DIY Network

Exhaust Vent Installation A ventilation fan will keep the air in this Man Cave free of stale smoke. From "Man Caves" episode DMCV-107

An exhaust fan, vented to the outside, will keep cigar smoke from infiltrating the rest of the house.

Materials and tools:

exhaust fan, 150 to 300 cfm (cubic feet per minute)
duct work and fittings
exterior termination cap
drill
3-inch to 4-inch hole saw
long 1/4-inch bit
high quality (venting) duct tape
hammer
pliers
tape measure

Note: Be sure to research and choose the right exhaust fan for your conditions. Carefully read and follow the instructions that come with the exhaust fan.

Steps:

1. Find the best location for the exhaust fan. Try to locate the fan so that the duct run is as short and straight as possible. Every elbow you add to the duct work diminishes the exhaust flow of the fan.

2. Consult or hire a licensed electrician to run all the necessary wiring and install the wall switch. Make sure the location you choose to install the fan is free of any obstructions and is big enough to support the fan and duct work.

advertisement

3. Insert the fan housing in place, between two ceiling joists. Temporarily secure it, and measure the duct run to where it exits the house. Mark this exit location.

4. Remove the fan housing, and drill the exit hole for the duct work. Using the long 1/4-inch bit, drill a pilot hole all the way through the wall to where the duct work will exit the house. Now re-drill the pilot hole using a 3-inch or 4-inch hole saw, depending on the size of the duct work.

5. Re-install the fan housing and permanently secure it in place. Connect the duct work to the housing exit port, and run it over to and through the hole you drilled. There should be at least 2 inches of duct outside, extending past the exterior siding.

6. Insert and secure the fan motor into the fan housing. Make all the necessary electrical connections. Note: Refer to the fan instruction manual for more details on this step.

7. Connect the exterior termination cap to the duct work on the outside and secure it to the house.

8. Test the fan to make sure it's working properly. Finish the drywall around the exhaust fan, and paint it. Install the exhaust fan grill cover.