Do Extractor Fans Wear Out? Signs You Need a Replacement

Extractor fans don’t last forever. If yours has started making strange noises, isn’t pulling air properly, or keeps turning off by itself, it’s not just being temperamental-it’s probably worn out. These fans work hard every day, pulling steam, smoke, and odors out of your kitchen or bathroom. Over time, that constant use takes its toll. Most extractor fans last between 8 and 15 years, but many fail sooner if they’re not cleaned or maintained.

How extractor fans wear out

Extractor fans are simple machines: a motor spins a blade, which moves air through a duct. But inside that simplicity are parts that degrade. The motor bearings, for example, get dry and gritty. Dust and grease build up on the blades, throwing off balance. Wiring insulation cracks from heat. The plastic housing can warp. Even the fan switch can wear out from being flipped on and off hundreds of times a year.

Think of it like a car engine. You don’t replace it every year, but if you never change the oil or clean the air filter, it’ll fail early. Same with extractor fans. Grease clogs the vents in kitchens. Moisture rusts the motor housing in bathrooms. Without cleaning, the fan has to work harder. That extra strain heats up the motor, which shortens its life.

Signs your extractor fan is worn out

Here are the most common red flags:

• It’s louder than usual - A high-pitched whine, grinding, or rattling means bearings are failing or blades are unbalanced.
• It runs but doesn’t move air - If steam lingers after showering or cooking smells stick around, the fan isn’t pulling effectively. This could be blocked ducts, but more often, it’s a weak motor.
• It turns on and off randomly - A faulty capacitor or overheating motor causes this. If resetting it doesn’t fix it, the internal electronics are failing.
• You smell burning - A faint plastic or ozone smell means insulation is melting. Turn it off immediately. This isn’t a repair job-it’s a fire risk.
• It’s over 10 years old - Age isn’t a guarantee, but fans older than a decade are in the danger zone. Even if it still works, efficiency drops by 30-50% over time.

One homeowner in Manchester replaced her 12-year-old extractor fan after noticing her kitchen stayed foggy even after cooking. She thought it was poor ventilation. Turns out, the motor was running at 40% of its original power. A new fan cut her cooking time by half because air moved faster and clearer.

Can you fix a worn-out extractor fan?

You can replace a few parts-like the motor, capacitor, or switch-if you’re handy. But here’s the catch: most extractor fans are built as single units. The parts aren’t sold separately, or they cost nearly as much as a new unit. A replacement motor for a budget fan might be £40, but the fan itself is £35. That’s not a repair-it’s a waste of time and money.

Also, older fans often use outdated wiring or incompatible fittings. A new fan will fit better, use less energy, and come with modern safety features like thermal cut-offs and quieter motors. Replacing the whole unit is almost always cheaper and safer than trying to rebuild an old one.

What to look for in a replacement

When shopping for a new extractor fan, focus on three things:

1. CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) - This measures airflow. For kitchens, aim for at least 100 CFM. For bathrooms, 50-80 CFM is enough. Check your duct size-some fans won’t fit.
2. Noise rating - Look for fans rated under 1.0 sone. Anything above 1.5 sone is noticeable. Modern fans can be nearly silent.
3. Energy efficiency - Look for the EU energy label. A-rated fans use up to 60% less power than older models.

Brands like Vent-Axia, Extracto, and Zehnder have models designed for long life and easy cleaning. Some even come with built-in timers or humidity sensors that turn the fan on automatically when moisture rises.

How to extend your new fan’s life

Once you install a new fan, keep it running longer with simple habits:

• Clean the grease filter every month in the kitchen. Soak it in hot soapy water or put it in the dishwasher.
• Wipe down the fan grille every few weeks with a damp cloth. Dust builds up fast.
• Check the duct for blockages once a year. Birds, leaves, or collapsed insulation can choke airflow.
• Don’t run the fan on high for hours. Use low or medium unless you’re cooking something heavy.
• Use a timer switch so it runs for 15-20 minutes after you’re done cooking or showering.

These steps don’t take much time, but they can double the life of your fan. One plumber in Leeds told me he’s seen fans last 20+ years-only because the homeowners cleaned them religiously.

When to call a professional

You don’t need an expert to replace a simple extractor fan. If it’s a basic model mounted on the wall or ceiling, you can do it yourself with a screwdriver and a helper. But call a professional if:

• The fan is wired into a dedicated circuit or shares a circuit with other appliances.
• You’re replacing a fan in a bathroom with a built-in heater or light.
• The duct runs through the roof or attic and you’re not comfortable working in tight spaces.
• You smell burning or see sparks when you turn it on.

Electrical work in damp areas like bathrooms is regulated by building codes. A DIY mistake here could lead to a shock or fire. It’s not worth the risk.

What happens if you ignore a failing extractor fan

Ignoring a worn-out fan doesn’t just mean a noisy kitchen. It leads to bigger problems:

• Mold and mildew - Moisture builds up on walls and ceilings. In bathrooms, this causes black spots that spread. In kitchens, grease turns into sticky, hard-to-remove grime.
• Structural damage - Constant moisture weakens wood framing and insulation. Repairs can cost hundreds, even thousands, if left unchecked.
• Bad air quality - Cooking fumes and bathroom odors linger, making your home feel stuffy. People with asthma or allergies notice it the most.
• Higher energy bills - A weak fan forces your HVAC system to work harder to circulate air. You’re paying to heat or cool stale, humid air.

One study by the UK’s Building Research Establishment found homes with poor extractor fan performance had 3x more mold-related complaints than homes with properly functioning fans. That’s not just a nuisance-it’s a health issue.