Nutone Bathroom Fan Not Working

Nutone Bathroom Fan Not Working. How could one function without a functioning bathroom fan? Not only will this device aid in reducing odors inside the room that it’s installed in, but, additionally, it can suck up excess moisture and keep the area fresh.

Excessive moisture is a big problem because not only can it make your living space less comfortable but it can seep through and worsen things in the rest of your house like wood rot, mildew spots on draperies, even rusted door handles.

Even if you have power reaching just to your bathroom fan – or if your device is properly attached – there still might be something blocking the airflow so double-check some of those easier culprits first:

Nutone Bathroom Fan Not Working

The following is a list of some problems with Nutone Bathroom fans when they don’t work.

Issue With Wall Switch

I would check the wall switch next if you have checked your electrical panel and GFCI circuits. It’s easy to verify that the wires are connected okay.

If a red wire is connected to one terminal on the wall outlet, and its black counterpart is connected to another terminal, only do this when you have turned off the power at the main breaker.

Next, turn on your voltage tester and connect it to the same two terminals if everything is okay you should see 120-volts.

Problem Of Housing Outlet

Upon inspecting the bathroom wall switch, I will check the bathroom fan outlet. Usually, a motor is plugged into an outlet that is part of the fan housing on older bathroom fans.

The easiest way to inspect this area is to simply remove the screen, and you’ll see the motor immediately.

All you have to do is pull up from the back holes and then use your fingers to release two metal clips from their slots at the same time gently.

Cause Of Blower Wheel

You can spin the wheel by hand if you want to. Check for obstructions that could be preventing the wheel from rotating freely if it is not rotating freely.

It is also important to ensure that the wheel isn’t rubbing against a dirty part of the machine, like the housing.

When you are able to spin it easily, but you can see gum or other obstructions on the surface, it may be worn out and needs to be replaced.

Error In Fan Blade

First, inspect the fan blade for damage. If it seems damaged, replace it. If not, try turning the blade by hand.

If that doesn’t work, see if there are any obstructions you could get rid of possibilities including misplaced items or leaves in a breeze that might get into the track of the blades but also look out for faulty hinges.

If it still doesn’t turn, you’ll probably need to get a repairman in which case try to find someone who has experience with similar jobs in the past.

Defective Or Clogged Vents

After checking your grill and fan blade, I recommend turning on the bathroom fan and checking the vent cover outside. The flapper may be stuck or there may be a bird’s nest in the ductwork causing it to stick shut.

I have seen hundreds of birds build nests in dryer vents as well as indoor ventilation systems for bathtubs or shower stalls.

The best way to deal with a damaged vent is to check it from outside with a flashlight and try to keep any noises you make at a minimum in order not to disturb nearby neighbors.

Defective Circuit Breaker

If your exhaust fan isn’t running when you flip the switch, there are a few things to look into. Most likely an obstruction in the ductwork has tripped a breaker or shut off power in a circuit.

If this is the case, check that all appliances plugged into that circuit have power. You can do this by turning them on one by one until the exhaust fan starts to run.

If you would rather save yourself some time and isolation, hire an electrician to make sure everything is working properly including your exhaust fan!

Final Thoughts

It can be frustrating to have a malfunctioning bathroom fan, a hard-working and important component that keeps you safe by removing excess moisture and foul smells.

A faulty fan will lead to an increased risk of mold, rusted hardware or wood, and all sorts of problems that are expensive to fix.

You’ll want to determine whether your bathroom fan needs fixing before you do anything else.

If it’s electrical, proceed; if it isn’t, check the circuit breakers, switch, and outlet first. If that fails, check the motor’s wiring as well as the blades, cover, and exhaust vent.

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