Replacing an exhaust fan without goign into the attic

[swimmer_spe]

My top floor bathroom's exhaust fan is noisy. The plan is to replace it with a new one. My challenge is my attic.

First off, I have about 40 inches of bat insulation up there. I know that is more than needed. Is there a safe way to move in the attic so that I stay on the structure and not go through the ceiling? What should I wear to protect me from the fibreglass? Is it possible to remove the old one and put the new one up all without going into the attic?

 

[slownsteady]

You would have to provide some details about the fan before that could be answered. My fan can be accessed from below, but what about yours?

 

[swimmer_spe]

You would have to provide some details about the fan before that could be answered. My fan can be accessed from below, but what about yours?

I removed the cover but I did not see any way to remove it. What would I be looking for to be able to remove it from the bottom?

 

[bud16415]

If you can provide a photo of the unit with the cover removed from below I’m sure you will get some advice. If when you remove the cover there is a name plate with a model number a search on line should also help as there may be on line instructions.

That’s a lot of insulation. Did you install it all?

 

[swimmer_spe]

If you can provide a photo of the unit with the cover removed from below I’m sure you will get some advice. If when you remove the cover there is a name plate with a model number a search on line should also help as there may be on line instructions.

That’s a lot of insulation. Did you install it all?

I did not install it. The home inspector pointed out that it was that thick. He said it was excessive.

Here are the pictures
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums...2-12FD-4FE6-A50A-9BC7BFB0430F_zpskpagjlge.jpg
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums...2-E427-4DCF-BCAB-1C1D93DF5515_zps1lrqw4l2.jpg
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums...9-3807-4935-a0aa-566d8177d8e0_zpsojwtblst.jpg

It is as old as the house, so, I am betting that it was installed during construction.

 

[bud16415]

I’m pretty sure you will be able to find some after market parts to fix yours up and get it running quiet. That’s how I would start out before replacing the whole unit.

They sell motors and blades and new covers to give it a more modern look.

I did a quick search and saw a few motors pop up. I would start by shutting it off and taking down the motor plate. Few screws I can see in the picture. You will get a better view of the motor then to match it up.

Others should be along to offer more help. It has been quite a few years that I have messed around with a fan like yours.

 

[beachguy005]

I don't know that I would want to be crawling around over insulation, especially not being able to find stable footing. If you're going to be replacing it with a new model it might be easier to replace it from the bathroom. Get a larger unit and cut out the ceiling opening that's large enough for the new fan and to remove the old one from below.

 

[GBR]

That unit could have the old 3" ducting exhaust, if so- may want to replace the ducting as well. Use straight smooth wall for less condensation - better air flow than flex pipe. Be sure to insulate/vapor barrier with some flex ducting over the metal pipe, tape all joints of both duct materials, especially the metal elbow joints. Use 4" for optimum airflow. Remove/rake aside loose-fill FG wearing a dust mask, long sleeves, headlamp, gloves with a small long-handled leaf rake to keep as far from the shredded glass as possible. Lay some boards if not adept at walking on ceiling joists/truss chords. Exhaust to a gable end, not near a window/door, house air intake. Not to an attic soffit intake area.

Simply using a 3-4" adapter will give large amount of condensation to mildew/mold in the existing pipe. Turn off power at the breaker before working on. Older fan blades may require balancing, we can help.

Gary

 

[swimmer_spe]

That unit could have the old 3" ducting exhaust, if so- may want to replace the ducting as well. Use straight smooth wall for less condensation - better air flow than flex pipe. Be sure to insulate/vapor barrier with some flex ducting over the metal pipe, tape all joints of both duct materials, especially the metal elbow joints. Use 4" for optimum airflow. Remove/rake aside loose-fill FG wearing a dust mask, long sleeves, headlamp, gloves with a small long-handled leaf rake to keep as far from the shredded glass as possible. Lay some boards if not adept at walking on ceiling joists/truss chords. Exhaust to a gable end, not near a window/door, house air intake. Not to an attic soffit intake area.

Simply using a 3-4" adapter will give large amount of condensation to mildew/mold in the existing pipe. Turn off power at the breaker before working on. Older fan blades may require balancing, we can help.

Gary

Are you local? How do I get a fan rebalanced?