"John Grabowski" wrote in message
...

"grodenhiATgmailDOTcom" wrote in message
...
I have a dumb question.... We have a 40 sqft. bathroom (full bath).
The exhaust fan can not keep up. It's been getting worse and worse
since we moved in a few years ago. We've tried cleaning it out a few
times but that does little good. We didn't put it in, but from the
looks of it, it's one of those super cheap Broan fans
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...71&lpage=none).
It's rated to fit our size bathroom but does not cut it. What I'd
like to do is replace it with a new better quality one. My question
is...... Is there a way to do this without getting into the attic?
If I buy a better model Broan (same size unit) can I simply put it in
the existing box in the ceiling? Ideally I want to disconnect and
pull down the old one and reconnect a new one in it's spot. Thanks!!


Depending on the model fan that you have, Nutone/Broan makes a retrofit kit
that is a little quieter than the existing cheap builders special. Check out
the model 690 kit he
http://www.broan.com/display/router....oductID=100402 This is installable
without going into the attic in about a half hour. My recommendation is to
get rid of that Broan fan altogether and install a Panasonic model in its
place. You will most likely need to go into the attic to install it, but it
is worth the extra work and expense.

As Nate mentioned, there could be other factors causing the fan to not perform
well. A roof cap that no longer fully opens, a pinched duct, or the fan
damper may be stuck. Also an exhaust fan does require make-up air to perform
well so as Nate suggested an open window would help.

Don't forget the bird's nest in the duct problem.