If your kitchen extractor fan suddenly stops humming, makes weird noises, or just won’t pull smoke away, you’re not alone. Most homeowners face a fan that quits at the worst moment, and the good news is many problems are fixable without calling a pro.
The first step is to stay calm and check the basics: is the fan plugged in? Is the circuit breaker tripped? A loose plug or a blown fuse can mimic a dead fan, so give those a quick glance before you start taking things apart.
1. Dirty Filters – Grease and dust build up on the metal or charcoal filters, choking airflow. Clean the filter every 1‑2 months; you’ll hear the fan breathe again.
2. Motor Wear – An over‑heated motor will over‑load and shut down. If you hear a humming sound but the blades don’t spin, the motor bearings may be worn. A simple oil drop can revive a cheap fan, but older units often need a replacement.
3. Loose Wiring – Vibration can loosen the connections inside the housing. Turn off power at the breaker, remove the fan cover, and look for any wires that have pulled away from their terminals.
4. Blocked Ductwork – If the vent pipe is clogged with debris or bird nests, the fan will struggle and eventually stop. A quick vacuum of the duct can restore proper pull.
Start by resetting the fan. Many modern units have a reset button on the motor housing; press it and give the fan a minute to spin up. If that doesn’t work, swap the fan’s plug into another socket to rule out a faulty outlet.
Next, inspect the filter. Soak a metal filter in hot, soapy water, scrub with a soft brush, rinse, and dry completely before reinstalling. For charcoal filters, replace every 6‑12 months.If the fan still won’t run, test the motor with a multimeter. You should see continuity across the motor terminals. No reading means the motor is dead and needs replacement.
When you’ve ruled out the above, consider the age of the fan. Our 2025 guide on How Long Do Kitchen Extractor Fans Last? shows most fans last 8‑12 years with regular care. If yours is beyond that, it might be smarter to replace rather than keep patching.
For a deeper dive, check out the article Extractor Fan Not Working? Troubleshooting and Fixes for Kitchen and Bathroom Fans. It walks you through each step with pictures and tool lists.
Finally, don’t forget regular maintenance. Wipe the exterior weekly, clean filters monthly, and schedule a professional check‑up every few years if you notice lingering smells or reduced airflow.
By tackling these simple checks, you’ll keep your kitchen ventilated, your meals smelling fresh, and avoid the cost of an emergency call‑out. Remember: a clean filter and a tight wire connection solve more fan problems than you might think.
Figuring out why your extractor fan suddenly quit can be frustrating. Is it an electrical issue, or maybe a build-up of grime? This article dives into common reasons for extractor fan failures, practical tips on troubleshooting, and when you might need professional help.
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