Extractor Fan Repair Time Estimator
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Estimated Repair Time
When your extractor fan stops working, it’s not just annoying-it’s a health risk. Moisture builds up, mold grows, and odors cling to walls and clothes. You want it fixed fast. But how long does it actually take? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some fixes take 20 minutes. Others need a full day. Here’s what really happens on the ground in Brisbane homes, based on hundreds of real repairs.
Quick Fix: Clean the Fan Blades and Grille
If your fan is just noisy or weak, it’s probably clogged. Grease, dust, and hair build up over time, especially in kitchens. This is the most common issue-and the fastest to fix.
You’ll need a screwdriver, a cloth, and some degreaser. Remove the grille, wipe down the blades, and clean the housing. No tools? A vacuum with a brush attachment can help temporarily. Most homeowners can do this in 15 to 30 minutes.
But here’s the catch: if you’ve never cleaned it before, you might find years of buildup. That can stretch the job to an hour. In homes with gas stoves or heavy cooking, this needs doing every 6 months. If you skip it, the motor works harder and burns out faster.
Replacing the Capacitor: The Silent Killer
Many extractor fans hum but don’t spin. That’s usually the capacitor. It’s a small cylindrical part that gives the motor the initial push to start. When it fails, the fan won’t turn-even though it’s still getting power.
This is a common failure in older models, especially those made before 2018. Replacing it takes about 40 minutes if you’re comfortable with basic wiring. You need to turn off the power, remove the fan cover, disconnect the old capacitor, and solder or clip in the new one. The part costs under $15. Most electricians charge $80-$120 for this job, including call-out fees.
Pro tip: If the fan starts when you give it a gentle spin by hand, that’s a dead giveaway. The capacitor is done. Don’t ignore it. A failing capacitor can overheat and damage the motor, which is way more expensive to replace.
Motor Replacement: 1 to 2 Hours
When the motor itself dies, the fan goes completely silent. No hum, no spin. That’s not a capacitor issue-that’s the motor. It happens after 8-12 years of use, especially in high-humidity areas like Brisbane bathrooms.
Replacing the motor isn’t hard if you’ve done it before. But it’s messy. You have to disconnect wiring, remove screws, and often cut zip ties holding the motor in place. The new motor has to match the voltage, RPM, and mounting holes exactly. Brands like extractors from Vent-Axia, Daintree, or Envirovent have specific replacements.
Most professionals take 1 to 1.5 hours to swap it out. If the housing is corroded or the ducting is blocked, it can take longer. A new motor costs $70-$150, depending on airflow rating (measured in litres per second). Don’t buy the cheapest one. A 100 L/s motor is standard for bathrooms. Kitchens need at least 180 L/s.
Whole Unit Replacement: 2 to 4 Hours
Older extractor fans, especially those built into ceilings or walls before 2010, are often glued, nailed, or wired in ways that make repairs impossible. If the housing is cracked, the ducting is rusted, or the fan is wired directly into the light switch without a separate circuit, it’s time for a full replacement.
This isn’t just about swapping the fan. You need to:
- Turn off the main power
- Remove the old unit and cut away old ducting
- Install a new mounting frame
- Run new ducting to the outside (must be sealed and insulated)
- Wire it to a dedicated circuit or pull switch
- Test airflow and check for leaks
That’s a full half-day job. Most tradespeople charge $300-$600 for this, depending on access and duct length. New units come with built-in timers, humidity sensors, and quiet operation. In 2025, you can get a 120 L/s fan with a 10-year warranty for under $250. Paying for a full replacement now saves you from calling back in 18 months.
Why Some Repairs Take Days
It’s rare, but sometimes the problem isn’t the fan at all. If you’ve tried cleaning, replacing the capacitor, and even the motor-and it still doesn’t work-you might have a deeper electrical issue.
Check these:
- Is the pull switch faulty? (Common in older homes)
- Is the circuit breaker tripping? (Could be a short in the wiring)
- Is the ducting blocked by birds’ nests or collapsed insulation? (Happens in roof spaces)
- Is the fan wired to a dimmer switch? (Never do this-it fries motors)
If the issue is in the wall or ceiling cavity, it can take extra time to access. In multi-story homes or units with limited access, electricians might need to cut inspection holes. That adds hours-and possibly drywall repair costs later.
One job in Indooroopilly last month took three days. The fan wasn’t the problem. The duct ran through a false ceiling that had been filled with insulation during a renovation. The installer had sealed the vent with foam. No airflow. No ventilation. No fix until they ripped out part of the ceiling.
What You Can Do Right Now
Don’t wait until the fan dies completely. Here’s your quick checklist:
- Turn it on. Does it hum? → Capacitor issue
- Does it spin slowly? → Grease buildup
- Is it completely silent? → Motor or power issue
- Is there a musty smell? → Mold from poor airflow
- Is the outside vent covered in debris? → Duct blockage
If you’re not comfortable with tools, call a licensed electrician. But don’t pay for a full replacement unless you’ve ruled out the simpler fixes. Most extractor fans can be fixed for under $150. A new unit is only needed if the housing is damaged or outdated.
Prevent Future Breakdowns
Extractor fans last longer if you treat them right. Here’s what works:
- Every 3 months: Wipe the grille with a damp cloth
- Every 6 months: Remove and clean the blades with warm soapy water
- Once a year: Check the outside vent for blockages
- Never use the fan as a timer for the light-use a separate switch
- Upgrade to a model with a humidity sensor if you’re replacing it
In Brisbane’s humid climate, neglecting your extractor fan is like ignoring your roof. It doesn’t break overnight. But when it does, the damage is costly.
