Replacing a bathroom exhaust fan isn't nearly as difficult as repairing mildew stained walls and ceilings. The manufactures provide detailed instructions for the handyman, however, here are some hints to help keep your existing fan working or to choose a new one that works for you.
Moisture in a bathroom is your worst enemy; moist, hot air must be vented to prevent mold and mildew build up, peeling paint and warped doors. One thing to consider is using a timer so you don't have to remember to turn off the fan when it finishes its job. Newer models of exhaust fans are quiet, so it would be easy to forget to turn it off.
Your handyman will recommend having a fan that is capable of achieving at least 8 air changes per hour, with the exhaust of air continuing for 20 minutes after showering. For maximum efficiency, choose the correct size fan. First, determine the volume of your bathroom; volume = length x width x height. Second, find the CFM (cubic feet per minute). CFM = volume/7.5. The CFM is the minimum airflow required to achieve 8 air exchanges per hour. Example: volume = 10 x 6 x 8 = 480. CFM = 480/7.5 = 64. Therefore, you would choose a fan with a CFM of greater than 64.
Next, consider how quiet you want the fan to be and remember the price goes up as the noise level goes down. Bathroom fans are measured by SONES. 4.0 sones are equal to the sound of normal television, which is very loud for a fan. 3.0 Sones make the sound of rustling leaves. A very quiet fan, at 1.0 Sones or less is ideal.
If you spend the extra money to have a very quiet fan, be sure to install it properly; a handyman will recommend using screws instead of nails. Nails eventually vibrate loose and make noise. Use 4-inch venting; the bigger the venting, the quieter it will be. Make bends and turns gradual; avoid 90-degree bends if possible to reduce air noise.
Other considerations are features and looks. Maybe you want a fan with a light in it or one with a heating element. They come in different colors and styles. Your only limit is your budget and your taste. Start with CFM and Sones, and then choose one that looks good in your bathroom while protecting your décor from moisture and mildew.
If your existing fan is noisy, consider repair before replacement when possible. Most fans are easy to take apart just by removing a few screws or fasteners. Many plug into a standard electrical outlet built into the fan box so you don't need electrical skills. Obtaining replacement parts is often the biggest challenge for the handyman.
Replacing the motor assembly has the advantage of leaving the old fan housing installed, so there is no need to worry about electrical connections, venting and ceiling repairs. Replacement is only necessary if you absolutely hate your existing fan or have been unsuccessful in your search for replacement parts.
Disassembly of the existing fan is different, depending on the manufacturer. Some have recessed screws within the vent grills of the cover. Using a flashlight, locate the screws and loosen them so that the cover turns freely without scraping on the ceiling. Turn it slightly and it should release from the screws. Another cover type, common with lower to mid-priced models, is held in place by a nut or screw located behind the bulb. Take down the bulb cover and remove the bulb to expose the screw, to remove the light assembly and expose the fan motor. Others are held up by metal springs which have long protrusions that fit into slots in the body of the fan. Pull down on the cover to see the springs, squeeze together the protrusions to release the springs for clear access to the motor.
Shame on the handyman who has painted the ceiling without first removing the fan cover! It may be necessary to use a sharp utility knife to score the dried paint in order to remove the cover without damaging the drywall and creating extra work in having to patch and paint the area.
Once the inside is exposed, there should be a specification label with information printed on it. Write this down and have it handy when you start calling around or shopping for replacement parts. Or, to reduce the risk of error, remove the motor and frame and take the entire assembly to the store for the clerk to refer to when ordering your parts.
Most fan motors last for years; by the time they fail, the design is outdated or the cover looks bad. If this is the case, you may want to replace the entire unit. The first thing to consider is the CFM rating, to be sure you are moving enough air to be effective, and then consider the noise level. A slow turning fan is quieter, but if you don't get the air movement, it will not be effective.
The quietest and most powerful exhaust fans are the inline fans, mounted in the attic and connected to a ceiling or wall register with flexible ducting. They don't vibrate and make noise because they're mounted to the roof rafters. These are not for every home as some are actually powerful enough to cause your ears to pop! Remember, all air being pumped out of your home needs to be replaced with outside air. Too powerful of a fan for your needs will increase your heat and AC bills.
Following these guidelines will result in sure success for the handyman installing or repairing a bathroom ceiling fan. Considering your budget, how quiet you want your fan to be, and the required air-flow for the size of your bathroom, choose a ceiling fan that works best for you. Follow manufacturer's instructions and enjoy clean air in your bathroom for years to come.
