexperienced wire to the naked copper or inexperienced wire.
3. Safe the Connections
Use wire nuts to securely fasten the wire connections. Twist the uncovered ends of the wires collectively clockwise after which screw on the wire nut. Make sure the connections are tight and no naked wires are uncovered.
4. Wrap with Electrical Tape
Wrap electrical tape across the wire nuts to offer extra safety and insulation. This can forestall the wires from coming free or shorting out.
5. Troubleshooting and Wiring Particulars
| Subject | Resolution |
|---|---|
| Fan would not activate | – Examine if energy is restored on the breaker panel. – Guarantee all wire connections are safe. – Check the fan with a voltmeter to test for voltage. |
| Fan runs continually | – Examine if the fan change is caught within the “on” place. – Make sure the thermostat or humidity sensor is functioning correctly. – Examine the wiring for any shorts or free connections. |
| Fan makes a buzzing noise | – Examine if the fan blades are hitting something or if they’re balanced accurately. – Make sure the motor is securely mounted to the fan housing. |
Securing Fan Housing
As soon as the outdated fan housing is eliminated, it is time to set up the brand new one. This is an in depth information:
1. Place the New Housing
Fastidiously align the brand new housing with the attic opening. Make sure that it suits snugly and is stage.
2. Safe the Brace Arms
Find the brace arms on the housing. Lengthen them downward and wedge them firmly towards the attic joists.
3. Tighten the Brace Nuts
Hand-tighten the brace nuts till the arms are safe towards the joists. Keep away from overtightening.
4. Add Assist Brackets (Elective)
For added stability, use assist brackets to strengthen the brace arms. These brackets usually connect to the housing and the attic ground.
5. Seal the Opening
Apply a bead of caulk across the perimeter of the housing the place it meets the attic flooring. This can forestall air leaks and enhance insulation.
6. Extra Measures for Power Effectivity
Contemplate the next extra steps to boost power effectivity:
| Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Insulation Skirt | Connect a foam insulation skirt across the housing to scale back warmth loss and air infiltration. |
| Shutter or Damper | Set up a shutter or damper on the fan opening. This can forestall warmth loss when the fan just isn’t in operation. |
| Adjustable Louvers | Select a fan housing with adjustable louvers. This lets you management airflow and scale back power consumption. |
Putting in Fan Blades
As soon as the fan motor is put in, it is time to connect the fan blades. This is an in depth information to make sure correct set up:
- Find the Fan Blade Mounting Screws: Determine the screws supplied with the fan blades and decide their right alignment with the screw holes on the fan motor. Match the threading of the screws to make sure compatibility.
- Put together the Fan Blades: Unpack the fan blades and examine them for any harm or defects. Make sure that the blades are clear and freed from any particles.
- Place the Fan Blades: Maintain a fan blade in a single hand and align it with the corresponding mounting screw on the fan motor. Make sure that the blade is absolutely seated and flush towards the motor housing.
- Tighten the Screws: Use a screwdriver or drill to tighten the mounting screws securely. Don’t overtighten the screws, as this will harm the fan elements.
- Repeat for Remaining Blades: Repeat steps 3 and 4 for every remaining fan blade, guaranteeing that each one blades are securely hooked up and aligned correctly.
- Examine for Wobble: As soon as all blades are put in, gently rotate the fan by hand to test if there may be any wobbling or vibration. If extreme motion is noticed, loosen the mounting screws and modify the blade place as crucial.
- Tighten the Screws Once more: After adjusting the fan blades, retighten the mounting screws to make sure a safe and wobble-free operation. Double-check the tightening of all screws to forestall any potential points.
