When your bathroom exhaust fan, a device that pulls moist air out of your bathroom to prevent mold and bad odors. Also known as extractor fan, it’s one of the most overlooked but essential parts of your home’s ventilation system. If it’s not working, humidity builds up, walls get damp, and mold starts growing—fast. You might not notice until you see peeling paint or a musty smell, but by then, the damage is already done. A working exhaust fan isn’t a luxury; it’s a must-have for any bathroom.
Most bathroom exhaust fans last 10 to 15 years, but many fail sooner because they’re clogged with dust, lint, or grease. The motor burns out. The blades get stuck. The duct gets crushed behind the wall. Some people try to fix it themselves with a screwdriver and a vacuum, and it works—for a while. Others call a pro because the fan makes a grinding noise or won’t turn on at all. Either way, you need to know what’s wrong before you spend money. Is it the switch? The motor? Or just a dirty filter? A ventilation fan, a general term for any device that moves air out of a room to improve air quality isn’t just about removing steam—it’s about protecting your home’s structure. And if you’re replacing it, you’ll need to match the size, wattage, and ducting type. Not all fans are created equal.
Some models have built-in lights or heaters, which adds complexity. If your fan stopped working after a shower, it’s likely a moisture-related issue. If it’s been silent for years, it might be wired wrong or tripped a breaker. You’ll find posts here that break down exactly how to test the power, clean the blades, check the duct, and replace the motor without pulling down the ceiling. We cover common brands like Broan, Panasonic, and Vent-Axia, and what parts tend to fail on each. You’ll also see when it’s cheaper to replace the whole unit instead of fixing it—and how to avoid buying a fan that’ll break again in two years.
There’s no magic trick to keeping your bathroom dry. It’s about regular maintenance, knowing the signs of failure, and acting before the walls start to rot. The posts below give you step-by-step fixes, real repair times, cost estimates, and warnings about what not to do. Whether you’re trying to silence a noisy fan or stop mold from taking over your tiles, you’ll find what you need here—no fluff, no guesswork, just clear advice from people who’ve been inside your walls.
You can install an extractor fan yourself if you know the steps, tools, and safety rules. This guide covers how to do it right in New Zealand homes-avoiding mold, electrical hazards, and code violations.
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