How To Fix A Noisy Bathroom Fan

How To Fix A Noisy Bathroom Fan
  • Author: Amanda Arnold
  • Posted On: May 6, 2022
  • Updated On: August 21, 2023

When you turn on your bathroom exhaust fan, does it screech, squeak, or make a noise? Most likely, nothing needs to be replaced. If the noise from your bathroom fan has ever woken up your family, you’ll need to learn how to fix a noisy bathroom fan. Many causes can produce a noisy bathroom fan.

Cleaning, adjusting, or lubricating the bathroom ceiling exhaust fan typically solves the issue. Here’s how to silence a noisy bathroom fan. The vent housing is frequently clogged with dirt and dust. Dirt and dust build up over time, causing the vent to vibrate or create loud noises.

Is It Important To Fix A Noisy Bathroom Fan?

A bathroom exhaust fan’s primary purpose is to ventilate and improve the air quality by removing filthy and clammy air. A bathroom exhaust fan eliminates moisture and humidity after a hot, steamy shower, preventing mold growth and water damage.

If it works appropriately, your bathroom exhaust fan improves your whole bathroom experience while also contributing to the upkeep of your bathroom. So, your bathroom fan mustn’t be broken.

There’s no need to call a pro just yet; bathroom fans are rather simple compared to most electronics, and you should be able to get them operating again on your own.

What Are The Main Reasons Behind Noisy Fan?

Dirt Build Up On Fan’s Blades

The moving part of the fan is the blades. They will make some noise as they rotate in regular operation. Depending on the quality of the components used in its construction, it will be louder or quieter. The fan may begin to create more noise as it spins if it is worn out or damaged.

If your fan is generating noise now that it wasn’t, inspect the fan and motor for wear or damage. Maintain a clean and clear fan blade. The fan might become overly noisy as dirt accumulates over time. The fan’s movement of air also produces noise. Noise is unavoidable when air moves.

An Older Fan’s Motor

All of the work is done by the motor. It is in charge of rotating the air-moving fan blades. The fan motor may be louder and less efficient if your fan is older.

If your fan has only lately begun to make noise, it is conceivable that the motor has failed. The motor will eventually fail. As the engine nears the end of its life, this might make it noisy and weak.

Check for excessive heat accumulation after letting the fan run for a while. This could indicate that your engine is nearing the end of its life.

Inappropriate Mounting

Poor mounting could be the source of a lot of noise from your fan. This could result from the poor original installation or the screws and mounting hardware loosening over time. In any case, the outcome is the same.

The vibration caused by the motor and the fan will not be contained if the fan is loose. The entire fan assembly will be permitted to move, resulting in excessive noise. The vibration will be reflected off the ceiling and walls, amplifying the loudness to make it a bit more annoying.

Steps To Fix A Noisy Bathroom Fan

Clean The Fan Appropriately

If your fan starts to make a noise, don’t go out and get a new one until you’ve tried cleaning the one you already have! Dirt and grime can cause problems for the fan blades as they accumulate over time. Clean the fan blades and anything else that appears unclean with a rag and warm soapy water.

Keep an eye out for any signs of damage or wear while cleaning. If the fan, the motor, or the entire device is damaged, you may need to replace them. Replace your fan cover once it’s completely dry. Check to see whether the fan has helped to reduce the noise.

Wrap The Motor With Insulation Material

If cleaning your fan completely doesn’t work, consider applying Sorbothane rubber to absorb vibrations and sound. Sorbothane is a soft rubber that comes in sheets that are easy to handle. It comes with an adhesive backing, making installing your bathroom fan a breeze.

To reduce even more vibrations, apply some Sorbothane to the electrical access plate and the fan motor assembly.

Adjust Mounting Or Blades Appropriately

When the fan housing or blades fall out of alignment, it can make noise. Worse, they will experience more wear and tear, reducing the lifespan of your fan by years. Take the cover off the fan. Turn off the fan. Gently move the fan blades with your finger to see whether they are out of alignment.

It has to be adjusted if it isn’t traveling straight or striking the fan housing. If your fan is fastened to a joist using screws that run through the fan assembly, you may be able to tighten them without entering the attic.

Many fans have hangers fixed above the ceiling drywall attached to the ceiling joists. You’ll need to go up to the attic and look for your bathroom fan.

Conclusion

After thoroughly cleaning the fan, switch it on to check if it is any quieter. Hopefully, your fan was unclean and caused the problem. The motor could be running if the fan is still noisy. A noisy bathroom fan can be a real pain. If all else fails, replace it with a new ultra-quiet modern one and enjoy the serenity of bathroom use in silence.

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Author: Amanda Arnold

Amanda has been working with ConstructionHow since 2021. Her experience spans over 5 years in the creative niche such as home decor and trends, landscaping, renovations, and custom architectural values. As a home designer expert, she has a keen eye for the latest home improvement trends with accurate facts that readers find impossible to ignore. Being invested in home-building trends is how she has gained her lucrative expertise exploring more to bring a positive ambiance for all homeowners (and even tenants!). Currently, she lives in a beautiful beach home, a source of fascination for her.

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