Noisy Extractor Fan? Fix It Before It Gets Worse

When your extractor fan, a device that pulls moist air and odors out of kitchens and bathrooms. Also known as exhaust fan, it's one of the most overlooked but essential parts of your home’s ventilation system. starts making loud buzzing, rattling, or grinding sounds, it’s not just annoying—it’s telling you something’s wrong. Most people ignore it until the fan stops working entirely, leaving behind damp walls, mold, or even a fire risk from grease buildup. A noisy extractor fan usually means one of three things: dust and grease have clogged the blades, the motor is wearing out, or the fan unit is loose in its housing.

The extractor fan motor, the component that spins the blades and moves air is the most common culprit. Over time, the bearings inside it dry out or get coated in grease, making it work harder and louder. If you’ve got a kitchen fan, that grease comes from cooking. A bathroom fan? It’s mostly moisture and dust. Either way, the result is the same: strain, noise, and reduced efficiency. You might also hear a high-pitched whine if the fan’s blade assembly, the part that actually moves the air is bent, cracked, or caked in grime. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a loose screw or a worn-out mounting bracket rattling against the ceiling or wall.

Fixing a noisy extractor fan doesn’t always mean replacing it. A quick clean can often silence it for years. But if the motor’s humming like a dying bee, or if you’ve tried cleaning it and the noise came back in a week, it’s probably time for a new one. Most extractor fans last 6 to 10 years—depending on how often you use them and how well you maintain them. If yours is older than that and making noise, replacement is usually cheaper than repeated repairs.

What you’ll find below are real fixes from people who’ve been there: how to diagnose the exact source of the noise, what tools you actually need (yes, you probably already have them), and when to call in a professional. Some posts show you how to clean it yourself in under 20 minutes. Others break down the cost of replacing a fan versus fixing it. There’s even a guide on how to pick the quietest new model if you’re ready to upgrade. No fluff. No guesswork. Just what works.