My Bathroom Fan Won’t Turn Off [FIXED]

Mold and mildew can be prevented by installing a bathroom fan. Your bathroom will also be odor-free when you use them. Is it possible to turn off a bathroom fan if it refuses to do so?

It is possible to permanently damage your bathroom fan if it runs continuously due to electrical hazards or fire hazards. Your family’s lives can be at risk if you ignore this issue.

The purpose of this article is to help you discover the reason why your bathroom fan keeps running and how to fix it.

4 Reasons Why Your Bathroom Exhaust Fan Will Not Turn Off

Humidity Sensors 

Mold-fighting humidifiers are available for some bathroom exhaust fans. When the air reaches a certain humidity level, these humidity sensors will enable the fan to turn on.

It is possible, however, for these humidity sensors to malfunction, resulting in the fan continually running whether it is needed or not. Your bathroom might also be exceptionally humid, which can lead to a humidity sensor constantly activating your fan.

Wiring 

Wiring problems are one of the most common reasons for bathroom exhaust fans running continuously. Occasionally, bathroom exhaust fans are wired incorrectly or have faulty wiring.

You may discover that you can’t turn off your fan with any of the light switches in your house. Simple issues like loose connections or no connections can cause this issue.

Usually, a bathroom fan that runs continuously is not due to faulty wiring or circuitry. There is a greater likelihood that the fan would not turn on if the circuitry or wiring were malfunctioning.

Continuous Exhaust Fans

As a result of its design, your fan may run continuously. The continuous exhaust fan uses less electricity and runs quietly. Noise level and any noticeable differences in your electricity bill will usually indicate whether your exhaust fan is continuous or just malfunctioning.

Override Controls

It is likely that your HVAC technician installed an override control as part of the installation of your HVAC system. HVAC systems can be shut off by using an override control, which is a switch that is accessible by the homeowner. Alternatively, you can use an override control if you do not have a switch in your bathroom controlling the fan.

Master override controls are usually found in electrical panels or on walls near thermostats. If you can’t find a solution to the problem, you can turn off your fan using this technique.

How to Fix a Bathroom Fan That Keeps Running

Be aware of the dangers of electricity before performing any repairs on a bathroom fan.

The safest course of action would be to hire a professional electrician to assess your situation if you are not a trained electrician.

Tools & Materials

• 14 Gauge Wire
• Crimping Tool
• Wire Cutters
• Needle Nose Pliers 
• Electrical Tape
• Screwdriver
• Voltage Tester

Solutions

Replacing The Humidity Sensor

Your best option is to replace the humidity sensor if you are certain it is the problem, perhaps because it is very old. It is possible to install most sensors with a flathead screwdriver, regardless of the manufacturer.

If you plan to do anything in your bathroom, making sure the power has been turned off is the first step. Make sure it is safe by using a voltage tester.

Humidity sensors are typically installed on the wall of your bathroom, usually next to the light switch.

• Remove the humidity sensor from the wall by removing the screws.
• To remove the faceplate, use a screwdriver. In this way, the screws that connect the ground wire and other wires will be exposed.
• The old humidity sensor can be removed with your screwdriver by removing these screws.
• Put everything back together by following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Replacing Your Fans Wiring

Electricians should be entrusted with electrical work, as previously stated. You should check with your local electrician’s authority before doing any electrical work in your home if you aren’t sure whether you need a permit.

You should take some time to clear up these matters before you turn off the water in your bathroom. Check the area for safety by using a voltage tester.

• Find out where the wires for your bathroom fan go by checking your switch box. These wires can be marked with electrical tape.
• Disconnect all the wires connected to your bathroom fan, remove all the cover plates, and remove the fan from the ceiling. Entering the attic may be necessary. You can make these wires more visible by attaching tape to them.
• Make sure all your bathroom fan’s wiring is safely removed from your switch box. Removing all the taped wires is essential.
• Calculate the length of your new 14 gauge wire by using your old wire. Once the wire is cut to length, it should be twisted.
• Attic wiring should be fed from your switch box.
• Make sure your fan and switch box are connected to your new wiring in the attic.
• Turn your power back on and test your new wiring after ensuring everything is connected correctly.

HVAC Override Control Issues

Your best option is to contact an HVAC technician if you have problems with your HVAC override control. You may be able to resolve your issue by resetting your HVAC override control.

• Your fan should be turned off.
• Switch off your HVAC unit’s circuit breakers by going to your circuit breaker panel.
• Make sure everything is on and wait 30 seconds before turning it back on.

Your best bet is to contact an electrician or HVAC technician if this doesn’t resolve your fan issue. However, this reset method can potentially fix your problem and is easy to use.