Exhaust Fan Runs Continuously - How to Rewire

[@pbparker]

Thanks for this video, just rewired a cabin fan and solved the "always running" fan exactly as you did in the video.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful

[@grampakilt]

Perfect presentation, exactly what I needed. In a cold climate, the continuous venting removes valuable heat causing furnaces to cycle much more often. I know this because in my previous house (large) in a northern climate, my furnace would typically NOT come on if the thermostat was set for a 3 degree Celsius temp difference between day and night. Now living in a brand new smaller house in a milder winter climate, it takes only about 4-5 hours to drop the inside temp 3 degrees and triggering the furnace. How can this be called efficient? GK

[@handydadtv]

It’s a tradeoff. I guess the code writers feel mold is worse than a high heating bill.

[@HappySmiles2Day]

Exactly. We had the fan installed as part of a weatherization program. I called them bc it was cold during the winter. In the midwest, it makes no sense for showering or for constant use in the winter. I can crack windows but it's freezing when taking a shower.

[@CMason-yr9ks]

Or they have shares in an exhaust fan company. ha ha. But I mean really there has to be a better answer a better way then money for heat going out into space and there will be NO enjoyment soaking in the tub 5 or 6 months out of the year. Some knew ideas are not sensible, not practical, don't work they need to go back to the drawing board or maybe think tank! I personally can't pay higher heating cost trying to take a simi comfortable shower.

[@luckyjay778]

I have the exact same problem.

[@bethstark3395]

THANK YOU! A man worked all day today to install a “bathroom exhaust fan” in my bathroom (via an energy-saving program). The program did not inform me, however, that the fan would subject me to 24/7 noise from that moment forward, with no way to ever turn it off. (I discovered that as the installer was leaving.)The only way to get peace would be to turn off the breaker to the entire upstairs of my house. Thanks to your video, I took off the cover, pulled the white plug out, and QUIET!!!!! THANK YOU.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it helped!

[@CMason-yr9ks]

After living with the noise how AWESOME IS THE SOUND OF SILENCE! Oh I can now think clearly again too! I think this video needs some traction. Answer to a pray!

[@movingpictures25]

Thank you so much, also in a new development for a year now. Drove me nuts hearing that fan run all the time.

[@CMason-yr9ks]

Me toooooo! 💜

[@jamesmoore2596]

It’s so much fucking Healthier

[@CMason-yr9ks]

I'm sure U are & will continue to help many people living in new or renovated properties. My bathrooms have similar working but dual fans. The always running fan sounds like white noise which has always been a miserable sound for my ears & me and if that wasn't enough the bathrooms staying so much colder in the winter not real fun right out of the shower. I will be senting your video to my management company so they can now know what needs to be done. Thanks for sharing your time & talents with me & the world. 🌎 I am Grateful!🙂💜 c. mason

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure. Good luck!

[@CMason-yr9ks]

@@handydadtv my pleasure as while. Be Safe Be Blessed Be Happy. char

[@ooowe6675]

What a great production of video. Visuals are beautiful, very well done. ✔️

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@mautai916]

Thank you, this helped me out with my EXACT problem!

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@eltepeqe6690]

Thank for the video. This was driving me crazy. They have this in a new apartment complex im working at

[@handydadtv]

If it’s new construction, the fan is probably running occasionally to bring fresh air into the apartment.

[@rozbourne]

Thank you! I have the same issue, new construction fan on auto. I didn't do the electrical work but at least got the fan turned down, knowing where the knob is. I'll have an electrician do the wiring :-\

[@handydadtv]

I have a new house too and I’ve learned that those automatic exhaust fans are intended to draw in fresh air. That’s code for new construction because homes are built so tight these days.

[@rangerjoe1493]

The fan is not for humidity reasons. It is code in new homes because the tight insulation of new construction limits fresh air coming into the house, the fan causes negative pressure in the house drawing in fresh air.

