When your extractor fan, a motorized vent system designed to remove steam, smoke, and odors from kitchens and bathrooms. Also known as exhaust fan, it's meant to turn on when you're cooking or showering—and then stop. If it’s running all the time, something’s off. This isn’t just annoying—it’s wasting energy and could mean your fan’s motor, switch, or wiring is failing.
Most extractor fans last 10 to 15 years, but grease buildup, humidity, and poor cleaning can cut that in half. A fan that won’t shut off is often linked to a extractor fan motor, the core component that spins the blades and moves air through the duct that’s overheating or stuck. It might also be tied to a faulty extractor fan switch, the control that turns the fan on and off, either manually or via humidity sensor. If the switch is stuck in the "on" position, the fan keeps running even when you don’t need it. And if your fan has a humidity sensor, a dirty or broken sensor can trick it into thinking the air is still damp.
Fixing this isn’t always about replacing the whole unit. Sometimes, cleaning the motor and blades—removing years of grease and dust—brings it back to life. Other times, the wiring behind the wall or the control board needs attention. But if your fan is over 10 years old and keeps running nonstop, it’s probably cheaper and smarter to replace it than to keep patching it up. A new fan is quieter, more energy-efficient, and often comes with smart features like auto-shutoff and better airflow.
You’ll find real fixes in the posts below—from step-by-step guides on cleaning the motor to when to walk away from a broken fan. No guesswork. No fluff. Just what actually works.
24 November 2025 · 0 Comments
Leaving your extractor fan on all day wastes energy, shortens its life, and can cause damage. Learn when it's safe to run it, how long to run it, and what to replace it with for better efficiency.
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