Sometimes a simple cleaning of the appliance on at least a yearly basis, including the flexible duct that extends into the attic, will help to get more life from this valuable but often overlooked appliance. This duct tube should be aimed outside, not into the attic area! If the motor isn’t spinning freely and seems sluggish, its time for a change. Certainly the average fan, not cleaned from time to time, will only last 8 years or so.
Mold indicates high moisture; you may need a larger unit to move more air.
Not necessarily, this may be a simple cleaning of the front screen of the unit.
You may want to install a humidistat controller for the fan.
Make sure that your existing duct is free of obstructions (and vents outside).
The fan ribs may need to be cleaned too as they collect dust, which accumulated over time interferes with the fan’s ability to “scoop” the air through the unit and push it through.
Great question, Peter!
Are you able to access the attic? If so, see if the bath fan has been properly vented to the exterior of the home. If it is not vented properly, then the moisture will build up in the attic space where the fan is located, especially during the cold weather season (because the attic fan is pulling ‘steam’ from the bathroom and exhausting it to a cold attic, creating moisture (aka water).
But, per CDC guidelines, the proper way to remove mold is by using bleach. Also, use Kilz to treat the affected area (after you use bleach).
Hopefully this helps! If you have any further questions, please email me at [email protected].
Yes, definitely get a new fan & consider repainting with a mild acid additive.
Sure, a fan these days is required in any new bathroom or remodel.