Exhaust Fans & Range Hoods: Installation & Repair

Is your home properly ventilated?  If it isn’t, you may notice things like:

• Musty odors
• Cooking smells that linger
• Mold
• Mildew
• Peeling wallpaper

Exhaust fans (and/or range hoods) can clear up any and all of those distressing problems. By adding the proper number of fans to the right locations you can prevent excess moisture and unpleasant odors from bottling up in your home.

The top-reviewed electricians at Premo Electric in San Diego can install, relocate, or repair your exhaust fan(s).  Contact us today, or read on to learn a little more about exhaust fans. 

Read Jan V.‘s review of Premo Electric on Yelp

What do exhaust fans do?

Exhaust fans pull excess smoke and moisture from the air and funnel it back outside. You’ll usually find exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens. In the bathroom the fan is often located in the ceiling. In the kitchen, it’s often right above the stove, often in the form of a range hood.  (If the only place where you want more ventilation is near your stove, you’ll probably want a range hood.  We install and repair range hoods, of course.)

Many people have exhaust fans but forget to use them. Your exhaust fans won’t do you any good if you don’t turn it on! For best results, run the bathroom fan for about an hour after each bath or shower. Run the kitchen fan or range hood for the entire time you’re cooking, particularly if you’re cooking something greasy, smoky, or extra pungent. 

When should you replace an exhaust fan?

Replace the exhaust fan if it shows any of the following signs:

• The fan knocks, rattles, or makes unusual noises.
• The fan seems slow to get moving after you turn it on.
• The fan doesn’t seem to move at all after you flip the switch.

Exhaust fans wear out, just like any other mechanical part. That’s true even if it was installed perfectly, and even if you don’t use it constantly. You can’t assume your exhaust fan is in good shape just because it never had a problem before.

What if you see mold or mildew even though your exhaust fan seems to work fine? That could be because of improper installation. Contact Premo Electric for a troubleshooting session. We may be able to fix your installation, or it might be better for us to install a brand new fan. 

Do you already have exhaust fans in the right location(s)?

Not necessarily.

You may have an old, worn-out, or outdated fan. If your bathroom has a window it’s possible it only has a vent, with no fan. Here in San Diego, homes built before 1978 may be missing important exhaust fans in both the kitchen and the bathroom. Getting the proper fans installed can help you protect your home, whatever its age. 

How much does it cost to install an exhaust fan?

Less than you might think. In most homes we can install an exhaust fan for $250 to $500.

Every home is unique, so call Premo Electric today to tell us about your needs and to get a free quote. We work with customers in and near San Diego. We’ll be happy to give you the specifics on what it will cost to keep the air fresh and moving in your home.