When you turn on your extractor fan, a kitchen ventilation device designed to remove smoke, steam, and odors from cooking areas. Also known as range hood fan, it’s one of those appliances you rarely think about—until it stops working. Most extractor fans last between 10 and 15 years, but that’s only if they’re cleaned regularly. Dust, grease, and moisture build up fast in kitchens, and without basic maintenance, a fan can die in half that time. It’s not magic—it’s physics. The motor works harder when clogged, overheats, and burns out sooner.
The extractor fan motor, the core component that spins the blades and moves air through ducts is the most common failure point. If your fan makes a grinding noise or hums but doesn’t spin, the motor’s likely done. Replacing just the motor can cost half as much as a new unit, but only if the housing and ducting are still in good shape. Many people don’t realize that cleaning the grease filter monthly cuts strain on the motor by up to 40%. That’s not a myth—it’s what manufacturers recommend. And if you’ve got a fan older than 12 years, even if it still runs, it’s probably using 30% more energy than a modern model. Energy efficiency isn’t just about bills; it’s about how long the parts last under constant load.
Signs your extractor fan is nearing the end? Loud operation, weak airflow, grease leaking from seams, or a fan that turns on but doesn’t pull air out. These aren’t just annoyances—they’re red flags. A failing fan doesn’t just smell up your kitchen; it can trap moisture that leads to mold on walls and ceilings. That’s a bigger, costlier problem than replacing a fan. And if you’re wondering whether to fix or replace, ask yourself: is the fan more than 10 years old? Is the repair cost over half the price of a new one? If yes, replacement usually makes more sense. You’ll get better airflow, quieter operation, and lower running costs.
What you’ll find below are real guides from people who’ve been there—how to clean a clogged motor, how to test if the fan’s still worth saving, and when it’s time to walk away. No fluff. No theory. Just what works in actual kitchens, with actual grease, actual deadlines, and actual budgets.
28 October 2025 · 0 Comments
Extractor fans typically last 10 to 15 years, but poor maintenance, grease buildup, and high humidity can cut that in half. Learn the signs it's time to replace yours and how to pick a better one.
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