Most people don’t think about their extractor fan until it stops working. Then they’re stuck with steamy bathrooms, greasy kitchen walls, or musty smells that won’t go away. So how long do extractor fans actually last? The short answer: extractor fan lifespan ranges from 5 to 15 years, but most fail before the 10-year mark-not because they’re broken, but because they’re neglected.
What Determines How Long an Extractor Fan Lasts?
It’s not just about the brand or price tag. The real factors that decide how long your extractor fan keeps running are simple: usage, environment, and care.In a busy kitchen with daily frying and boiling, a fan runs 30-60 minutes a day. That’s over 150 hours a year. In a small bathroom used by three people, it might run 15 minutes after each shower. That’s still 90+ hours a year. Over time, that adds up. The motor doesn’t wear out from being turned on-it wears out from running with clogged filters, dust buildup, and grease coating the blades.
Humidity is the silent killer. Bathrooms with poor ventilation turn extractor fans into steam traps. Moisture gets inside the motor housing, rusts the bearings, and causes the windings to short. In coastal areas like Perth, salt air makes this even worse. You’ll see corrosion on the grill, sticky switches, and a faint buzzing sound before it dies completely.
And then there’s cleaning-or the lack of it. Most homeowners clean their oven racks but forget the fan above the stove. Grease builds up in layers. It doesn’t just look gross-it adds weight. The motor has to work harder. That extra strain overheats the windings. A fan that runs clean can last twice as long as one that’s caked in grease.
Signs Your Extractor Fan Is Near the End
You don’t need a technician to tell you it’s done. Here’s what to listen for and look for:- Noisy operation: A sudden whine, grinding, or rattling means bearings are worn or blades are unbalanced. If it sounds like a dying bee, it’s not just annoying-it’s failing.
- Weak airflow: Hold a piece of tissue paper near the vent. If it barely moves, the fan’s lost its punch. This isn’t just a dirty filter-it’s the motor losing power.
- Delayed start: You flip the switch and wait 3-5 seconds before it kicks in? That’s a sign the capacitor is weakening. It’s one of the last components to go, but once it fails, the motor won’t spin.
- Smell of burning: A faint plastic or ozone smell means the motor is overheating. Turn it off immediately. This isn’t a repair job-it’s a fire risk.
- Visible rust or mold: If you can see corrosion on the housing or black spots around the grille, moisture has been getting in for years. Even if it still runs, it’s only delaying the inevitable.
These aren’t minor issues. They’re symptoms of internal damage. Replacing a capacitor might buy you six months. Cleaning the blades might make it run quieter. But if the motor’s already stressed, you’re just postponing the replacement.
How to Extend Your Extractor Fan’s Life
If you want your fan to last beyond 10 years, you need to treat it like a car-regular maintenance matters.- Clean the grease filter monthly. Take it out, soak it in hot soapy water, scrub with a brush, rinse, and dry. Do this more often if you fry food daily.
- Wipe down the grille and housing every three months. Use a damp cloth with white vinegar to cut through grease and kill mold. Don’t spray cleaners directly into the fan-liquid can drip into the motor.
- Check the ducting yearly. If your fan vents outside, make sure the duct isn’t crushed, blocked by bird nests, or filled with lint. A clogged duct forces the fan to work harder.
- Run it longer after use. Don’t turn it off right after cooking or showering. Let it run for 15-20 minutes to pull out lingering moisture. This prevents condensation buildup inside the unit.
- Upgrade to an automatic timer or humidity sensor. Older models rely on manual switches. Newer ones turn off automatically after 10-30 minutes. This reduces wear and prevents people from forgetting to turn them off.
These steps cost nothing but time. And they can easily add 3-5 extra years to your fan’s life. In Perth’s humid climate, skipping this maintenance is like leaving your car without an oil change.
When to Replace vs. Repair
Here’s the hard truth: most extractor fan repairs aren’t worth it.Replacing a capacitor costs $25. Labor? $80-$120. A brand-new extractor fan with better airflow, quieter operation, and energy efficiency? $150-$300. And you get a 2-year warranty.
