DIY Projects – Fan Covers
DIY Project: Sealing Your Exhaust Fan with a DraftStoppa
That Exhaust Fan? It’s Basically a Chimney
You may not realise it, but that bathroom exhaust fan is one of the biggest holes in your ceiling. Even when it’s turned off, it can be letting in cold draughts, heat in summer, dust, mozzies, and smells from the roof cavity (eww).
And in winter? All your warm air rises straight up… and out. That’s your heating bill flying into the roof space. If you’re searching for an exhaust fan cover bathroom solution or a draft stopper for exhaust fan, you’re in the right place.
Why the DraftStoppa is a No-Brainer
Most exhaust fans have no backdraft protection. That means they act like an open vent 24/7. But this quick and clever DIY solution puts a stop to that.
The DraftStoppa exhaust fan cover is a self-sealing unit that automatically opens when the fan is on and closes tightly when it’s off — preventing air leakage, insect invasion, and energy waste.
✅ Australian-designed and manufactured
✅ Easy to install
✅ Works just as well as as ceiling fan covers or a bathroom fan cover
✅ Opens fully to exhaust fan when the fan is on
✅ Reduces draughts, dust and heat loss
Also known as an exhaust fan flap or exhaust fan dust cover, the DraftStoppa works with most standard-size ceiling fans and is a great alternative to short-lived solutions like tape or foam.
What If You Have a 3-in-1 Bathroom Fan?
Many modern bathrooms have combination fans that include heating, lighting, and extraction (aka 3-in-1 fans). These are typically larger and heavier than standard fans — and often too big to fit a standard exhaust fan cover only.
That’s where the Adapter Plate comes in.
🛠️ DraftStoppa Adapter Plate for 3-in-1 Fans allows you to retrofit the DraftStoppa to these fans. It bridges the gap between the unit and the round Draftstoppa exhaust fan cover — so you can still get all the benefits without replacing your entire setup.
It is critical that an electrician rewire the switch to the unit such that when the heat lamp units are on, the fan is going to be on as well. This is important because we don’t want the DraftStoppa to overheat. The fan will need to be operating to cool the DraftStoppa and keep it safe.
What You’ll Use
You’ll need one of these two setups depending on your ceiling fan:
🔁 Standard Ceiling Exhaust Fan:
💡 3-in-1 Bathroom Fan (Light / Heat / Fan):
Step-by-Step: How to Install a DraftStoppa
📽 Prefer to watch?
* How to Fit Draft Stoppa and Adapter Plate
🛠 Tools You’ll Need:
• DraftStoppa exhaust fan cover
• (Optional) Adapter Plate
• Ladder
Prefer to read?
Prep the Fan Opening
Make sure your fan is off and safe to work around. Check the fan’s shape — if it’s round and standard-sized, you can fit the DraftStoppa exhaust fan cover bathroom directly. If it’s a 3-in-1 unit, grab an Adapter Plate.
🧩 Fit the Adapter Plate (for 3-in-1 fans)
Pop the Adapter Plate ontop of the fan.
This allows for the DraftStoppa to fit snugly into the circular cut-out — perfect for when you’re trying to adapt a kitchen exhaust fan cover or a bathroom exhaust fan cover.
🔧 Install the DraftStoppa
Pop the DraftStoppa onto either the Adapter plate (if 3 in 1 fan) or on top of the fan casing.
💨 Test It
The built-in flaps will now automatically open when the fan is on and seal shut when it’s off. Turn on the fan and check that the exhaust fan flap opens fully. Turn it off and watch them close.
Done!
IMPORTANT: If you have a 3 in 1 fan, you MUST have an electrician rewire the switch so that the fan is always running when the heater is on.
Real Life, Real Results
🗣️ “We fitted a DraftStoppa and instantly noticed our ensuite stopped feeling like an icebox. It’s made a huge difference and was surprisingly easy to install — especially with the mounting plate!”
– Julie, Hoppers Crossing VIC
FAQs
Q: Will this work with my 3-in-1 bathroom fan?
A: Yes, with the Adapter Plate! It allows DraftStoppa to fit most combination units.
Q: Can I install this myself?
A: Absolutely. Watch the installation video. Note: If you have a 3 in 1 fan, you must rewire the switch to ensure that the fan is always running when the heater is on.
Q: Are there any things to watch out for?
A: Occasionally there are obstructions that cause difficulty with fitting. The most common ones are:
- The ceiling joists are too close together to accommodate the DraftStoppa as it is slightly wider than the exhaust fan.
- There is a pipe above the exhaust fan.
- The power outlet supplying the fan has been fitted too close to the fan
Ready to Block That Ceiling Leak?
🛒 Get the DraftStoppa Exhaust Fan Cover
🛒 Need the Adapter Plate too? Grab it here
Bonus Tip: Pair this project with Find and Fix My Draughts to uncover every sneaky leak in your home.
Related Resources
Links to Related Articles:
- How to Stop Draughts from Exhaust Fans and 3 in 1 Fans
- About Vents and Fans
- Why Draught Proofing First
- Why is Draught Proofing so Critical – CSIRO Informs
How-to Videos: