That hum you hear every time you turn on the extractor, and suddenly it’s gone? Or maybe the fan is rattling like a loose drawer. Kitchen fans are the silent helpers that keep cooking smells and steam out of your space, but they can act up just as easily as any other appliance. Below you’ll find the most common problems, simple DIY steps, and clear signs that you should ring a professional.
Fan won’t start. The first thing to check is the power. Is the switch on? Is the fuse or circuit breaker tripped? Many fans are wired to a wall switch, so a quick test with a lamp can confirm if the outlet works. If power is fine, the motor’s thermal cut‑out may have tripped – give it a few minutes to cool, then try again.
Weak suction or airflow. Grease, dust and cooking debris love to hide in the fan blades and the ductwork. Over time the build‑up chokes the airflow. Remove the filter (if your model has one) and clean it in hot, soapy water. If the filter looks fine, unscrew the outer cover, wipe the blades with a damp cloth, and vacuum the duct as far as you can reach.
Loud or rattling noise. Noise usually means something’s loose. Check the mounting screws that hold the fan housing to the ceiling or wall. Tighten any that feel loose. Also look for a broken blade – a cracked blade will wobble and make a constant whine. Replacing a blade is cheaper than swapping the whole unit.
Odour or burning smell. A scorched smell isn’t something to ignore. It often points to a failing motor bearing or a short circuit. Turn the fan off immediately, unplug it, and inspect the motor housing for discoloration. If the motor feels hot to the touch, it’s time to call a qualified electrician.
Intermittent operation. If the fan works sporadically, the issue could be a faulty switch or a loose connection inside the unit. Spray a little contact cleaner into the switch opening (make sure the fan is unplugged first) and see if it stabilises.
Most of the above issues can be tackled with a screwdriver, a cleaning brush and a bit of patience. Start by unplugging the fan, then remove the outer cover – most models snap off or are held by two screws. Give the interior a good clean, tighten any loose screws, and reassemble.
If you notice a burnt motor, frayed wiring, or the fan still won’t spin after you’ve cleared out debris and checked the switch, it’s time to bring in an expert. Working on electric motors without proper knowledge can be dangerous, and a qualified technician will have the right tools to test motor windings and replace parts safely.
When you decide to replace the whole unit, keep a few things in mind: choose a fan with a similar airflow rating (measured in CFM), ensure the duct size matches your existing pipe, and look for models with easily removable filters for future cleaning. A fresh fan can cost anywhere from £50 to £200, depending on size and features.
In short, a lot of kitchen fan headaches come from simple neglect – a clogged filter, a dusty motor, or a loose screw. Regular cleaning every few months and a quick visual check can keep your fan humming happily for years. When the problem goes beyond cleaning and tightening, don’t risk a bigger repair – call a local appliance repair service who knows kitchen ventilation inside out.
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