Bathroom fan doesn't clear the steam
Urgency
2/5
Honest verdict: this one's worth a pro$250–$700Typical repair cost
Likely causes, most common first
- Fan is undersized for the room or clogged with lint
- Duct is crushed, too long, or venting into the attic instead of outside
- Backdraft damper stuck or duct disconnected in the ceiling
Do this right now
- Vacuum the grille and fan blades — 10 minutes, often shocking improvement
- Hold a tissue to the running fan: no suction means a real problem
DIY or call a pro?
Persistent steam breeds mold and peeling paint. A pro checks the duct path (attic venting is a mold factory), and upgrading to a properly sized quiet fan is a half-day job that protects the whole room.