How do I keep cold air from leaking into room from exhaust fan?

by Melanie

Answered

I have a light/exhaust fan in my laundry room. It is vented through the garage attic and a ton of cold air leaks into the room. I have insulated around the housing in the attic but it is still very cold and it affects the efficiency of our home. Do I really need an exhaust fan in a laundry room when the electric dryer vents to the outside? Can I use a regular ceiling fixture in place of the exhaust fan , and if so how do I fix the huge hold in the ceiling?

3 answers

Johnavallance82 on Nov 18, 2018

Hi Melanie,
Fix a Plastic container over the vent.

1 marked as helpful Reply
Kelli L. Milligan on Nov 18, 2018

It's not code in our area to exhaust in a laundry room. Does it have a toilet and shower? If not then yes just put up a light fixture. You can repair ceiling with drywall , will need to make opening to go from a center of stud to another center of stud to attach. Run seam tape and mud. If you don't care what it looks like you can just add a 1/4" piece of plywood big enough to hit the studs and screw. Then glue overlap to existing ceiling, caulk and paint out.

Helpful Reply
- See 1 previous
- Melanie on Nov 19, 2018
  
  I won't have the ceiling light box to attach a new fixture to. I've found a video on how to install the box and they make it look easy, but don't they all :O). Hope our local hardware store has what I need. Thanks for your help
  
  Helpful
- Kelli L. Milligan on Nov 19, 2018
  
  I hope it works out for you, good luck. Happy Thanksgiving!
  
  Helpful
Shore grandmom on Nov 18, 2018

You don't need an exhaust fan in a laundry room. They are for kitchens (above the cooktop) or in bathrooms (to get rid of humidity from hot showers). I'd remove it and put in a bright light to see better. Then patch the sheetrock and paint. Here's how to repair the hole.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+fix+hole+in+drywall&docid=607988881590388062&mid=8F8140FC66FF59834CA08F8140FC66FF59834CA0&view=detail&FORM=VIREHT

1 marked as helpful Reply
- See 1 previous
- Melanie on Nov 19, 2018
  
  Thanks, the videos were very helpful and I learned a few tips on drywall. I am still struggling with the hole and wiring. I have replaced existing ceiling fixtures before but the light box was there and it was fairly straightforward. If I remove the exhaust motor I won't have a light box to use for the ceiling fixture. I have never installed a light box and not sure if it's a DIY project or if I should call a professional. My budget is very tight and I love to learn but I want it to be safe.
  
  Helpful
- Shore grandmom on Nov 19, 2018
  
  Here are two videos that might help. Just make sure that the breakers are off or fuses are removed before doing anything. Some exhaust fans have a lot of power going to them.
  https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+install+electric+box+for+ceiling+light+on+old+build&docid=608045253014588779&mid=152B657C7EBC122776B4152B657C7EBC122776B4&view=detail&FORM=VIREHT
  https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+install+electric+box+for+ceiling+light+on+old+build&&view=detail&mid=CA5262D6A9D30D81569CCA5262D6A9D30D81569C&rvsmid=152B657C7EBC122776B4152B657C7EBC122776B4&FORM=VDQVAP
  I'm sure you'll be fine. The electric is already there. If you need more info, google how to install ceiling electric box for light in old build.
  
  Helpful