[@creepyzeek1]

I hate it. I turned mine off for good. If I want fresh air ill open my windows. Stupid code

[@CMason-yr9ks]

If insulation is so much tighter would that mine better sound proving? You seen to know a lot about this subject so I'm wondering why I now live in a 2 year old 2 family home or duplex and I can hear my neighbors as much as I heard my neighbors in a 25 year old apartment. So if more building money go to tighter insulation isn't there another way to achieve the same outcome? Thanks for your time. c

[@Bismuth00]

@@CMason-yr9ks because your party wall doesn't have any noise canceling insulation. Code regarding home insulation has to do with outside walls not shared interior walls.

[@r1_anon]

The energy company invented this design to keep my house cold, so I'm paying more for my heater. Great idea! fark it

[@luckyjay778]

My issue is the negative pressure sucks in cold air on cold days making my place drafty and on hot days sucks in hot air. I will be wiring to the switch.

[@Toryganteng61]

5:56 the moth collapsed

[@handydadtv]

😂

[@chrissuire3407]

I replaced a bathroom fan - manual switch with a timer switch. I'm tempted to replace it with one of those humidity detecting switches like the "Leviton In-Wall Humidity Sensor & Fan Control". This laundry room seems like a good candidate for that too so that it automatically kicks on when needed.

[@handydadtv]

Good idea!

[@grounded-b937]

Red wire was nicked by the drywallers - careless use of their router, when cutting around electrical boxes. They first "plunge" into the approx center of the box, then move the bit to the edge, then jump over the wall of the box and continue routing the perimeter.

[@fatmongo]

Well done. Another option would be a switch with a built in humidity sensor.

[@DonaldAJr]

I was also thinking about something like that but I didn't know how to put it into words. I love educated people.

[@grampakilt]

Perhaps to clarify Steve T's comment, once the wiring has been altered as per video, instead of a basic on/off switch, one could use a switch with a built in humidity sensor (which is what I'll be doing.) GK

[@CMason-yr9ks]

Great idea!!!!

[@bruceunderhill3922]

Perfect presentation-most helpful Thank you

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@jonathancuellar4824]

Nice video ! Kind of funny when you turn full speed lol

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@Deep_Divers]

Excellent video! Thanks

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@Nanananananabatman]

Hi, We live in an apartment. Our bathroom has no windows and the bathroom fan comes on everytime we turn on the light. I disconnected it (just like you did in your video) because we bathe our 2 year old in the bath tub and the fan blows cold air directly towards the tub. Is it ok if I simply leave the fan disconnected. I guess I'm thinking if we should be concerned with mold or anything like that if I leave the fan disconnected permanently? Great video and Thank you.

[@handydadtv]

Bath time for a 2-year-old is the most fun time of day! I’d probably do the same thing, at least for the winter.

[@BeulahBoolah]

The moth part killed me "oh the humanity!!!" 💀 great video thanks!

[@handydadtv]

😂

[@ahhhahhh642]

Thank you for video I had same issue easy fix thanks to your video

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@Srinathji_Das]

Awesome video! 💚

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@Helekoje]

thank you for this video,what a great 👍 and simple instructions

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@michellepaige4283]

Having insane smoke from wildfires. My entire house smells horrible and even with sophisticated air purifiers, we’re coughing with sore throats. The rooms with exhaust fans are the clear culprits. There is a real high switch in the laundry room- does this control all of the continuous fans, or just the laundry? Is it safe to switch off for the time being since the air quality inside is hazardous? Thanks in advance.

[@handydadtv]

I can’t possibly know the answer, but if I were you, I’d try it.

[@zinzeta]

Wow. This was almost too good of a presentation. *subscribed *

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for subscribing! Welcome to the family!

[@ehenyor]

I have this exact same issue for an office closet that has a fan for heat from networking equipment. All voluntary. So, no code to worry about. Thank you!

[@handydadtv]

Be sure to monitor the temperature if you’re going to disable a fan in an equipment room.

