Upgrading vent fan questions
#1
12-12-15, 07:34 AM
Upgrading vent fan questions
Our old original bathroom vent fan died, after 20 years.
I bought this new one and would like to install it myself.
It's clearly bigger and better.
I have a walk in attic above the fan, but it's floored. I could take the flooring up if needed, but don't want to.
Can I get some advice on upgrading this?
Wiring?
Enlarging the whole?
Securing it without removing the attic flooring? It has brackets.
Thanks.
I bought this new one and would like to install it myself.
It's clearly bigger and better.
I have a walk in attic above the fan, but it's floored. I could take the flooring up if needed, but don't want to.
Can I get some advice on upgrading this?
Wiring?
Enlarging the whole?
Securing it without removing the attic flooring? It has brackets.
Thanks.
#2
12-12-15, 07:52 AM
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First step is getting the old one out, then see what you're dealing with. I've had luck in removing similar square (light) fixtures above kitchen sinks. Disassemble it as much as you can, bend the sides, and see it you can access the spanner brackets that are holding it up. The brackets are mostly the sliding adjustable type and can be pried apart with a screwdriver.
#3
12-12-15, 07:59 AM
Group Moderator
Installing a new fan is not the issue. Getting the old one out is the problem. You'll need to determine what's holding it in. It could be side mount brackets that you can't see. It could be screw or nails into the framing from inside the housing.
Cross your fingers there is extra wiring and ducting to work with from down below.
Cross your fingers there is extra wiring and ducting to work with from down below.
#4
12-12-15, 10:10 AM
Group Moderator
Retrofitting a fan like will require pulling up the floor. I have changed many customer supplied fans and they are always a HUGE pain in the butt! Your other issue is how much space you have between the ceiling and the floor above. There might not be enough room for the new fan. The old one is likely just nailed to the side of the framing.
There are a few good retrofit fans out there. google "retrofit exhaust fan" to see some better options. The NuTone EZ80N is one I have used and is about $100.
There are a few good retrofit fans out there. google "retrofit exhaust fan" to see some better options. The NuTone EZ80N is one I have used and is about $100.
#5
12-12-15, 03:13 PM
Member
That old fan could have been replaced from below in about 5 min.
To replace the whole thing at a minimum that area of the floor needs to be cut out.
Always easier to cut out a much bigger hole then you may think you need to.
Pull any nails or screws and cut along the middle of the joist.
If that drywall needs to be cut out for it to fit go buy yourself a dry wall saw and be careful, a textured ceiling is a nightmare to try and repair and have it match.
Textured drywall in a bathroom, what where they thinking?
To replace the whole thing at a minimum that area of the floor needs to be cut out.
Always easier to cut out a much bigger hole then you may think you need to.
Pull any nails or screws and cut along the middle of the joist.
If that drywall needs to be cut out for it to fit go buy yourself a dry wall saw and be careful, a textured ceiling is a nightmare to try and repair and have it match.
Textured drywall in a bathroom, what where they thinking?
#6
12-12-15, 05:05 PM
I'd be fine with replacing it with an original. It's a combination fan/light.
Any way to find out what it is and if it still is produced and where to get it?
Thanks.
Any way to find out what it is and if it still is produced and where to get it?
Thanks.
#7
12-12-15, 08:03 PM
Member
Any Lowe's or Home Depot will have them.
Brand name and model should be on a sticker inside the enclosure.
Looks like there's some info on that light cover.
Brand name and model should be on a sticker inside the enclosure.
Looks like there's some info on that light cover.
#8
12-13-15, 03:49 PM
Ok, I found the model # on it and here it is:
A664IC / MM664IC / MM667IC / MM667ICF - Compact Bath Fan | Berko | Product Detail
Looks like the fan is possibly replaced by this one on Amazon..http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Bath..._cd_al_qh_dp_t
Wondering if it'd work.
I'm not real picky and it worked fined before.
I could just maybe pop that old one out, seems to just be held in by a bracket and a couple of screws, and then plug it in..badabing.
Thoughts?
A664IC / MM664IC / MM667IC / MM667ICF - Compact Bath Fan | Berko | Product Detail
Looks like the fan is possibly replaced by this one on Amazon..http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Bath..._cd_al_qh_dp_t
Wondering if it'd work.
I'm not real picky and it worked fined before.
I could just maybe pop that old one out, seems to just be held in by a bracket and a couple of screws, and then plug it in..badabing.
Thoughts?
#9
01-02-16, 07:12 AM
Ok the Amazon part fit perfectly.
Original fan and light back up and running.
Returning the 120.00 fan to Lowe's.
Thank you for the help and insights.
You just saved yourself $108. 
