Hi all,
My bathroom exhaust fan does not spin up occasionally when switched on and you can hear a humming noise. Other times, it works perfectly fine.
I've tried cleaning the accumulated dust off the blades as much as I can. Is there anything else I can try before getting a sparkie in to replace it?
I don't understand why it will work but occasionally, just refuses to spin on other days.
Thanks
capacitor has probably worn out - you could probably replace the capacitor but those fans usually don't encourage components to be replaced in them
When it happens next try spinning the fan blades manually and while they are still moving turn the fan on.
Try it a couple of times and if the fan spins up leave it going for 1/4 hour or so.
If it's a basic exhaust fan and you are confident enough to have a go drop the fan (3 small clips) and it should just be plugged into a socket (most are) and just remove existing fan and plug a replacement one in.
Replacement fans are cheap. It's a15 minute job. Sparky not required.
If it is hard-wired then he will need Sparky.
Obviously.
Looks like a sparky doesn't want people to know how easy the job is, so hands out a negative.
Not wrong. Spinning the blades manually will determine if it is a capacitor that has worn out.
If the fan is hard to spin (while not plugged in), dust might have gotten into the rotor. Needs a clean.
If it's humming and intermittently works then replace it. Check Bunnings to see if they have a replacement so you know the price of the fan. If you do need to call a sparkie then give them the fan size so they can bring one with them otherwise the job will cost you more as they will come and measure it then go and get one.
Before calling a sparkie see if the fan power cord is plugged into a GPO in the ceiling or is hard wired as you can replace it if it has a GPO. I have seen both wired types in ceiling fans. This may save you money.
Agree. The fan blade has probably gone out of balance. Just replace. I got at least 10 plus years put of mine before it started to do the same thing. Hopefully it's a plugged fan and you can do it yourself
If you have to ask, it's time to get a professional in to fix or replace it. It's not worth losing your fingers.
If you have to ask, it's time to get a professional in to fix or replace it. It's not worth losing your fingers life.
I guess that could be true too, depending on where you poke or prod with your fingers (this is also true for situations other than a faulty exhaust fan!).
And the ladder or chairs in the bathroom on a wet floor…
Thanks, guys. All very helpful suggestions.
If it's a standalone fan, e.g. no light, then 99% of the time, you can go replace it yourself.
Fans should simply be a plug in type so you don't need an electrician to replace it.
Of course turn off the main switch just in case.
You can pick one up from Bunnings starting from $20. A ball-bearing fan cost a little more but will last longer.
Great. I've identified the fan as a Ventair Ovation 200 (or 250) and it says AC plug and lead with a photo of a standard power plug.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/arlec-250mm-white-exhaust-fan_p4…
One of these will be fine. Just make sure you get the right size. A five minute job to swap out.
This happened to mine around a month ago, sparky replaced the whole fan unit
I had one that wasn’t working. Spelt told me to buy a new one and if I couldn’t plug the new one into a socket he’d install a socket for me for next time. I found it has a socket when I pulled the old one out, was probably only 5yo though.
Either pull it down and stick a light and your phone into the space to see whether there’s a socket or climb into the roof space to check if you are able (capable)
Sounds like what happened to mine. On the top the motor shaft in the bearing is exposed. Dust had collected on top and was enough to jam the shaft so it would sometimes turn on and other times needed a little push.
Replacement fans a cheap and may be easier to get a new one. If you do get a new one, look for one with a back draft damper.
Unfortunately that's as far as you can go, so save yourself (literally) and get an Electrician.