[@ehenyor]

@@handydadtv I got into it today. It's a Panasonic and found that the settings can be lowered so that the "low" setting becomes an "off". So, no rewiring! :)

[@marvellstarks2434]

Im confused where did you get that black wire from that replaced the red on the switch. Was it in the hot bundle also

[@handydadtv]

Yes. I followed the red wire to the 14/3 cable going to the fan. The black wire in that cable was always hot. I changed it to be controlled by the switch.

[@marvellstarks2434]

@@handydadtv ok got it now. Thank you

[@ryanhoward9823]

Great job on the video!

[@jamesmoore2596]

Z

[@rachelclyne5940]

Thank you!!!

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@pepsicolachao4537]

5:56 RIP moth

[@capper512]

Hello from Seattle! Of the 3 black wires, how did U know which one to pick to replace the red one? Thanks

[@handydadtv]

Trial and error. You need to figure out how the switch and fan are wired. And the function of each wire.

[@jaredbales2527]

Just did this in my bathroom. I'm not an electrician, but I figured that the black wire that runs up to the fan probably comes out of the same insulation that the red one came out of. It was a good guess, this time.

[@danyzuk0]

I'm not an electrician at all. I followed you till you said the red goes to the fan and so one assumes the black wires are all hot coming in from the left. But then you say your going to switch the black wire that goes up to the fan. So I noticed a black wire coming from the right along with the red wire. So that black wire is keeping the fan on constantly, But what I don't get is what was that red wire for if the fan is really controlled by that extra black wire from the right. I have a fan switch that has 4 positions. Light, Light+fan, Fan+heater. I wish I could disable all but the light. I have a family member with dimentia and they leave them all on thinking they turned off the light. I managed to disconnect and tie off the yellow wire that goes to the heater. But disconnecting the blue wire doesn't change anything. The fan+light still turn on. All together i have a Yellow, blue, red, black wires.

[@handydadtv]

Try reconnecting the blue and disconnecting the red.

[@1800REDGENESIS]

The moth to Newman part got me Lol

[@lordgarth1]

Next year you can go back and help him with the mildew problem. Lol.

[@bjbhehir]

Come on!!! I've had a laundry room without a fan for years and ZERO mildew!! Germaphobic much?

[@pwedding1]

He also said this house in in CO, which is known for very dry air. Mold is usually not an issue here.

[@cd-stephen]

As other people stated - not for humidity - for getting air to cycle on tigh homes as IAQ becomes very bad - CODE - thats why you cant turn it off - the switch is actually to increase the CFM

[@handydadtv]

I have one in my house too, but it has an adjustable cycle (runs 15 minutes per hour). Doesn’t run continuously.

[@cd-stephen]

@@handydadtv all good. Here in Colorado every new home has to have the continuous duty ones per code. But that's different everywhere

[@handydadtv]

Ironically, the house in this video is in Colorado!

[@kidslifecoaching]

Maybe a dumb question but can I just unplug the fan (what you did first) and not mess with the switch? :)

[@handydadtv]

Sure, if you don’t want a fan at all.

[@CMason-yr9ks]

In my state there seems to be a line not to be cross between building code and leading institutions ( mortgages ). There has to be a working fan even if by an on/off switch. Been a BIG PAIN in my ears, wallet and all the chill bumps after a shower. Dealing with this is one of thought things I would not wish on anyone. Although there are probably 100's or 1000's of people this is not bothering at all, I just haven't met the yet.

[@squeekyclean1644]

My new 2021 condo has a bathroom fan that never goes off. Normally there’s a switch hidden in the laundry room but not this time. Can I hire a electrician to add a switch or do similar to what you did? There is a switch in bathroom , but it’s for default low (off) and super high (on) just like your video. Is this a basic job for a electrician or should I call up and ask them can they do this?

[@handydadtv]

You may want to start with an HVAC guy because those types of fans are usually used to draw fresh air into a tight home. I have a controller on my furnace that is linked to a bathroom fan that runs 15 minutes every hour. Perhaps you have one as well.

[@YardGuy]

I need to replace my bathroom exhaust fan this weekend. Insulation installers are coming next week.

