Attic Exhaust Fan Not Working

[Jeff]

I noticed a slight increase in the power bill. Checked the attic exhaust fan and it's not working. This has happened maybe 1 or 2 times in the 10+ years it's been installed. Usually I just tap the fan and she goes. Not today.

I tested the line and I get strong beeps and red flashes from the electric box to the thermostat. After the thermostat the beeps slow greatly and I get a green null screen.

Hopefully this is only the thermostat. Any ideas?

 

[engineer2]

You could bypass the thermostat and see if the fan runs. Typically the motor bearing (or bushing) lube dries up over time. I have a similar setup and have to oil the fan bearings every 5 years or so. They are fairly easy to service.
Now if you've been putting power to a locked motor for some time, it may have developed other problems.

 

[My Old Tools]

Thermostat is a common problem. I have replaced a few.

 

[gmcgeo]

I would use a volt meter and test the actual voltage going in and out.

But like said., thermostat is the common problem.

 

[Jeff]

I have another thermostat coming tomorrow. Will test it all then. I hate working on electricity so I will wait.

 

[captain14]

I had a similar fan that locked up. I never lubricated it. The replacement fan gets lubed annually and never had a problem since.

As others have suggested, can you bypass the thermostat and get it to run?

 

[gahrajmahal]

I replaced that exact fan at my friends house. The motor was frozen. I managed to remove it from the inside of the attic and replace it. They bought the complete fan assembly because the motor is not sold separately.

 

[Jim greengo]

Does the motor make any noise,will it start if you spin the blade?

 

[Jeff]

Does the motor make any noise,will it start if you spin the blade?

No noise. Fan spins as it should when I do by hand. Does not start when I spin the blade.

 

[Jim greengo]

Maybe try bypassing thermostat before replacing it.

 

[Jeff]

Maybe try bypassing thermostat before replacing it.

It's easily returnable (Amazon). Tomorrow will reveal all.

 

[Jeff]

and...the fan is dead.

She was a faithful fan for 12 years.

 

[rharman]

and...the fan is dead.

She was a faithful fan for 12 years.

12 years is a good run. They live in a pretty inhospitable environment in that attic.