In the past, when a bathroom fan failed, I simply removed the cover, unscrewed and unplugged the insert and installed a replacement – this was the NuTone brand and the replacement cost <$15. However, at the log cabin it was not so simple. The fan was manufactured in Canada and a replacement blower assembly was not available locally or at Amazon. It could be purchased from the manufacturer but the cost plus shipping was greater than the $70 cost for a complete unit from Amazon.
Since the manufacturer touted the reliability of its product I considered whether I could simply repair the fan. When I removed the unit I noticed that the vanes of the blower were clogged with dust and debris. This was why the fan had sounded weaker and weaker with the passing months – the motor had been struggling to turn the blower. And perhaps this had burnt out the capacitor or the motor was defective. If the motor was bad I would have to buy the Amazon unit. I tested the capacitor with a capacitor meter and it seemed ok. However this did not mean it was ok.
I could buy a new capacitor for <$4 from the manufacturer but with flat rate shipping of $11 this would be close to $15. Or I could buy a similar capacitor with the same farad spec from Amazon for approx $5 with no shipping cost add on. I invested $5 and when I installed the new capacitor the motor turned slowly. Then I cleaned the vanes and the fan spun to life. Fixed. NB – don’t try this unless you know what you are doing, it can be dangerous.
And the lesson – clean the blower vanes with a sized, soft paint brush regularly and you can avoid a lot of aggravation down the road.
Nice tips about how to repair the bathroom exhaust fan. I just wonder where we can buy the new ones in case we cannot repair the old ones? And may I re-post your article on my personal blog with reference link?
Best Regards,
Sure. You have a nice blog.