Extractor Fan Repair Time: How Long Does It Really Take?

When your extractor fan, a ventilation device used in kitchens and bathrooms to remove moisture, smoke, and odors. Also known as exhaust fan, it keeps your home healthy by preventing mold and bad air stops working, the biggest question isn’t just why—it’s how long will it take to fix? Most simple repairs take under an hour if the issue is a clogged filter, loose wiring, or a faulty switch. But if the motor’s burnt out or the housing is cracked, replacement often happens faster than a full repair.

Repair time depends on three things: the type of fan, whether it’s a bathroom extractor fan, kitchen hood fan, or inline duct system, the cause of failure, common problems include seized bearings, tripped thermal cut-outs, or damaged capacitors, and whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring someone. A dirty fan with grease buildup? Clean it in 20 minutes. A fan that won’t turn on at all? You might need a multimeter, a new capacitor, or a whole new unit. Many people assume repairs take days, but in reality, most jobs are done the same day—especially if the technician has the right parts on hand.

Don’t wait until the fan is completely dead. If you hear grinding, notice slow airflow, or see moisture lingering after a shower, those are early warning signs. Fixing those early cuts repair time and cost. Waiting until the motor burns out means you’re not just paying for labor—you’re paying for lost time, higher energy bills, and potential mold damage. Some fans last 6 to 10 years with proper cleaning. Others die in 3 years because no one ever wiped the grille. Regular maintenance isn’t optional—it’s the reason some repairs take minutes instead of hours.

What you’ll find below are real-world guides on diagnosing why your extractor fan won’t work, how to clean it safely, when to replace it instead of repair it, and what parts actually fail most often. No fluff. No theory. Just what works in homes across Glastonbury and beyond.