[@DonaldAJr]

Your best bet would have been to flip your breaker, go up there find out what motor it had, look online and see if you can find another one, and replace it. $10 fix vs $100 and something fee to have someone else do it.

[@YardGuy]

@@DonaldAJr it's not broken. It needs to be updated. I wanted a model that I can replace without going in the attic. They will be putting in a couple feet of insulation and I don't bwant to go up there and trample it down.

[@DonaldAJr]

@@YardGuy everything is accessible under it. It's just some screws. But do what you feel comfortable with. The toilet paper test is always the test that proves what are good or bad. Take two pieces of toilet paper and see if it has enough suction to hold them in place without your help.

[@YardGuy]

@@DonaldAJr I just heard about that test. I will definitely try it out! I am interested in seeing if it is really doing anything or not.

[@DonaldAJr]

My brother I have known about it for at least 10 years now (probably closer to 20) and I tell people about it all the time. The first failure sign is you'll know it's not working right when it's not pulling the stink out of the bathroom very fast when you're going to the bathroom. That's your first sign and then you got your test.

[@nmarks]

Finding out how to rewire an extractor fan requires a drive through a US mountain range, apparently.

[@handydadtv]

🏔️🌄🗻

[@maxineellis2724]

Hilarious and helpful. 😁

[@stephenjones6030]

That poor moth!! I think I need to call my contractor back in...unless you're going to be in Culver City, CA anytime soon?

[@handydadtv]

No sorry.

[@carpentrylover145]

Timers are nice for bathroom fans. Let it run for an extra 5 minutes after your done showering.

[@theresamarinelli9704]

Thank You!!!!😂

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@tylerculp1551]

Quick question so it’s not wired into the house correct my exhaust fan I bought for say 60 bucks non constant should run all the time right

[@handydadtv]

I don’t understand your question.

[@Lucoms]

Can you come by California and do the same thing for me? My bathroom fan in the master's turns on whenever the room is even remotely hot, and it stays on for 20 to 30 mins at a time. It's not running all the time, but I'd say it runs nearly all the time on a hot day. Really bothers me... I wish I could just turn it on and off with the switch.

[@joerevere937]

I just purchased a home and found that the bathroom fan turns on and off randomly. Tried turning the wall switch on and off and that did not work. Pulled the switch cover off and found that the fan switch is wired to some sort of relay. (Written on the relay is w-m/rbm 134-40102-101d) Not sure what activates the relay to turn the fan on and off. Would really just like to eliminate this relay and and operate the fan manually with the switch. Any pointers as how to search youtube for instructions? Your video is close to what I'm looking for. Thanks for any help.

[@handydadtv]

Believe it or not, that’s for whole-house ventilation. I have one too. A controller on or near the furnace turns on the fan and opens a fresh air damper for a set amount of time every hour. Kind of crazy that we build such tight, efficient houses these days that we need to open a virtual window every hour for fresh air.

[@joerevere937]

@@handydadtv Thanks for clearing that up. Though I wonder what you are supposed to do if you just want to take a shower and turn the fan on. The wall switch in the bathroom does nothing. Would I need to look for a switch on the furnace to turn on every time I take a shower?

[@handydadtv]

My bathroom has a separate switch that turns on the fan manually even if it’s not doing the fresh air cycle. That switch has a low voltage wire going to the controller on the furnace.

[@joerevere937]

@@handydadtv: I have a switch connected to the relay on the bathroom wall but it doesnt do anything.

[@handydadtv]

Huh. Maybe an HVAC guy can figure it out for you.

[@110380michael]

Didnt know fart fans can be that sophisticated.

[@kerenbanget1]

Will exhaust fan cause shortness of breathing in a room?

[@handydadtv]

I’m not a pulmonologist, but I can’t imagine a typical bathroom fan ever causing shortness of breath.

[@cfrozz]

I have the same set up in my bathroom but the switch doesn't change the speed. What could be the issue?

[@handydadtv]

I don’t know. Sorry.