Restoring Energy
As soon as you have changed the fan, you will want to revive energy to the attic. To do that, comply with these steps:
1. Flip off the ability to the attic on the circuit breaker or fuse field.
2. Find {the electrical} wire that results in the fan.
3. Disconnect the wires from the outdated fan.
4. Join the wires to the brand new fan.
5. Activate the ability to the attic on the circuit breaker or fuse field.
6. Check the fan to ensure it is working correctly.
7. If the fan just isn’t working correctly, test the connections to ensure they’re safe.
8. If the connections are safe and the fan continues to be not working, chances are you’ll want to interchange the circuit breaker or fuse.
| Circuit Breaker Measurement | Fuse Measurement |
|---|---|
| 15 amps | 15 amps |
| 20 amps | 15 amps |
Testing the Fan
As soon as you have recognized the reason for the fan’s failure, you can begin testing it to find out if it may be repaired. Listed here are the steps concerned in testing the fan:
- Flip off the ability to the fan by flipping the circuit breaker or eradicating the fuse.
- Disconnect the wiring from the fan motor.
- Use a multimeter to check the fan motor.
- Set the multimeter to the ohms setting and join the probes to the terminals on the fan motor.
- The multimeter ought to learn between 0 and 10 ohms, indicating that the motor is nice.
- If the multimeter reads OL (open circuit), the motor is dangerous and must be changed.
- If the multimeter reads 0 ohms, the motor is shorted and must be changed.
- If the fan motor passes the check, join the wiring to the motor and activate the ability to the fan.
- The fan ought to begin working easily.
If the fan doesn’t begin working, or if it runs erratically, there could also be an issue with the wiring or the fan motor itself. On this case, you will have to name an electrician or change the fan motor.
Troubleshooting Frequent Points
1. No Energy: Examine if the fan has a devoted circuit breaker or fuse. If tripped or blown, reset or change it. Make sure the fan is plugged right into a working outlet and the wiring is safe.
2. Fan Not Spinning: Examine if the blades are obstructed by particles or insulation. Take away any obstructions and manually rotate the blades to make sure they don’t seem to be seized.
3. Loud Noise: Decide if the noise is attributable to free motor mounts, worn bearings, or unbalanced blades. Tighten free mounts, lubricate bearings, and rebalance blades if crucial.
4. Fan Not Exhausting Air: Confirm that the fan blades are rotating within the right path and that the exhaust vents are away from obstructions. Examine the thermostat or humidity sensor to make sure it’s triggering the fan.
5. Fan Working Repeatedly: Examine if the thermostat or humidity sensor is malfunctioning, inflicting the fan to run even when not wanted. Change any defective elements.
6. Vibration: Make sure the fan is securely mounted to the ceiling. Examine the motor mounts and fan blades for any harm or looseness. Stability the fan blades if crucial.
7. Leaks: Examine the attic vent for cracks or holes that will permit water to leak in. Seal any gaps with flashing or roofing cement. Make sure the fan is correctly sealed to the ceiling.
8. Rustiness: Apply a rust-inhibiting coating to guard the fan from humid attic environments. Common inspection and cleansing may also help forestall rust formation.
9. Quick Biking: Keep away from oversizing the fan for the attic area. Correct air flow ought to happen with out extreme fan biking.
10. Condensation: Condensation can happen when heat, moist air from the attic meets chilly, dry air within the fan. Set up a moisture barrier close to or across the fan housing to forestall condensation buildup.
How To Change Attic Fan
Changing an attic fan is a comparatively easy job that may be accomplished in a number of hours. Nonetheless, you will need to take security precautions and to comply with the producer’s directions rigorously.
- Flip off the ability to the attic fan on the circuit breaker panel.
- Take away the outdated attic fan.
- Set up the brand new attic fan.
- Activate the ability to the attic fan on the circuit breaker panel.
Individuals Additionally Ask
How do I do know if my attic fan is dangerous?
There are a number of indicators that will point out that your attic fan is dangerous.
- The fan just isn’t turning on.
- The fan is making a loud noise.
- The fan just isn’t shifting air.
Can I change my attic fan myself?
Sure, you possibly can change your attic fan your self. Nonetheless, you will need to take security precautions and to comply with the producer’s directions rigorously.
How a lot does it value to interchange an attic fan?
The price to interchange an attic fan will range relying on the kind of fan and the price of labor in your space. Nonetheless, you possibly can count on to pay between $100 and $500 for a brand new attic fan and set up.
