Changing an attic fan is a job that many householders can deal with themselves with the precise instruments and directions. Attic followers assist to ventilate the attic, which can assist to scale back warmth buildup and enhance power effectivity. Over time, attic followers can turn out to be worn out or broken, and have to be changed. If you happen to’re not snug changing an attic fan your self, you’ll be able to at all times rent a certified electrician to do the job for you. Nonetheless, in case you’re up for the problem, changing an attic fan is a comparatively simple venture that may be accomplished in a couple of hours.
Earlier than you start, you will want to assemble the required instruments and supplies. You will want a brand new attic fan, a screwdriver, a drill, and a few wire nuts. You will additionally have to just be sure you have entry to the attic, and that you’ve a technique to safely get on and off the roof.
After getting gathered your instruments and supplies, you’ll be able to start the method of changing your attic fan. First, you will have to take away the previous attic fan. To do that, merely unscrew the screws which are holding it in place. As soon as the screws are eliminated, you’ll be able to fastidiously pull the previous attic fan out of the opening. Watch out to not injury the wires or the insulation within the attic.
Security Precautions
When engaged on any electrical venture, it is very important take security precautions to keep away from harm. Listed here are some particular security precautions to take when changing an attic fan:
-
**Flip off the facility to the attic fan on the circuit breaker panel.** That is a very powerful security precaution to take, as it is going to forestall you from being electrocuted. To show off the facility, merely flip the circuit breaker that’s labeled “attic fan” to the “off” place.
In case you are unsure which circuit breaker controls the attic fan, you’ll be able to flip off the principle breaker to your own home. Nonetheless, this may flip off energy to your total house, so solely do that in case you are unable to establish the proper circuit breaker.
Further Suggestions:
-
In case you are not snug working with electrical energy, it’s best to rent a certified electrician to exchange your attic fan.
-
Be sure to put on gloves and security glasses when engaged on the attic fan.
-
In case you are working in a scorching attic, be sure you take breaks and drink loads of water to keep away from warmth exhaustion.
-
-
**Safe the attic fan earlier than you begin engaged on it.** It will 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.
-
**Disconnect {the electrical} wires from the attic fan.** To do that, merely unscrew the wire nuts which are connecting the wires to the fan terminals. You should definitely notice which wire goes to which terminal as a way to reconnect them correctly whenever you set up the brand new fan.
Shutting Off Energy
Security needs to be your high precedence when changing an attic fan. To keep away from electrical shock, it is essential to make sure that the facility 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 own home’s electrical panel, sometimes discovered within the basement, storage, or utility room. Determine the circuit breaker that corresponds to your attic fan. It is often labeled “attic fan” or “attic air flow.”
2. Flip Off the Circuit Breaker
Flip the circuit breaker to the “off” place. It will minimize off the facility provide to the attic fan. To verify if the facility is off, swap on a light-weight within the attic. If it does not activate, the facility is efficiently disconnected.
3. Test 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. Test all related breakers and switch them off to make sure full energy disconnection.
Eradicating Outdated Fan
Earlier than you’ll be able to set up a brand new attic fan, it is advisable to take away the previous one. This can be a comparatively easy course of, however there are some things you want to bear in mind.
1. Security First
Earlier than you begin working, ensure that to show off the facility 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 which will fall from the attic.
2. Take away the Grille
Step one is to take away the grille from the attic fan. That is often held in place by a couple of screws. As soon as the grille is eliminated, you should have entry to the fan motor.
3. Disconnect the Wiring
Subsequent, it is advisable 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’ll be able to take away the fan motor from the attic. Merely unscrew the bolts that maintain the motor in place, after which carry the motor out of the housing.
Putting in New Fan
As soon as you have eliminated the previous 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. Be sure the bracket is stage and securely connected.
- 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 have to 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 often snap into place on the fan motor. Match the blades one after the other and ensure they’re securely connected.
- Test 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, make sure that the facility 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 previous fan. Usually, there can be three wires: black (scorching 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. It will forestall the wires from coming unfastened or shorting out.