[@BMWat1970]

Hi I’ve lived in my house for about 81/2 years when my bathroom fan switch started randomly coming on and off! It’s attached to the light switch and a fan timer. Any ideas why? Thank you

[@handydadtv]

It may have a timer circuit, like this fan, and the electronics are failing.

[@BMWat1970]

Thanks for the prompt response. What should I do next? Replace it?

[@dannyminotto172]

What is the timer dial for?

[@handydadtv]

It’s a mystery

[@mattmoore1731]

I thought maybe you were going to show me a video about an exhaust fan but all I got was a scenic route of Colorado and some yuppie houses

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for your feedback

[@joshuaryanferguson3702]

Its weird how some bath exhaust fan's actually looks like an vintage smoke alarm

[@maggiefisher48]

we have the same problem im going to just unplug those things whatever they are inside the fan xx

[@handydadtv]

That’ll work too.

[@Emily-is3cz]

So my exhaust fan runs all the time in my laundry room but there's a window in my laundry room. Do I really need to have it running all the time? It seems most of these comment have the fan running because there's no window.

[@handydadtv]

Odds are, it’s running to provide fresh air ventilation in a very tight modern house. Your HVAC system probably has a fresh air intake somewhere (mine is through the roof) and that fan exhausts stale air, creating slightly negative pressure in the house, so fresh air can enter.

[@johnnymizerati6169]

Not so good, not realizing that's a purpose built continuous running fan for high efficiency houses. Look it up. Low speed is the continuous mode and high speed is for when you have it in a traditional exhaust use, timed so it knows when to throttle down.

[@AryanHomeland]

try dealing with it screeech

[@SonnyGTA]

Mine has a humidity sensor. It used to turn off after my shower....now it just stays running.

[@handydadtv]

It should have an adjustment knob.

[@BlakeC341]

Same issue here

[@mayetsese1]

i need your help with my exhaust too pls help me

[@handydadtv]

Ask a question

[@DonaldAJr]

Here's your rule of thumb if you don't know. If it can't hold up 2 pieces of toilet paper the motor is burned up.

[@handydadtv]

Good to know, but this was brand new. Not defective.

[@DonaldAJr]

@@handydadtv I understand that. Also maybe I should have been more clear. I learned that in reference to the bathroom vent fans. I was just thinking both rules apply for this and hoped someone else might love the knowledge and pass it along to others.

[@chosey27]

How do I fix it if it stops working?

[@handydadtv]

Determine if it’s an electrical issue or the motor is toast. Open it and use a non-contact voltage tester to ensure it’s getting power. If it is, the motor is dead. You’d need to find the model number and contact the manufacturer to see if you can get a replacement motor.

[@rogerrabbit3020]

The noise my god! The noise!

[@handydadtv]

It can be annoying for sure

[@thetechguy5427]

It is supposed to be that way! You did not do the right thing! What it’s for is because it is bring fresh air from the air conditioning vents but now it dose not do that any more! 4:45

[@handydadtv]

And that was their choice.

[@dewintanovaryani]

5:57 : UGHHH A AAAAAA

[@flattty1562]

I just watched this because the stupid bathroom fan is directly underneath my room and its noisy during the night and i really want to fucking disconnect it

[@jamesmoore2596]

No

[@handydadtv]

No?

[@kevinchand100]

why would you want to do this.... that is your primary venting of your home. without this your windows, toilets will begain to mold and will effect what you are breathing in

[@handydadtv]

They wanted to work it manually. That doesn’t mean they’ll just leave it off. They intend to use it when they want.

[@EclipseJay]

I dont even have a switch , just an annoying 24/7 noisy fan that sucks the heat out of my freezing cold canadian winter home , makes me not even want to shower because getting out is like walking outside into the cold . Stupid , stupid , stupid .

[@handydadtv]

Maybe you could add a humidistat so it only runs when you shower.

[@pacmanquem9580]

😂

[@picasodazzo7104]

R.i.p Moth

[@handydadtv]

😂