This article was written by Aaron Abbott of HandyPro Handyman Services. HandyPro specializes in home repairs and seasonal home maintenance projects. They can handle small repairs or do large kitchen and bathroom remodeling jobs. Their pre-screened contractors are licensed and bonded, experienced and customer friendly. Always striving for 100% customer satisfaction, they do quality work and clean up when the job is complete. http://www.handypro.com services Dallas Texas, Carrollton, Richardson, Garland, Rowlett, Mesquite, Dallas, Irving, Grand Prairie, Duncanville, Desoto, Lancaster, Seagoville and neighboring cities and communities.
Handyman services, kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, carpentry, home improvement, home repairs, commercial maintenance, home inspections, foreclosure repairs, board-ups and more!
Handyman HandyPro Services:
We provide a Professional, Honest Handyman to complete everything on your To-do List. Our list of services includes over 1600 categories including:
Carpentry, Plaster & Drywall, Acoustic Ceilings, Grout Tub, Fix Leaky Faucet, Home Warranty/Maintenance, Paint Home, Caulk Bathtub, Replace Locks, Garage Doors, Cabinets & Countertops, Fix Running Toilet, Repair Squeaky door, Install Molding and Trim, Security Services, Stained Glass, Door Repair/Install, Wall Repair, Painting Kitchen, Insulation, Concrete & Masonry, Repair Gutters, Remove Wallpaper, Replace Ceiling Fan, Caulk Awnings and Siding, Install Shelves, Organizers, Ceramic Tile, Window Well Covers, Replace Bathroom Fan, Draperies, Blinds and Shades, Glass & Mirror, Decks, and much more just ask!!
Our Handyman is Licensed, Bonded, Insured and Member of the Better Business Bureau, with no complaints.
HandyPro®'s Customers Receive:
Handyman Service area: Dallas Texas, Carrollton, Richardson, Garland, Rowlett, Mesquite, Dallas, Irving, Grand Prairie, Duncanville, Desoto, Lancaster, Seagoville
Contact:

Aaron Abbott
Handy Pro Handyman Services
1219 Abrams Rd; Ste. 119
Richardson, TX 75081
Phone: 800-942-6394
Email: handytx@handypro.com
Website: http://www.handypro.com
Often a contractor's fees to handle small projects can be more than the actual project is worth. Many contractors would rather not do small jobs. A handyman, who makes a living from small remodeling projects, is often a better choice. Handyman Services have also very qualified people who are licensed, bonded and insured.
If you have a list prepared, a handyman can give you a quote and often do the work the same day. Once the handyman is on site, moving from one small project to another is cheaper than having them come back two or three different times.
Many people are too busy to handle the simple home repairs and improvements. It makes sense to hire it don't, but don't hire a general contractor for chipped floor tile and loose molding. A handyman service is the best choice for the small jobs. Contractors would rather do the big jobs and are often too busy to take time out for the small jobs. If they do take a small job, their fee is generally more than a handyman's fee..
How Big is the Job?
A handyman specializes in small jobs that can be completed in one to three days. If the job is large enough to take over a week, then it might be necessary to hire a contractor who specializes in the project.
If you need a new roof, windows and siding, you need someone who specializes in home exterior repairs. But if all you need is a room painted, some drywall repair, or finishing touches done to a room, a handyman would be the best choice.
How much does a handyman charge?
Like any contractor, a handyman should provide you with a free no obligation estimate before doing any work. A homeowner should be sure they understand the total cost of the services including material and labor. Typically, most handyman services charge $65-$75 an hour for labor.
How to find a quality handyman
Finding a handyman is much easier today because they advertise on the internet, in the Yellow pages or through coupon direct mailings. Ask friends or neighbors if they have had any work done recently; maybe they can refer someone.
Once you find 2 or 3, check them out before choosing one. Don't just go with the lowest bid; consider the impression they make when you interview them and have them in your home to do the estimate. Did they track mud in? Did they listen to your concerns and explain different options for getting the results you want? It is important that you are able to communicate with the handyman who is going to be doing repairs and improvements to your home.
Ask for references and call them to make sure the handyman did quality work and stood behind the guarantees. Also check with the local Better Business Bureau, 248-644-9100, to discover if there are any complaints against the handyman.
Finally, make sure the handyman is licensed and insured. If the handyman isn't insured, the homeowner could be liable for any damages or injuries while the handyman is working.