5. Troubleshooting and Wiring Particulars
| Concern | Resolution |
|---|---|
| Fan does not activate | – Test if energy is restored on the breaker panel. – Guarantee all wire connections are safe. – Check the fan with a voltmeter to verify for voltage. |
| Fan runs continually | – Test if the fan swap is caught within the “on” place. – Make sure the thermostat or humidity sensor is functioning correctly. – Examine the wiring for any shorts or unfastened connections. |
| Fan makes a buzzing noise | – Test if the fan blades are hitting something or if they’re balanced appropriately. – Make sure the motor is securely mounted to the fan housing. |
Securing Fan Housing
As soon as the previous 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
Rigorously 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 in opposition to the attic joists.
3. Tighten the Brace Nuts
Hand-tighten the brace nuts till the arms are safe in opposition to the joists. Keep away from overtightening.
4. Add Help Brackets (Non-obligatory)
For added stability, use help brackets to strengthen the brace arms. These brackets sometimes 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. It will forestall air leaks and enhance insulation.
6. Further Measures for Power Effectivity
Think about the next extra steps to reinforce 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. It will forestall warmth loss when the fan is just not 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 appropriate 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 injury 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 totally seated and flush in opposition to the motor housing.
- Tighten the Screws: Use a screwdriver or drill to tighten the mounting screws securely. Don’t overtighten the screws, as this may increasingly injury the fan elements.
- Repeat for Remaining Blades: Repeat steps 3 and 4 for every remaining fan blade, guaranteeing that every one blades are securely connected and aligned correctly.
- Test for Wobble: As soon as all blades are put in, gently rotate the fan by hand to verify if there may be any wobbling or vibration. If extreme motion is noticed, loosen the mounting screws and regulate the blade place as needed.
- 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 stop 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 facility 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 previous fan.
4. Join the wires to the brand new fan.
5. Activate the facility to the attic on the circuit breaker or fuse field.
6. Check the fan to ensure it is working correctly.
7. If the fan is just not working correctly, verify the connections to ensure they’re safe.
8. If the connections are safe and the fan remains to be not working, chances are you’ll want to exchange the circuit breaker or fuse.
| Circuit Breaker Dimension | Fuse Dimension |
|---|---|
| 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 facility 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 sweet.
- If the multimeter reads OL (open circuit), the motor is unhealthy and must be changed.
- If the multimeter reads 0 ohms, the motor is shorted and must be changed.
- If the fan motor passes the take a look at, join the wiring to the motor and activate the facility 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’ll need to name an electrician or change the fan motor.
Troubleshooting Widespread Points
1. No Energy: Test 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: Test if the blades are obstructed by particles or insulation. Take away any obstructions and manually rotate the blades to make sure they aren’t seized.
3. Loud Noise: Decide if the noise is brought on by unfastened motor mounts, worn bearings, or unbalanced blades. Tighten unfastened mounts, lubricate bearings, and rebalance blades if needed.
4. Fan Not Exhausting Air: Confirm that the fan blades are rotating within the appropriate route and that the exhaust vents are away from obstructions. Test the thermostat or humidity sensor to make sure it’s triggering the fan.
5. Fan Operating Constantly: Test if the thermostat or humidity sensor is malfunctioning, inflicting the fan to run even when not wanted. Exchange any defective elements.
6. Vibration: Make sure the fan is securely mounted to the ceiling. Examine the motor mounts and fan blades for any injury or looseness. Steadiness the fan blades if needed.
7. Leaks: Test the attic vent for cracks or holes which 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 can assist 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 stop condensation buildup.
How To Exchange Attic Fan
Changing an attic fan is a comparatively easy job that may be accomplished in a couple of hours. Nonetheless, it is very important take security precautions and to comply with the producer’s directions fastidiously.
- Flip off the facility to the attic fan on the circuit breaker panel.
- Take away the previous attic fan.
- Set up the brand new attic fan.
- Activate the facility to the attic fan on the circuit breaker panel.
Folks Additionally Ask
How do I do know if my attic fan is unhealthy?
There are a couple of indicators which will point out that your attic fan is unhealthy.
- The fan is just not turning on.
- The fan is making a loud noise.
- The fan is just not shifting air.
Can I change my attic fan myself?
Sure, you’ll be able to change your attic fan your self. Nonetheless, it is very important take security precautions and to comply with the producer’s directions fastidiously.
How a lot does it price to exchange an attic fan?
The fee to exchange an attic fan will differ relying on the kind of fan and the price of labor in your space. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to count on to pay between $100 and $500 for a brand new attic fan and set up.
