Extractor Fan Not Working? 

Last month, I walked into my bathroom after my teenager’s marathon shower and felt like I was entering a tropical rainforest. Water droplets clung to every surface, the mirror looked like frosted glass, and that telltale musty smell was already creeping in. That’s when I realised our extractor fan had given up the ghost completely.

Extractor fans might seem like minor appliances, but they’re absolute workhorses in British homes. Kitchen fans tackle cooking smells, grease, and steam from your hob. Bathroom fans battle moisture from showers and baths, preventing mould growth and protecting your walls from damp damage.

When they stop working properly, you’ll notice the difference within days. Lingering cooking odours, steamed-up windows that take ages to clear, and condensation starting to appear in corners where it never used to gather.

The good news? Many fan problems have straightforward causes and solutions. Let me walk you through spotting the issues and deciding what you can tackle yourself versus when to call for help.

Common Signs Your Extractor Fan Has Stopped Working

Complete silence when you flip the switch is the most obvious sign. You expect that familiar whirring sound, but get nothing instead. I’ve stood in bathrooms pressing switches repeatedly, hoping for some sign of life.

Pathetic airflow despite the fan running suggests internal problems. Try the tissue test – hold a piece of toilet paper near the fan. It should stick firmly against the grille when working properly. Weak suction means trouble brewing.

Excessive noise or vibration indicates worn components. My neighbour’s bathroom fan started sounding like a helicopter landing before it finally packed up completely. Grinding, rattling, or squealing noises all suggest internal wear.

Fan runs continuously without stopping points to timer or switch problems. This happened to my mate’s kitchen fan – it ran for three days straight before he noticed something was wrong.

Persistent condensation or smells despite the fan appearing to work normally often means dramatically reduced efficiency. Your bathroom mirror staying fogged for hours after showering is a dead giveaway.

Most Likely Causes of Failure

Electrical Issues

• Tripped fuses or circuit breakers top the list of culprits. Bathroom circuits are particularly prone to tripping due to moisture exposure. I always check the consumer unit first now after learning this lesson the expensive way.
• Faulty isolator switches cause confusion because you hear clicking when operating the switch, but nothing happens at the fan end. These switches can fail internally while appearing to work normally.
• Motor burnout occurs gradually in older fans or suddenly if they’ve been overworked. You might smell burning plastic or notice the motor humming without the fan blades turning.

Blockages and Dirt

• Dust accumulation on fan blades dramatically reduces efficiency and can eventually stop fans completely. I was amazed how much grime had built up in our bathroom fan after just two years without cleaning.
• Obstructed ducting causes back-pressure that overworks the motor. External vents can get blocked by leaves, bird nests, or accumulated debris. One winter, I discovered a tennis ball wedged in our kitchen fan’s external vent – mystery solved.
• Mould growth thrives in dirty, moist fan housings. This creates additional resistance and can eventually seize moving parts completely.

Component Failures

• Worn-out motors are inevitable in older fans, especially those that have run constantly for years. Most domestic fan motors last 7-10 years with regular use.
• Timer failures affect fans with automatic shut-off features. The fan might run constantly or not start at all, depending on how the timer fails.
• Broken capacitors prevent motors from starting properly. You’ll hear humming sounds but no actual fan movement – a classic capacitor failure symptom.

Simple Checks You Can Try Yourself

• Start with the tissue test to confirm airflow strength. This simple check tells you immediately whether the fan is working effectively or struggling.
• Check your consumer unit for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses. Bathroom circuits sometimes trip without obvious causes, especially in older properties.
• Inspect the isolator switch – usually a pull-cord or wall switch near the fan. Try operating it several times to see if connections are loose or intermittent.
• Remove the fan cover (power off first!) and look for obvious dust buildup, debris, or visible damage. You’d be surprised how much difference a simple clean can make.
• Listen carefully when switching on. Humming without movement suggests motor problems. Complete silence indicates electrical faults. Grinding or squealing sounds mean worn bearings.
• Visual inspection of the external vent from outside can reveal blockages you might miss from indoors. I found my kitchen vent completely clogged with years of grease and dust.

My dad successfully restored his bathroom fan to full working order with nothing more than a vacuum cleaner and damp cloth. Twenty minutes of cleaning solved what appeared to be a complete failure.

When to Replace vs Repair

• Age considerations matter significantly. Fans over 10 years old with major problems usually warrant replacement rather than repair. Technology has improved, and newer models offer better efficiency and quieter operation.
• Minor electrical faults like faulty switches or loose connections are often worth fixing, especially on newer units. However, motor replacement costs typically exceed the price of a complete new fan.
• Damaged circuit boards in modern timer-controlled fans usually make replacement more economical. These electronic components are expensive and not always readily available for older models.
• Energy efficiency improvements in newer fans can justify replacement even when repairs are possible. Modern fans use significantly less electricity while moving more air.

I replaced our 12-year-old bathroom fan rather than repair it, mainly because the new model was quieter, more efficient, and barely cost more than professional repair would have.

When to Call a Professional

• No power reaching the fan despite checking obvious causes suggests wiring problems that need qualified diagnosis. Bathroom electrical work has specific safety requirements that DIY approaches can’t address properly.
• Complex timer or humidistat faults require specialist knowledge and testing equipment. These control systems involve multiple components that interact in ways that aren’t always obvious.
• Landlord responsibilities for rental properties demand professional work to meet legal ventilation requirements. Bodged DIY repairs can create liability issues if problems develop later.
• Safety concerns around working with electricity in wet environments make professional help sensible for many people. The combination of moisture, electricity, and working at height creates multiple risk factors.
• Structural modifications needed for replacement fans often require building knowledge and proper tools. Cutting new vent holes or modifying ductwork isn’t straightforward DIY territory.

Extractor fans might seem like small appliances, but they cause serious problems when they fail—especially in rental properties or shared homes. Mould, condensation, and persistent odours develop quickly without proper ventilation.

Book a qualified electrician for professional service without the hassle, restoring proper airflow to your home.

Working extractor fans protect your property from expensive moisture damage while maintaining comfortable, healthy indoor air quality. When yours stops working effectively, prompt attention prevents minor problems becoming major headaches.

Whether you need simple repairs or complete replacement, Qeeper’s experienced engineers provide reliable solutions that restore proper ventilation to your kitchen or bathroom quickly and safely.