Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - Replace Bath Fan?

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Capt
12-31-05, 09:05 AM
How do you replace a bathroom fan that isn't attic accessible? It is an old Broan/Nutone (now same company -merge) I've already removed the motor/blade assy. and was not able to find a match. I'm aware that the fan is suspended from sliding brackets fastened to the ceiling joists. So what do I do--cut the ceiling drywall to unfasten it?

majakdragon
12-31-05, 09:22 AM
The sliding brackets you referred to are USUALLY for holding the electrical box. There should be screws holding the fan unit to the box/bracket. Not sure why the fan would not be accessible from the attic. Does it not have duct work taking the moisture and air to the outside of the house? Good luck.
Capt
12-31-05, 09:56 AM
The sliding brackets you referred to are USUALLY for holding the electrical box. There should be screws holding the fan unit to the box/bracket. Not sure why the fan would not be accessible from the attic. Does it not have duct work taking the moisture and air to the outside of the house? Good luck.
There is no attic to crawl into--no ceiling hole or pull down stairs, and there is duct work to the exterior. So if I'm working at the bathroom level, are drywall repairs likely?

majakdragon
12-31-05, 10:04 AM
It would appear so. If there are no screws you can see in the housing, you will have to cut the drywall to the edges of the box. I would get whatever unit you are going to replace it with first so you only have to cut once. Good luck.
Capt
12-31-05, 10:09 AM
Thank you.
majakdragon
12-31-05, 10:15 AM
I know the feelings you are having. I had to cut an attic access in a closet to get to some electrical. Was a pain but sometimes you just gotta do what is necessary.
Cheyenps
12-31-05, 11:37 PM
If I may suggest:

When you get your new one, go for the one with the lowest sone rating you can afford.

4 sone fans are cheap but sound like jets taking off. 2.5 sone units are barely acceptable. IMHO. Newer models are less than 1.5 sones and are only about $50 more for the same CFM. If it's a drywal job you only want to do this once...