Replacing Your Bathroom Tastic? – Here’s What You Need To Know
The original Tastic was an IXL brand name but it has become the common term used to describe any brand of bathroom combination fan-light-heater.
These units are now available from a wide range of manufacturers and if you are planning to upgrade from your old model to a new one, there are a few things you need to consider.
Unless you are replacing your old bathroom Tastic with exactly the same model you need to check that the the new unit will fit the existing hole in the ceiling.
Tastics come in a variety of shapes and configurations including square, rectangular and triangular. Some 2-lamp Tastics can actually be larger than a 4-heat-lamp unit. To be absolutely sure it’s best to measure the existing hole and then check the dimensions of any new Tastic before you buy.
The other consideration, if changing brands and models is the existing switch controls. If you remove a 2-heat-lamp Tastic and install a 4-heat-lamp model then you will need additional switch wiring and a new switch, unless you want all four heat lamps will come on at once. This increases the cost of a changeover, especially if it is difficult to get the extra switch wire down the wall cavity.
Many new “tastic” models come with a ducted fan and unfortunately the ducted models don’t seem to extract air as well as some of the older styles. Ducted fans are required in new dwellings however non ducted units are still available for replacements.
Spare parts are available for the IXL brand Tastics so your old model can be repaired, however typically an old Tastic requires a new fan motor and the lampholders can be quite corroded. It’s usually better to replace with a new fitting and get a warranty as well.
For free quotes and advice on repairing, replacing or installing new bathroom Tastics, phone us at Mance Electrical on 6331 4711.
