Bathroom Fan Problems
- Take precautions by wearing safety glasses.
Fans are electrically powered devices, so to be 100 percent safe, unless doing a voltage test at the plug, turn off the power at the breaker box. Fans are also located high on the ceiling, so if using a footstool or ladder, always make sure it is properly deployed on a dry level surface.
Also, working overhead means the possibility that dirt or worse may fall into your eyes. Don't take chances with your vision, and always wear safety glasses or goggles. - This fan is dead.
There are only two problems that will cause a fan not to run. Either the fan motor has burned out or there is an electrical connection that has gone bad.
You can check the electrical connection by unplugging the unit and using a simple voltage tester in the plug. If your tester shows voltage but your fan doesn't run, the motor is burned out and needs to be replaced. If there is no voltage, you have an electrical problem that needs to be addressed by an electrician. - Plugged interior fan louvers
If your fan is running but not blowing, there are a couple of things you can check.
Most often, the fan blades are filled with gunk. This compromises the fans ability to move air, and the blades need to be cleaned. This can be as simple as using a wet rag and just wiping off the blades.
The other reason it won't blow is because either the inlet or outlet vent louvers are plugged up. Inlet vent louvers can be brushed off to allow airflow past the blades. However, for outside louvers, many times insects or birds will nest on or around this area, and any louvers on the outside of vents will get plugged up. This area will also need to be cleaned or brushed out, removing any debris that might be blocking the vent exit. - About once per year you should do routine maintenance on your bathroom exhaust fan. You'll need to remove it from the fixture, which generally means taking a couple of screws out and then pulling both the fan and the motor down from the ceiling.
Remove the blades if possible and soak them in warm water to loosen and remove any dirt. If they can't be removed, use a soapy solution to wipe them off thoroughly. Get some 30 weight oil--3-In-One oil is a good substitute--and oil up the motor shafts right where they come out of the motor. A couple of drops on both the front and back side will coat the bearings and keep your fan spinning effortlessly.
After that, dry off the fan blades, put them back on the fan, then replace the unit the exact same way you removed it, and you'll be good to go for another year.
