Photo from Broan-Nutone
Bathroom fans are manufactured to fight mold and mildew in your bathroom and keep it dry. They are also constructed to get rid of odors from your bathroom. However, what will happen if your bathroom fan won't turn off? A bathroom fan running continuously is an electrical or fire hazard that can cause permanent damage to your fan.
This article will help you understand why your bathroom fan won't turn off and how to repair this problem.
Possible Reasons Why Your Bathroom Fan Will Not Turn Off
Wiring
The most common problem with bathroom exhaust fans not turning on is wiring issues. Sometimes a bathroom fan may have faulty wiring or is not wired. This can make you realize no light switch in your house can switch your fan off.
This problem can result from a loose connection or no connection at all. A bathroom exhaust running nonstop may not result from the fan's wiring or circuitry.
If the circuitry or wiring of the fan is malfunctioning, chances are that the fan may not turn on at all.
Continuous Exhaust Fans
Your fan may be running nonstop. Continuous exhaust fans are designed to work silently and consume less power.
If you are not sure whether you have a malfunctioning fan or a continuous fan, check the noise level of your fan and any difference in your electricity bill.
Humidity Sensors
Most bathroom exhaust fans are fitted with humidity sensors that help fight mold. These sensors switch the fan on when the air reaches a specific humidity level. However, these sensors can malfunction, leading to the fan turning on by itself, or running nonstop.
Override Controls
If you are using an HVAC system in your home, your technician must have installed an override control.
An override control is a switch made to shut off all fans and other items of the HVAC system.
For instance, if the switch in your washroom cannot control the fan, then override control becomes your best option.
These controls are normally installed in your electrical breaker panel or near your thermostat. This is the best way to switch your fan off until you get a possible solution.
How to Fix a Bathroom Fan That Is Running Nonstop
Before trying to repair your bathroom fan, you should be careful of the risks of electricity.
If you are not a qualified electrician, have a professional electrician assess your situation.
Tools
- Crimping Tool
- Electrical Tape
- Screwdriver
- Wire Cutters
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Voltage Tester
- Solutions
Replacing Your Fans Wiring
Electrical work is best done by electricians. However, if you think you are comfortable doing electrical work in your house, it would be best to consult your local electrician's authority to confirm if you require a permit before you can start working.
- Once you have such issues cleared up, start by switching off the power supply to your bathroom.
- Then, use a voltage tester to make sure the area is safe to work on.
- Check the wires that go to your bathroom fan from the switch box.
- Remove your bathroom fan from the wall, remove all the covers, and disconnect all the wires connected to it. This will require you to enter the attic. You can attach the tape to these wires to get some clarity.
- Go back to the switch box and carefully pull out the entire bathroom fan's wiring. Ensure all the taped wires are removed.
- Use your old wire to check the length of wire required for your new wire. Then, cut the wire.
- Connect your new wiring from the switch box to the attic.
- Enter your attic and join your new wiring to the switch box and your fan.
- Make sure everything is connected correctly and turn on your power. Test your new wiring.
Replacing the Humidity Sensor
If you are sure that the humidity sensor has a problem, install a new sensor.
Different companies produce different sensors, but you can fix one using a flathead screwdriver. Before you start working on your fan, make sure that the power supply to your bathroom is switched off. You can use a voltage tester to be sure it is safe.
In most instances, the humidity sensor is a switch fixed next to your bathroom's light switch or somewhere on the wall.
- Take out the screws to remove the sensor from its position.
- Take off the faceplate using a screwdriver to expose the screws that join different wires, such as the ground wire.
- Use a screwdriver to remove these screws, and your humidity sensor will be removed.
- Follow the manufacturer's manual to connect the wires to the suitable screws and then reassemble the unit.
HVAC Override Control Issues
If you are having problems with your HVAC override control, the best solution is to contact a professional. However, there is an easy method to reset your HVAC override control that can solve your issues.
- Switch the power supply to your fan.
- In the circuit breaker, switch off all breakers connecting to your HVAC unit.
- Wait for about 30 seconds and switch everything on.
If this does not solve your fan problems, contacting a professional is your best option.
Final Thoughts
The above-mentioned are the common reasons why your bathroom fan won't turn off. It is always wise to check the type of fan installed in your home before contacting your technician. Remember, the fans are of two kinds: continuous exhaust fans or malfunctioning fans. With that, you can now plan and have your bathroom fan fixed if necessary.
Broan is the leader in residential ventilation products, customized climate, and indoor air quality solutions. Find more Broan products here!
Robert Syengo is an experienced web writer with a home improvement history that includes toilet remodeling and appliance installation. He enjoys writing and learning about electronics, gardens, design, remodeling and repair.