Do Extractor Fans Need Servicing? What You Must Know

Ever notice your extractor fan sounds like a dying dragon? Or maybe it’s not pulling steam out of the bathroom anymore, and your mirror stays foggy for hours? You’re not alone. In Brisbane’s humid climate, extractor fans work hard - and they don’t last forever. But here’s the thing: most people think if the fan still spins, it’s fine. That’s a dangerous assumption.

Yes, extractor fans need regular servicing

Extractor fans don’t just move air. They pull grease, moisture, dust, and skin flakes through a maze of ducts and filters. Over time, that gunk builds up. A clogged filter can reduce airflow by up to 70%. That means your fan is working twice as hard just to do half the job. And when it’s straining, it wears out faster - motors overheat, bearings seize, and eventually, it stops working altogether.

Think of it like a car engine. You don’t wait until the oil light flashes before changing the oil. Same with your extractor fan. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning or replacing filters every 3 to 6 months. For homes with heavy cooking (think fried food, spicy curries, or lots of baking), monthly checks are smarter.

What happens if you skip servicing?

Ignoring your extractor fan doesn’t just make your kitchen smell like last night’s stir-fry. It creates real health and safety risks.

• Mold growth: Moisture builds up in walls and ceilings. In Brisbane’s humidity, mold can spread in weeks. It’s not just unsightly - it triggers allergies and asthma.
• Fire hazard: Grease buildup in ducts is flammable. In 2023, Brisbane Fire and Rescue recorded 14 residential fires linked to uncleaned kitchen exhaust systems.
• Higher energy bills: A clogged fan draws more power. One household in Toowong saw a 15% drop in electricity use after cleaning their fan and ducts.
• Noise: Dust and grease cause imbalance. The fan starts rattling, buzzing, or screaming. That’s not just annoying - it’s a sign the motor’s wearing out.

What parts need cleaning or replacing?

Not every extractor fan is the same. But most have three key parts that need attention:

1. Filters: These are the first line of defense. Metal mesh filters (common in range hoods) can be washed in hot soapy water. Carbon filters (used for odor control) can’t be cleaned - they need replacing every 3-6 months.
2. Blades and housing: Turn off the power. Remove the cover. Use a soft brush or cloth with warm water and mild detergent. Don’t use harsh chemicals - they can warp plastic parts.
3. Ducting: This is where most people skip. If your duct runs through the roof or wall, grease and dust pile up inside. A 3-meter duct can collect over 200 grams of grime in a year. You’ll need a vacuum with a long nozzle or a professional cleaning tool.

Some fans have sealed motors. If yours does, don’t try to open it. That voids the warranty and risks electrocution. Just clean what you can reach.

How often should you service your extractor fan?

It depends on use:

• Light use (once or twice a week, mostly steaming vegetables): Clean filters every 6 months. Check ducts yearly.
• Medium use (daily cooking, frying, baking): Clean filters every 3 months. Inspect ducts every 6 months.
• Heavy use (commercial-style cooking, large families, open-plan kitchens): Clean filters monthly. Ducts every 3-4 months.

Set a reminder on your phone. Or write it on your calendar. A simple habit saves hundreds in repairs.

When should you call a professional?

You don’t need to be an electrician to clean a fan. But some signs mean it’s time to call in help:

• The fan runs but doesn’t move air - even after cleaning filters and ducts.
• You hear grinding, screeching, or loud clicking noises.
• The fan turns on and off randomly.
• There’s a burning smell coming from the unit.
• The motor housing is cracked or discolored.

These aren’t just annoying. They’re warning signs. A failing motor can cost $150-$300 to replace. But if the whole unit is old (over 10 years), it’s often cheaper to swap it out. Newer models are 40% more efficient and quieter.

What to look for in a new extractor fan

If you’re replacing, here’s what matters:

• Cfm rating: Match it to your kitchen size. A small kitchen (under 10m²) needs 150-200 cfm. Large open-plan spaces need 400+ cfm.
• Noise level: Look for under 50 decibels. Anything louder than a normal conversation is disruptive.
• Energy rating: Choose 4-star or higher. It saves money over time.
• Easy-clean design: Removable filters, smooth surfaces, no hard-to-reach corners.
• Smart features: Some now have humidity sensors that turn on automatically. Useful for bathrooms.

Brands like Broan, Zephyr, and Extractas are common in Australia. But don’t just buy the cheapest. A $150 fan that lasts 15 years is better than a $80 one that dies in 3.

DIY vs. professional service: What’s worth it?

Most homeowners can handle filter cleaning and basic dusting. But if your ducts are hidden behind tiles, in the ceiling, or run through the roof, DIY gets risky. You might damage insulation, leak moisture, or break the duct seal. That leads to condensation problems later.

Professional duct cleaning costs $120-$250 in Brisbane. It takes 1-2 hours. You get a before-and-after inspection, and the technician will check for leaks, blockages, and signs of wear. If you’re renting, this is often the landlord’s responsibility - check your lease.

For most people, a yearly professional clean is enough. Do the rest yourself.

Real-life example: A Brisbane home that avoided a ,000 repair

A family in Kangaroo Point noticed their fan was louder than usual. They cleaned the filter themselves - no change. They ignored it for 8 months. Then, one morning, the fan stopped working completely. The motor had seized. Worse - grease had leaked into the ceiling cavity. Mold was growing. The electrician said the whole system had to be ripped out and replaced. Total cost: $2,100.

They could’ve spent $80 on a professional duct clean 12 months earlier. That’s the difference between a quick fix and a full rebuild.

Quick checklist: Your extractor fan maintenance plan

• Monthly: Check filter for grease buildup. Clean if needed.
• Quarterly: Wipe down fan housing and blades with damp cloth.
• Every 6 months: Inspect duct for visible blockages or sagging.
• Annually: Have ducts professionally cleaned if you cook often.
• Every 10 years: Consider upgrading to a newer, more efficient model.

That’s it. Five simple steps. No tools needed for most of them. Just a bit of time.

Final thought: Your fan is doing you a favor

It’s not glamorous. It’s not the center of attention. But your extractor fan is quietly protecting your home from mold, fire, and bad air. Treat it like you treat your smoke alarms - check it, clean it, replace it when needed. It’s not a luxury. It’s basic home care.