View of exhaust fan under lighting fixture.

Bathroom Exhaust Fan Maintenance and Cleaning

The bathroom exhaust fan plays an important role in removing excess moisture from the area. It’s a good idea to run the fan for 10-15 minutes after using the shower to reduce the humidity. One common problem experienced over time with exhaust fans is the collection of dust and lint inside the fan. You may not notice how dirty the fan actually is until it starts to make noise or lint is clinging to the vent cover.

Cleaning your exhaust fan can be a DIY project if you are comfortable with disassembling the fixture. If you would like assistance or your project requires electrical repair, please call us.

The example we’ll use today is a combination light and fan unit. It has been in service for approximately 10 years according to the home owners. With the services preformed on this unit it should be good to go for many more years.

Our subject for today. Notice the dust and lint trapped inside the vent openings.

Our subject for today. Notice the dust and lint trapped inside the vent openings.

Problem:

  • Noisy during operation, especially during first few minutes of use
  • Lint collecting on vent cover openings
View of light fixture with globe removed.

View of light fixture with globe removed.

To get access to the fan unit the light fixture housing must be removed. On this unit the center rod secures the light fixture to the ceiling. Remove the center rod and slowly lower the fixture.

View of exhaust fan under lighting fixture.

View of exhaust fan under lighting fixture.

Wow, look how dirty it is. No wonder it was making noise.

On this combination unit the lighting fixture generally has a short cord with plug-end that connects to the fan housing, simply unplug the power cord and set the housing aside.

View of exhaust fan motor.

View of exhaust fan motor.

The fan motor and blade is very dirty and needs cleaned. The noisy operation is most likely caused by imbalance in the fan blade due to the weight of the dirt. The dust and lint is also restricting air flow.

To access the fan blade the fan assembly will need removed from the housing.. On this unit the fan assembly has metal tabs that connect into the housing.

View of fan housing with motor removed.

View of fan housing with motor removed.

With fan assembly removed we are able to clean the inside of the fan housing. Use a vacuum with brush attachment and wipe with damp cloth.

Fan housing after cleaning.

Fan housing after cleaning.

Next vacuum the dust and lint from fan assembly. The blade can be cleaned using damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid getting water on motor.

Once clean, reinstall fan assembly into housing and test.

Fan assembly after cleaning.

Fan assembly after cleaning.

Next, clean the light fixture and inside of vent cover, reinstall over fan.

Light fixture housing after cleaning.

Light fixture housing after cleaning.

Replace light bulbs if needed.

Clean globe and install.

Clean and running like brand new.

Clean and running like brand new.

There, all done and looking great.  We also recommend cleaning the vent cover on the outside of the house.

Note – If the fan unit is not easily serviceable then it may best to install a new unit instead of spending time and money on old unit.

 

If you have questions or would like to schedule a technician to perform maintenance, please contact McGill’s Repair and Construction at 641-437-1086.

Thank You,

David McGill
James McGill

Article written by Tim McGill, editor@Tree Branch Publishing.

 

 

 

 

A dirty AC condensor coil is the leading cause of performance loss and failures in central air units.

Schedule your AC cleaning and inspection now

Soon the warmer temperatures will cause you to switch from heating to cooling. To get ready for the summer heat, have your air conditioner cleaned and inspected by David or James McGill.

A dirty AC condensor coil is the leading cause of performance loss and failures in central air units.

A dirty AC condensor coil is the leading cause of performance loss and failures in central air units.

After cleaning. This AC unit is happy.

After cleaning. This AC unit is happy.

Call David McGill at 641-437-1086 to schedule your appointment for late spring or early summer. Cleaning and testing will be conducted when outside temperature are above 70 degrees.

Cleaning and inspection of window air conditioners is also available.

 

Thank You,

David McGill
James McGill

 

Article written by Tim McGill, editor @ Tree Branch Publishing.

Dirty vs. Clean Air Filter

Why it’s important to replace your furnace air filter regularly.

Myth #1 – The main purpose of the furnace air filter is to keep the air clean in the home.

Myth #2 – You should buy the best filter available.

