Should Extractor Fans Be Serviced? What You Need to Know

Extractor fans are one of those appliances you barely notice-until they stop working. You turn on the kitchen fan after cooking, and instead of pulling out the smoke and steam, it just hums quietly. Or worse, it makes that grinding noise that tells you something’s wrong. If you’ve ever wondered whether these quiet workhorses need regular servicing, the answer isn’t just yes-it’s essential.

Why extractor fans need regular attention

Extractor fans don’t run on magic. They pull air through ducts, trap grease and dust in filters, and spin motors that can overheat. In a typical Brisbane home, a kitchen extractor fan might run 15-20 minutes a day, every day. That’s over 1,000 hours a year. Over time, grease builds up on the blades, dust clogs the motor bearings, and the duct gets coated in oily residue. This isn’t just a cleanliness issue-it’s a safety and efficiency problem.

Grease buildup is the biggest killer of extractor fans. When grease coats the motor and impeller, the fan has to work harder. That means more electricity use, more heat, and eventually, motor burnout. In humid climates like Brisbane, mold and mildew also grow inside ducts if moisture isn’t properly vented. That’s not just a smell issue-it’s a health risk, especially for people with asthma or allergies.

Most manufacturers recommend cleaning the filters every 1-3 months. But how many people actually do that? In our repair shop, we see at least three extractor fans a week that failed because no one cleaned the grease trap or replaced the filter. One customer thought their fan was broken because it was noisy. We opened it up-there was a half-inch layer of hardened grease on the blades. Cleaned it, replaced the filter, and it ran like new again.

What servicing actually involves

Servicing an extractor fan isn’t complicated, but it’s not just wiping the outside. A proper service includes five key steps:

1. Remove and clean the grease filter-Most are dishwasher-safe, but if they’re warped or cracked, replace them. Aluminum mesh filters last 1-2 years; carbon filters for odor control need replacing every 6 months.
2. Clear the ductwork-Use a vacuum with a long nozzle or a brush attachment to pull out grease and dust from the duct. If the duct is flexible and kinked, it’s trapping air. Rigid metal ducts are better and should be inspected for leaks.
3. Check the motor and bearings-If the fan spins unevenly or makes grinding sounds, the bearings may be dry or worn. Some motors have oil ports; others don’t. If it’s sealed, and the motor’s noisy, replacement is often cheaper than repair.
4. Test the switch and wiring-Loose wires, corroded contacts, or failing switches cause fans to turn on and off randomly. We’ve seen fans that only work when you jiggle the switch-classic sign of internal wear.
5. Verify airflow-After cleaning, turn it on and hold a piece of tissue near the outlet. If it doesn’t pull the tissue firmly, airflow is blocked. That means either the duct is clogged, the fan’s too weak, or the motor’s failing.

Some people try to clean the fan without turning off the power. Don’t. Even if the switch is off, the wiring behind the wall might still be live. Always switch off at the circuit breaker before you start.

How often should you service your extractor fan?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s what works in real homes:

• Kitchen fans-Clean filters every month if you cook daily (especially frying or grilling). Full service every 6-12 months.
• Bathroom fans-Clean filters every 3 months. Ducts should be checked yearly, especially if you have high humidity or use the shower a lot.
• High-use or commercial settings-Like a busy home kitchen or Airbnb-service every 3-4 months.

If you’ve never serviced yours, do it now. Even if it seems fine, a quick clean can extend its life by 5-7 years. We’ve seen fans from the 1990s still working because they were cleaned regularly. The ones that weren’t? Dead by year five.

Signs your extractor fan needs servicing (or replacement)

You don’t need to wait for a full breakdown. Watch for these red flags:

• It’s louder than usual-grinding, screeching, or rattling noises mean internal parts are worn.
• It runs but doesn’t move air-tissue test fails, steam lingers after showering, cooking smells stick around.
• Moisture builds up on walls or ceilings-this means the fan isn’t removing humidity properly.
• Visible mold or mildew around the vent cover-this is a direct sign of poor airflow and trapped moisture.
• It turns on by itself or won’t turn off-wiring or control board failure.
• It’s over 10 years old and hasn’t been serviced-age + neglect = high risk of failure.

Some people think if the fan still spins, it’s fine. That’s like saying your car is okay because the engine turns over. It might, but it’s not running right.

What happens if you ignore servicing?

Skipping maintenance doesn’t just shorten the life of your fan-it creates risks:

• Fire hazard-Grease is flammable. In rare cases, overheated motors ignite accumulated grease inside the duct.
• Mold growth-Trapped moisture in ducts breeds mold. Spores spread through your home, worsening respiratory issues.
• Higher energy bills-A clogged fan uses up to 40% more power to move the same amount of air.
• Damage to walls and ceilings-Moisture from poor ventilation causes paint to peel, drywall to warp, and timber to rot.
• Costly replacement-A new extractor fan costs $150-$400. Labor to install it? Another $150-$300. Cleaning it? $80-$120. The math is obvious.

One Brisbane homeowner we helped had $3,200 in water damage to her ceiling because her bathroom fan hadn’t been cleaned in 8 years. The duct was completely blocked. The fan wasn’t broken-it just wasn’t working.

Can you service it yourself?

Yes-for most homeowners, basic cleaning is safe and easy. You don’t need special tools. A screwdriver, vacuum, dish soap, and a soft brush are enough. But if you’re not comfortable working with electrical components, or if the fan is built into the ceiling with no easy access, call a professional.

Professional servicing usually costs between $80 and $120, depending on access and complexity. That’s less than a new filter pack. And if they find a worn motor or bad wiring, they’ll tell you before it fails completely.

DIY cleaning works great if you do it consistently. But if you’ve gone more than 18 months without touching it, it’s probably time for a pro.

What to look for in a repair service

If you hire someone, ask these questions:

• Do they clean the duct, or just the fan? Many just wipe the cover and call it done.
• Do they check for leaks in the ducting? Poorly sealed ducts waste energy and let pests in.
• Do they test airflow after cleaning? A real service includes verification.
• Do they replace filters or just clean them? Carbon filters can’t be cleaned-only replaced.

Look for technicians who specialize in extractor fans, not just general appliance repair. They’ll know the difference between a 120mm and 150mm duct, and they’ll understand why rigid metal ducts outperform flexible plastic ones.

Final thought: It’s not optional

Extractor fans are low-cost, high-impact appliances. They’re not glamorous, but they protect your home from moisture, mold, and fire. Servicing them isn’t a luxury-it’s basic home maintenance, like changing your smoke detector batteries or cleaning your gutters.

If you’ve been putting it off, do it now. Take 20 minutes this weekend to clean the filter. Check the duct. Test the airflow. You’ll save money, avoid damage, and probably never have to replace it early.

Your extractor fan doesn’t ask for much. Just a little attention. Give it that, and it’ll keep working quietly for years.