Think of it this way: if your fan is older than 8 years and needs a part replaced, you’re spending money to keep a dying system running. Newer fans use brushless DC motors-they last longer, use less power, and run almost silently. Some even connect to smart home systems.
Only repair if:
- The fan is less than 5 years old and the issue is a loose wire or faulty switch.
- You’re on a tight budget and the fan still moves air well after cleaning.
- The fan is part of a custom kitchen design and replacement would be costly or disruptive.
Replace if:
- It’s over 8 years old and showing any signs of failure.
- It’s loud, slow, or smells like it’s burning.
- You’re renovating or upgrading your kitchen or bathroom.
Don’t wait for it to stop working completely. A dead fan leaves you with mold, mildew, and peeling paint. Fixing that damage costs 10 times more than replacing the fan.
What to Look for in a New Extractor Fan
If you’re replacing yours, here’s what actually matters:- Cfm (cubic feet per minute): For kitchens, aim for at least 100 cfm per 100 sq ft of space. For bathrooms, 50-80 cfm is enough. Don’t go too high-oversized fans create drafts and noise.
- Noise level: Look for fans rated under 1.0 sone. Anything above 1.5 sone will be annoying in a small room.
- Motor type: Brushless DC motors last longer and use less energy than traditional AC motors.
- Energy rating: Choose at least a 4-star energy rating. Modern fans use 30-50% less power than older models.
- Easy-clean design: Removable, dishwasher-safe grease filters are a must. No one wants to scrub a sticky filter every month.
- Warranty: 2+ years is standard. Anything less means the manufacturer doesn’t trust the product.
Brands like Extract, Broan, and EnviroVent have reliable models available in Australia. You don’t need the most expensive one-just one built for real use, not just looks.
What Happens When You Ignore a Failing Fan
This isn’t just about convenience. A broken extractor fan can cause real damage.In bathrooms, constant moisture leads to mold behind tiles and under floorboards. In kitchens, grease builds up inside walls and ducts. Both are health hazards. Mold spores trigger allergies and asthma. Grease buildup is a fire risk-especially near gas stoves.
Insurance companies have denied claims for water damage caused by neglected ventilation. They’ll ask: “Did you maintain your extractor fan?” If the answer is no, you’re out of luck.
And then there’s resale value. Buyers notice damp patches, musty smells, and outdated fixtures. A working, modern extractor fan is a small upgrade that makes a home feel cared for.
Ignoring it doesn’t save money. It just pushes the cost further down the line-into repairs, health bills, or lower property value.
How often should I clean my extractor fan?
Clean the grease filter every month if you cook often, or every 2-3 months for light use. Wipe the grille and housing every three months. Check the duct for blockages once a year.
Can I repair my extractor fan myself?
You can clean it, replace the grease filter, or fix a loose wire. But if the motor is noisy, slow, or smells like burning, don’t try to repair it. Motors aren’t user-serviceable. Replacing the whole unit is safer and more cost-effective.
Is it worth buying an expensive extractor fan?
Yes-if you use it daily. A $300 fan with a brushless motor, low noise, and smart controls will last 12-15 years and use less electricity. A $80 fan might last 5 years and cost more to run. Over time, the pricier one saves you money.
Why does my extractor fan run but not pull air?
This usually means the duct is blocked, the fan is installed backwards, or the blades are caked in grease. Check the vent outside-make sure it opens freely. Clean the blades. If it still doesn’t pull air, the motor may be too weak or the impeller damaged.
Do extractor fans need to be vented outside?
Yes, in kitchens and bathrooms. Recirculating fans (that filter and blow air back into the room) only remove grease, not moisture. They don’t prevent mold or condensation. For real ventilation, air must go outside.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for the Failure
Your extractor fan is one of the least glamorous parts of your home-but one of the most important. It’s not just about removing smells. It’s about protecting your walls, your health, and your wallet.If your fan is over 8 years old, it’s already running on borrowed time. Clean it now. Test the airflow. Listen for strange noises. If anything feels off, replace it before it leaves you dealing with mold, smoke smells, or a $2,000 repair bill.
Good ventilation isn’t a luxury. It’s basic home care. And like changing your smoke detector batteries, it’s something you should do before you’re forced to.