Is There Noise Coming from Your Bathroom Fan When Off? Uncover the Likely Sources
Having an exhaust fan is essential for keeping moisture at bay in your bathroom and maintaining a sanitary space for your everyday business in there. If yours is making weird, annoying noises, there are a few probable reasons to consider.
Although some may view bathroom exhaust fans as a luxury, these devices play an essential role in keeping your bathroom extra clean and sanitary.
The bathroom is often exposed to moisture, heat, and water. When it's not properly ventilated, all that humidity has nowhere to escape, leading to mold and mildew growth, peeling paint, and damaged walls and ceilings. Additionally, mold can pose a health hazard when left unaddressed.
A bathtub full of steaming hot water | Source: Shutterstock
Opening a window to ventilate moisture might not be enough, but that's where bathroom fans come in. Bathroom fans, when ducted to the building's exterior, provide the humid air an escape route, thereby improving interior air quality.
Experts advise turning it on each time you run water in the bathroom and leaving it for about 20 minutes before turning it back off. However, if you've noticed yours has been making unusual sounds, read the common causes below to see if they match up with your situation.
A bathroom exhaust fan | Source: Shutterstock
Noise Coming From Bathroom Fan When Off? Here's Why
1. You live in an apartment building.
In apartment buildings, you'll find that bathroom fans are often connected to a single duct. So, even when your fan is off, someone else in the building might have theirs on, and you'll hear it. Usually, this is signaled by a low, electric humming or whirring sound.
2. The backdraft damper is malfunctioning.
The backdraft damper is what prevents the air being drawn out from flowing back inside. If this component is damaged or malfunctioning, it will make a noise as the air flows back inside. Regular maintenance and checking the backdraft damper are essential to avoid this.
A mechanic disassembling an exhaust fan | Source: Shutterstock
3. You might need to replace your fan motor.
Another source of the noise coming from your bathroom fan when off might be a worn-out or damaged motor. In such a case, the best solution is to replace it.
4. There's a build-up of dust and debris.
Dust and debris accumulated in your bathroom fan over time can cause vibrations and noise even when your fan is off. The best way to avoid this is occasional fan and ductwork cleaning.
A dirty bathroom exhaust fan | Source: Shutterstock
5. Your fan isn't really off.
Sometimes, the noise coming from your bathroom fan when off is caused by faulty electrical wiring, a malfunctioning switch, or a connection error. When this happens, you may turn the bathroom fan switch off, yet it stays on.
6. It's a windy day.
If you're hearing flapping or rattling sounds, and you've tracked the source to your bathroom fan, it's likely windy outside. In such instances, the wind would have picked up enough to cause rapid movement of the vent flappers.
An air exhaust fan | Source: Shutterstock
Other common causes of noise coming from the bathroom fan when off include loose parts, insects and pests, a misaligned fan, and a lack of proper lubrication. Hopefully, these causes, including those explained above, will help you diagnose the problem.
For more DIY tips, check out this post on how to get purple shampoo stains off your shower surfaces.