Need help with bathroom exhaust mechanism in Brooklyn

amother

Mustard

Mon, Dec 12 2016, 12:30 pm

I've always lived in a place that had a window in the bathroom and now I am in a home with no window in the bathroom. There is something on the wall, near the ceiling, I'm not sure what that's called. Is it a fan? An exhaust fan? When I turn the switch on, it makes a sound.

That whole thing is super dusty so I removed the cover so that I can vacuum all the dust inside. When I removed the cover I saw what seems to be mold. And when I vacuumed, much of the dust did not get sucked in. It seems to be encrusted in the motor. Wow, seems this thing has not been properly cleaned in decades.

So I'd like to replace it. What is this thing called- what should I look for?

Can I install a new one on my own, or do I need a specialist? If I need a specialist, can you recommend one? I'm in Brooklyn

Is this in any way related to what is referred to as ''duct system?'' or something like that?

Thanks for your help with this, I feel quite incompetent not knowing about this topic.

MagentaYenta

Mon, Dec 12 2016, 1:05 pm

I just replaced 3 bathroom exhaust fans here in the units I live in. You may want to get a handyman in to remove the old fan unit and clean the duct before a replacement goes in. Also the handyman can ensure that the right kind of cap goes on the exit end of the duct so that rain doesn't come in. The property owner bought all Nutones at about $69 a unit. It took me about 4 hours on each unit. Pulling the old unit was easy, getting the duct prepared was why it took so long.

amother

Lavender

Mon, Dec 12 2016, 7:00 pm

I would take a picture and email it to home depot when on the phone with them or go to lumber yard and ask them if they have the pieces and if you need an electrician.

ra_mom

Wed, Dec 14 2016, 1:13 am

Electrician Mr. Zeltzer 3476316880, very good electrician, honest

Contractor Nigel 9176052699, not cheap but great for quality work around the house you can depend on