Testing your bathroom ceiling vent fan

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Old 12-13-2020, 04:38 PM
jayerose jayerose is offline
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Default Testing your bathroom ceiling vent fan

..We recommend doing a toilet paper test to ensure your fan is functioning effectively. Take 2 pieces of toilet paper. Turn the fan on and put the toilet paper up to the fan. The fan should suck the toilet paper up and it should stay attached to the fan. If it doesn't, all your fan is doing is making noise..

I guess our fan is only making noise : /

Has anyone ever removed and tried to clean/fix?

If not, who did you call to fix?

thank you!
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Old 12-13-2020, 04:54 PM
photo1902 photo1902 is offline
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If you’re referring to the Nutone 744NT (combo vent fan and light) they’re inherently weak, and junk, in my opinion. You can remove the bulb and trim ring to remove the dust, but it’s a waste of time.

The best suggestion is to add a digital timer switch and let it run 20 minutes after you shower, to remove moist air.
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Last edited by photo1902; 12-13-2020 at 05:24 PM.
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Old 12-13-2020, 05:07 PM
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I usually clean mine once a year or so. I don't know which model you have but it's usually springy clips that keeps the 'lid' of the fan in place on the ceiling (you need to 'spring them back into place to put it back). If yours is not holding a tissue it's probably more a replacement versus a cleaning that it may need. Good luck!
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Old 12-13-2020, 06:07 PM
EdFNJ EdFNJ is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jayerose View Post
..We recommend doing a toilet paper test to ensure your fan is functioning effectively. Take 2 pieces of toilet paper. Turn the fan on and put the toilet paper up to the fan. The fan should suck the toilet paper up and it should stay attached to the fan. If it doesn't, all your fan is doing is making noise..

I guess our fan is only making noise : /

Has anyone ever removed and tried to clean/fix?

If not, who did you call to fix?

thank you!

I usually light a 5 gallon bucket full of newspapers & lighter fluid then blow it out. That way I am able to test both bathroom fans, all my smoke detectors and the kitchen exhaust fan simultaneously. I also leave a bowl of cookies and some beer out for the fire dept as well.

EDIT: DISCLAIMER: PLEASE DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME WITHOUT A WORKING CELL PHONE AND ADEQUATE VENTILATION

Last edited by EdFNJ; 12-13-2020 at 11:59 PM.
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Old 12-13-2020, 06:18 PM
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I usually light a 5 gallon bucket full of newspapers & lighter fluid then blow it out. That way I am able to test both bathroom fans, all my smoke detectors and the kitchen exhaust fan simultaneously. I also leave a bowl of cookies and some beer out for the fire dept as well.
Good one😅😅😅😅
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Old 12-13-2020, 06:25 PM
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Originally Posted by EdFNJ View Post
I usually light a 5 gallon bucket full of newspapers & lighter fluid then blow it out. That way I am able to test both bathroom fans, all my smoke detectors and the kitchen exhaust fan simultaneously. I also leave a bowl of cookies and some beer out for the fire dept as well.
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Old 12-13-2020, 06:47 PM
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Originally Posted by EdFNJ View Post
I usually light a 5 gallon bucket full of newspapers & lighter fluid then blow it out. That way I am able to test both bathroom fans, all my smoke detectors and the kitchen exhaust fan simultaneously. I also leave a bowl of cookies and some beer out for the fire dept as well.
Ed, I know you are kidding, but just in case some newbies think their smoke detectors actually call the fire department, THEY DO NOT. If you have a fire, you need to call.

But I do like your sense of humor.
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Old 12-13-2020, 06:50 PM
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Ed, I know you are kidding, but just in case some newbies think their smoke detectors actually call the fire department, THEY DO NOT. If you have a fire, you need to call.

But I do like your sense of humor.
Seriously?
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Old 12-13-2020, 11:57 PM
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Originally Posted by villagetinker View Post
Ed, I know you are kidding, but just in case some newbies think their smoke detectors actually call the fire department, THEY DO NOT. If you have a fire, you need to call.

But I do like your sense of humor.

Understood! I'll add "PLEASE DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME WITHOUT A WORKING CELL PHONE AND ADEQUATE VENTILATION"

(I know you mean well, just bustin' your chops)
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Old 12-14-2020, 07:32 AM
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It sucked up my toupee.
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Old 12-14-2020, 07:50 AM
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It sucked up my toupee.
Good one!
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Old 12-14-2020, 08:10 AM
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Ok good laugh for the day. Fire dept must love you leaving cookies and all LOL
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Old 12-14-2020, 09:39 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by photo1902 View Post
If you’re referring to the Nutone 744NT (combo vent fan and light) they’re inherently weak, and junk, in my opinion. You can remove the bulb and trim ring to remove the dust, but it’s a waste of time.

The best suggestion is to add a digital timer switch and let it run 20 minutes after you shower, to remove moist air.
I agree with you 100%. My Bathroom exhaust fan you couldn’t hear it if the shower was running. I always thought it couldn’t suck out cigarette smoke. Good comment!
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Old 12-14-2020, 09:45 AM
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They “went”...
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Old 12-14-2020, 09:55 AM
OhioBuckeye OhioBuckeye is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by La lamy View Post
I usually clean mine once a year or so. I don't know which model you have but it's usually springy clips that keeps the 'lid' of the fan in place on the ceiling (you need to 'spring them back into place to put it back). If yours is not holding a tissue it's probably more a replacement versus a cleaning that it may need. Good luck!
I agree it probably needs replaced but I’m guessing even most of the new homes have weak bathroom fans too. To me this is just cheap fans that builders put in homes that we spent lots of money for & have to replace already. Bathroom fans should last about as long as your home. I’ve lived in rental homes that were built in the 50’s & they worked fine, if anything they were a little noisy. Good comment La Lamy!
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