This article was written by Aaron Abbott of HandyPro Handyman Services. HandyPro specializes in home repairs and seasonal home maintenance projects. They can handle small repairs or do large remodeling jobs. Our pre-screened contractors are licensed and bonded, experienced and customer friendly. We strive for 100% customer satisfaction in doing quality work and cleaning up when the job is complete. http://www.handypro.com services Dallas Texas, Carrollton, Richardson, Garland, Rowlett, Mesquite, Dallas, Irving, Grand Prairie, Duncanville, Desoto, Lancaster, Seagoville and neighboring cities and communities.
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HandyPro will fix and repair things for homeowners and wait until they close the sale of their home to collect their fee
Garland, TX-HandyPro Handyman Services, Inc. has a unique program for people planning to sell their home, but need to defer payment for the service until they close the sale of their home. Aaron Abbott, franchise owner of HandyPro in Dallas, attended a recent meeting where he explained the program to real estate agents.
HandyPro offers a list of the top low-cost, highest return improvements and repairs that are ideal to have done before selling a home. They provide free estimates with no obligation to anyone interested in the Home Seller Program.
With so many homes for sale in today's competitive market, a home that is well maintained will sell more quickly with less room for negotiating the price down. HandyPro promotes their Home Seller Program with local real estate firms. "We get lots of referrals from real estate agents in the area," said Aaron "Their customers need some minor cosmetic repairs done to make their home more marketable, and they need someone honest and affordable to do the job."
There are over 1,600 categories of handyman services provided by http://www.handypro.com including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, drywall, cabinets, windows, doors, decks and more. They guarantee to show up and complete the job on time with 100% customer satisfaction.
HandyPro specializes in helping the homeowner, business or property manager to have repairs and improvements completed professionally, in a timely manner and they guarantee the work to the customer's satisfaction. Aaron Abbott services Dallas Texas, Carrollton, Richardson, Garland, Rowlett, Mesquite, Dallas, Irving, Grand Prairie, Duncanville, Desoto, Lancaster, Seagoville and surrounding communities in Texas.
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Local Handyman Company's business has grown exponentially as they are recognized for being affordable and honest
Richardson, TX-Keith and Debra Paul of Canton, Michigan started out as a local handyman referral service in 1993. Their business has grown and they are opening up franchises across the US. HandyPro provides many services including carpentry, drywall, paint, minor plumbing and electrical, some masonry repairs, kitchen and bath remodeling, insurance jobs, and home renovation for new homeowners.
Well known in the Dallas area as an honest and affordable home repair and improvement service, HandyPro is a member of the Better Business Bureau with no complaints. One satisfied customer wrote, "Just a note to say thank you to Philip who recently did a great job on some home improvements. He arrived on time, was very friendly and a good worker. He is definitely a credit to the company. I look forward to using HandyPro in the future, Sincerely, Doris M, Plano, TX."
"I've heard stories from people who have paid a contractor for their services even if they were not completely satisfied," said Aaron Abbott owner of HandyPro Handyman Services in Dallas. "We don't invoice the job until it is completed to the customer's satisfaction."
HandyPro has been in business for over 15 years. Their company has grown and business has increased exponentially. They are now opening franchises nationwide. The demand for honest, dependable contractors is huge.
HandyPro offers affordable solutions to a wide variety of building repairs and maintenance. They offer convenience to homeowners at a level of service they deserve- Guaranteed!! Find out more at http://www.handypro.com
Service area: Dallas Texas, Carrollton, Richardson, Garland, Rowlett, Mesquite, Dallas, Irving, Grand Prairie, Duncanville, Desoto, Lancaster, Seagoville
Handyman, paint, drywall, electrical, carpentry, plumbing, gutters, downspouts, seamless gutters, floor tile, home repairs, home improvement, affordable handyman, handyman services, handypro, power washing, cabinet install, cabinet repair, carpenter, ceiling fan install, counter top install, deck repair, deck work, door, door bell install, door repair, drywall repair, drywall company, faucet install, fixture install, interior painting, molding install, painting, wood repair, building inspection, concrete repair, handy man, painter, wall repair, roof repair, contractors, building contractors, tile repair, tile install, exterior repairs, concrete, masonry, sidewalks, porches, patch cracks, repair concrete steps, replace doors and hardware, sliding doors, doorwalls, windows, replacement windows, insulation, blown in insulation, insulate attic, furniture assembly, chimney repair, yard work, trim trees, edging, floor grout, shower/tub grout, sprinkler system, repair broken line, replace sprinkler head, laminate flooring, pressure washing, repair wood fences, parking lot repairs, insurance repair, foreclosure repairs, repairs for new homeowners, commercial repairs, facility services
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