Upgrading your bathroom doesn’t always require a full renovation. Sometimes, making a small change—like replacing the bathroom exhaust fan with light—can dramatically improve the comfort, appearance, and air quality of the space. If you’re wondering how to change bathroom exhaust fan or how to replace a bathroom fan, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through every step, from removal to installation, making the project easy even if you’re not a professional electrician.

Why Change Your Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Light?

Bathroom fans with integrated lights serve two essential purposes: they remove humid air to prevent mold and mildew, and they add extra illumination where it’s most needed. Over time, your fan may become noisy, inefficient, or outdated. Common signs it’s time for a change include:

• Persistent humidity even after showering
• Loud, rattling, or humming noises
• Discolored or cracked fan covers
• Dimming or flickering lights

If you notice any of these issues, learning how to replace bathroom fan can restore both functionality and peace of mind.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials. This will make the project smoother and quicker.

Tools:

• Screwdriver (flathead and Phillips)
• Drywall saw
• Wire stripper
• Voltage tester
• Drill
• Ladder

Materials:

• New bathroom exhaust fan with light
• Duct tape
• Wire nuts
• Electrical tape
• Flexible ducting (if needed)

Having these on hand will make the process of how to replace a bathroom fan much easier.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Replace Bathroom Fan with Light

1. Turn Off the Power

Safety first! Before you touch anything, head to your circuit breaker and shut off the electricity to the bathroom. Use a voltage tester to double-check that there’s no live current at the fan.

2. Remove the Old Exhaust Fan

Remove the fan cover by pulling it down gently and squeezing the spring clips. Unscrew the housing from the ceiling joist. Depending on your existing fan, you may need to cut around the housing with a drywall saw if it’s snugly fit.

Disconnect the wiring and ductwork carefully. If you’re focusing on how to change bathroom exhaust fan, this is the crucial part where attention to detail matters.

3. Prepare the Opening

Measure your new fan’s housing. If it’s larger than the old one, you’ll need to expand the ceiling opening with a drywall saw.

If it’s smaller, you’ll have to patch the drywall later.

Also, check the ductwork and make sure it’s in good condition. Replace it if it’s brittle or damaged.

4. Wire the New Fan and Light

Now it’s time to connect the new bathroom exhaust fan with light.

• Attach the fan’s black wire to the house black wire (hot).
• Connect the white wires together (neutral).
• Connect the ground wires (usually green or bare copper).

Use wire nuts and electrical tape to secure the connections. Always refer to your fan’s installation manual, as wiring may vary slightly depending on the model.

If your bathroom had a separate switch for the light and fan, follow the manual’s instructions for dual wiring.

5. Install the New Housing

Attach the new fan housing to the ceiling joist securely using screws.

Reconnect the ductwork by sliding the flexible duct over the fan’s exhaust port and securing it with duct tape or a clamp.

Carefully tuck the wiring inside and install the fan motor according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

6. Attach the Grill Cover

Snap the new grill cover into place by fitting the springs into the slots in the housing. Gently push the cover up to the ceiling.

7. Restore Power and Test

Finally, turn the circuit breaker back on and test your new bathroom exhaust fan with light.

The fan should run quietly and the light should shine brightly. Congratulations — you now know exactly how to replace bathroom fan yourself!

Tips for a Successful Installation

• Choose the right size: Fans are rated in CFMs (Cubic Feet per Minute). A small bathroom (up to 50 square feet) needs a fan rated at least 50 CFM.
• Noise matters: Look for a model with a low sone rating (1.5 or lower) for a quieter bathroom.
• Energy efficiency: Consider Energy Star-rated fans to save on electricity.
• Extra features: Some modern fans come with humidity sensors, night lights, or Bluetooth speakers!

Knowing how to change bathroom exhaust fan means you can upgrade not just the basics, but also add new smart features to your bathroom.

Top Picks for Bathroom Exhaust Fans with Light

If you’re not sure which new bathroom exhaust fan with light to choose, here are some top-rated options to consider:

1. Broan-NuTone AE110LK Flex Fan

• Ultra-quiet at 1.0 sone
• 110 CFM powerful ventilation
• Integrated LED light
• Easy to install from the room side (no attic access needed)

Perfect for medium-sized bathrooms, it’s a favorite among DIYers.

2. Panasonic WhisperFit EZ Retrofit Fan

• Whisper-quiet operation
• Energy-efficient LED light
• Pick-a-flow airflow selector (80 or 110 CFM)
• Ideal for replacing old noisy fans

Panasonic’s reliability makes this model a great long-term investment.

3. Homewerks 7141-110 Bathroom Fan

• Bluetooth speaker built-in
• Bright LED light
• Quiet operation at 1.5 sones
• 110 CFM airflow

This is perfect if you want some music while you shower!

Final Thoughts

Learning how to change bathroom exhaust fan and how to replace a bathroom fan is a rewarding DIY project that improves both the comfort and health of your bathroom. With a little preparation, the right tools, and a quality new bathroom exhaust fan with light, you can make the upgrade in just a few hours.

Whether you’re dealing with a noisy, ineffective fan or simply want to add more light, now you know exactly how to replace bathroom fan without the stress or cost of hiring a professional.

Ready to breathe easier and enjoy a brighter bathroom? Choose a fan that fits your needs and get started today!