Both of these statements are false, or at minimum, only partially true.

First and foremost the purpose of a furnace filter is to protect the furnace from damage caused by dust, lint, or foreign objects that find a way into the airstream. Without filtering, these particles may cause damage to the furnace or, at a minimum, reduce the overall furnace efficiency; which will cost you more in energy. Filtering prevents dust and other particles from collecting on the heat exchanger causing excess heat inside the furnace; clogging up the air conditioning coil which reduces the air flow to the house and causes the blower to work harder; or collecting on the fan blade or blower motor causing it to overheat or have electrical damage. Repair of any of these items is expensive and can be avoided by ensuring a filter is in place and receives regular maintenance.

A secondary purpose of the air filter for many households is to improve the air quality by filtering out dust and other small particles, such as pollen.  However, the furnace is not designed as an air quality device so you may not be getting the benefits from a premium air filter that you are led to believe you’re getting. More on that topic in another article; this article is focused on the primary purpose of protecting the furnace.

 

A clogged filter may cause damage to your furnace.

Dirty vs. Clean Air Filter

Dirty vs. Clean Air Filter

So we established that a filter is needed to protect the furnace, however that same filter may actually cause damage if not maintained. When the air filter gets clogged with dust and other particles, the air flow through the filter is restricted and damage to the furnace and AC unit is likely.

  • Blower (fan) motor failure is common. The restricted air flow causes the blower motor to work harder. This reduces the life of the motor and may cause it to fail, i.e. burn-up. The “burn-up” simply means the motor overheats, which often results in permanent damage to the internal electrical windings or other components. Replacing a blower motor is a common repair and can cost $200 – $500 in parts and labor.
  • In summer months, restricted air flow through the AC cooling coils inside the furnace unit may cause the unit to drop below freezing temperature and “ice up”. When ice forms on the fins of the coil inside the furnace compartment, then the outside air unit must work harder; this may damage the compressor. When the ice melts inside the furnace compartment, the water may cause damage to electrical components or over longer periods of time cause metal to rust and deteriorate. In the best case scenario the iced-up coil can be fixed with a service call. If other components are damaged, then significantly higher repair costs can be expected.

If that’s not reason enough to maintain your air filter, consider the extra energy cost due to reduced efficiency when the air flow is restricted.

The good news is that these costly repairs can often be avoided by replacing, or cleaning if reusable type, your air filter on regular basis.  How often depends on the type of filter, the usage of the furnace, and the conditions in the home or business. More on how frequently to maintain your air filter is discussed later, first let’s talk about the different types of filters.

 

What type of air filter do I need?

While there are many different types and grades of filters available, most are effective at filtering larger particles, which is the primary concern for protecting the furnace. Refer to your furnace owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations for type and size of filter to use. The original furnace manufacturer is the best source of information on the type of filter to use as each furnace is designed for a given air flow and using the proper filter will help maintain that air flow. If you are not sure what your manufacturer recommends then contact us. We will evaluate your system and suggest a filter that will meet your needs.

As a general rule, for newer model furnaces the pleated filters work well at trapping the airborne particles. However, for an older style furnace, the pleated filters may be too restrictive on the air flow and thus a woven fiberglass filter is a better choice.

 

How often do I need to maintain the filter?

How often depends on the type of filter, the usage of the furnace, and the conditions in the home or business.

  • A higher efficiency filter will need replaced more often since they are better at trapping particles and tend to clog up faster.
  • During peak operating months the filter may need replaced more frequently than during months of lower usage. Remember to check your filter during summer months as well.
  • The environmental conditions of the home or business may require changing the filters more often. This is often true during a remodeling project when dust is more prevalent, or if you are sensitive to allergens.
  • Pet owners should consider changing filters more often as pet hair will tend to collect on the filter and cause it to clog up.

A general rule is check the filter monthly and replace (or clean if reusable) if needed.

 

 

If you need assistance with replacing your furnace filter, please contact us and we’ll be happy to send a service technician to you.

Thank you,

David McGill and James McGill

Article written by Tim McGill,editor @ Tree Branch Publishing.