Cooking smells and steam pile up fast if your kitchen exhaust fan isn’t working right. A good fan keeps the air clear, stops grease buildup, and reduces fire risk. If yours hums, rattles, or won’t start, you don’t have to live with a smoky kitchen. Below are the most common faults, easy checks you can do yourself, and the signs that it’s time to call a pro.
First, make sure the fan is actually getting power. Check the wall switch, any built‑in timer, and the circuit breaker. A tripped breaker or a loose plug is a quick win. Next, look at the fan grille. Grease and dust love to hide there, and a clogged grille can stop airflow completely. Turn the fan off, remove the grille, and wash it with warm, soapy water. While you’re at it, give the motor housing a wipe‑down.
If the fan runs but the noise level is high, the motor bearings may need a little oil. Many fans have a small oil hole – a few drops of light machine oil can quiet things up. Be careful not to over‑oil; a little goes a long way. Finally, listen for a buzzing sound that doesn’t stop. That usually means the capacitor is failing, which isn’t a DIY job but is easy for a technician to replace.
Some problems are best left to the experts. If the motor won’t spin at all after you’ve checked the power, the wiring could be damaged or the motor itself may be burnt out. Trying to fix that yourself can be dangerous and might void any warranty. Also, if you notice a burning smell, sparking, or the fan trips the breaker repeatedly, shut it off immediately and call a qualified appliance repair service.
At Glastonbury Appliance Repair Services we send experienced technicians who know every make and model of kitchen exhaust fan. We’ll diagnose the issue, give you a clear cost estimate, and fix the problem fast. Most fan repairs are done within an hour, and we always clean the unit before we leave, so you get fresh air right away.
Regular maintenance can save you money in the long run. We recommend cleaning the grille and motor housing every three months, especially if you cook a lot of fried or greasy foods. A quick visual check of the wiring and a test run each season will catch wear before it turns into a full‑blown failure.
Ready to get your kitchen back to normal? Give us a call or drop us a message. We’re local, affordable, and proud to keep Glastonbury homes breathing easy. Let us handle the hard work while you enjoy a smoke‑free cooking space.
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