HOW TO CLEAN AND CARE FOR YOUR EXHAUST FANS
We recommend installing exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathrooms, or start using the ones you already have.
Especially if you live in a “tight” home that the builder designed to be energy-efficient, exhaust fans are needed to push dirty air outside and draw fresh air in. When you turn the fans on, they will rid your indoor air of humidity, odors and smoke. Quickly reducing the humidity level in your bathrooms will reduce the risk of mold and mildew.
If you’re adding exhaust fans to a home that doesn’t have them be sure to vent the fans to the exterior of the home and not into the attic.
Helpful Tip: Run your exhaust fans only during your shower or while you’re using the restroom, and while you’re cooking. If you run them all the time, they will suck your expensive air conditioned air out of the house, and that’s a waste of energy.
Those exhaust fans will require some maintenance and cleaning from time to time. Many times the years roll by, and those fans can get covered with dust and grime. You’ll probably have to use a ladder for this job.
Before cleaning those fans, start by turning off the electric supply to the fan by switching the circuit breaker for the bathroom area to the off position from your electric panel.
Be prepared when you get started, as lots of dust will probably fall down when you unscrew the fan cover or pull it off by using the spring mounts. As extra insurance against electric problems, you can also unplug the fan when you remove the fan cover.
After taking down that grimy cover, clean it thoroughly — possibly with a vacuum cleaner or by using an old towel or rag and a cleaning solution. Some people even soak the fan cover in soapy water for a while. Since you’re up there, you may also want to clean the ceiling or wall around the fan area as well.
While the cover is off, use a vacuum attachment to clean inside the fan housing and around the motor.
When everything is clean and dry, plug in the fan and reinstall the fan cover using screws or the spring mounts. Turn the circuit breaker back on; finally, flip the switch to make sure everything is in good working order.
