Extractor Fan Longevity: How Long Do They Last and When to Replace

When you think about your extractor fan, a device that pulls moist, smoky, or odorous air out of kitchens and bathrooms to protect your home from mold and damage. Also known as exhaust fan, it works hard every day—often without you noticing—until it suddenly stops. That’s when you realize how much you relied on it.

Most extractor fans last between 8 and 12 years, depending on how often they run and how well they’re cleaned. Grease buildup in kitchen fans, dust in bathroom units, and constant moisture all eat away at the motor and blades. A noisy fan isn’t just annoying—it’s a warning sign. If it’s rattling, humming louder than usual, or turning slower, the bearings are worn out. Replacing just the motor might seem cheaper, but in most cases, the whole unit is near the end of its life. You’re not fixing a broken part—you’re patching a system that’s already worn thin.

What affects extractor fan longevity, how long the fan lasts before it fails due to wear, buildup, or mechanical failure? Usage is the biggest factor. A fan in a busy restaurant kitchen might die in 3 years. One in a quiet bathroom might last 15. But even then, poor installation, lack of cleaning, or using the wrong fan for the space cuts its life short. A fan that’s too weak for the room runs nonstop and overheats. One that’s too strong vibrates loose connections. And if the ductwork is clogged or kinked, the fan has to work harder just to move air. That’s how you kill a motor.

Then there’s the extractor fan replacement, the process of removing an old or failing fan and installing a new one to restore proper ventilation. Many people think it’s a job for an electrician. But if you’ve ever changed a light fixture, you can replace a fan. Most modern units plug into a socket or connect with simple wire nuts. The real trick is picking the right one—quiet, powerful enough for the space, and easy to clean. Look for models with removable grease filters and washable blades. Skip the cheap ones with plastic blades—they warp, crack, and break faster.

Don’t wait for your fan to die completely. If it’s over 8 years old and you’ve noticed it’s not pulling air like it used to, or if you see mold forming near it, it’s time to act. Repairing a fan that’s worn out rarely makes sense. The cost of a new motor, seals, and labor often hits 70% of a new unit’s price. And even if you fix it, you’re just delaying the inevitable. A new fan runs quieter, uses less power, and works better. It’s not just about comfort—it’s about stopping moisture damage before it rots your walls or triggers allergies.

You’ll find real-world guides below on how to spot the signs your fan is failing, how to replace it yourself, and what models actually last. No fluff. No sales pitches. Just what works, what doesn’t, and when to walk away from repair and just replace it.