Is Your Extractor Fan Not Working Properly? Here’s What Could Be Wrong
Extractor fans play a crucial role in kitchens, bathrooms, industrial facilities, and commercial spaces, ensuring proper ventilation, odor removal, and moisture control. But when they malfunction, they can lead to poor air circulation, overheating, and even health hazards.
If you’re experiencing a faulty extractor fan, don’t worry—many issues are common and can be quickly repaired by a professional technician. Below are some of the most frequent extractor fan problems in South Africa and how we fix them.
1. Extractor Fan Not Turning OnWhat’s Causing the Problem?
Power supply failure – Tripped circuit breaker, faulty wiring, or blown fuse. Motor failure – Worn-out or overheated motor. Control switch issue – Damaged or unresponsive power switch.
How We Fix It
Our technicians will inspect the electrical connections, test the motor, and replace faulty switches or wiring to restore power.
Tip: Always ensure your extractor fan is connected to a stable power source and regularly check for loose wiring.
2. Weak or No Airflow
What’s Causing the Problem?
Blocked ducts or filters – Grease, dust, and debris clogging the airflow. Broken fan blades – Damaged or misaligned blades reducing efficiency. Worn-out motor – A slow or failing motor struggling to extract air.
How We Fix It
We will clean or replace clogged filters, check ductwork for blockages, and repair or replace damaged fan blades to restore proper airflow.
Tip: Regular cleaning of your extractor fan filters and ducts helps prevent airflow blockages.
3. Extractor Fan Making Loud Noises
What’s Causing the Problem?
Loose parts – Screws, brackets, or motor components vibrating. Worn-out bearings – Motor bearings wearing down over time. Obstructions in the fan blades – Debris causing rattling or grinding noises.
How We Fix It
We tighten loose components, lubricate bearings, and remove obstructions to eliminate excess noise.
Tip: If your extractor fan is getting progressively noisier, book a maintenance check-up before the issue worsens.
4. Extractor Fan Not Removing Smoke or Odors Effectively
What’s Causing the Problem?
Grease buildup in filters – Reducing suction power. Damaged motor – Inconsistent or weak extraction power. Leaking ductwork – Air escaping before being extracted.
How We Fix It
We will thoroughly clean grease filters, inspect and repair motor issues, and seal any duct leaks to restore full extraction efficiency.
Tip: For kitchen extractor fans, clean or replace grease filters every 3 to 6 months for optimal performance.
5. Extractor Fan Overheating or Shutting Off Suddenly
What’s Causing the Problem?
Overloaded motor – Running at high speed for extended periods. Blocked ventilation ducts – Causing heat buildup. Electrical fault – Short circuit or wiring issue.
How We Fix It
We inspect and clean ventilation ducts, repair wiring, and test the motor for overheating issues to prevent unexpected shutdowns.
Tip: If your extractor fan is frequently shutting down, avoid running it continuously at high speeds—schedule a professional check-up.
6. Kitchen Extractor Fan Not Removing Steam Properly
What’s Causing the Problem?
Incorrect installation height – Positioned too far from the stove. Clogged grease filters – Reducing steam extraction. Undersized extractor fan – Not powerful enough for the space.
How We Fix It
We adjust installation height, clean grease filters, and recommend an extractor fan with the right airflow capacity (CFM) for your kitchen size.
Tip: For best results, install your kitchen extractor fan between 65-75 cm above the stove.
7. Bathroom Extractor Fan Not Removing Moisture
What’s Causing the Problem?
Poor ventilation design – Not placed near the main moisture source. Blocked ducting – Restricting airflow. Low-powered motor – Struggling to remove excess humidity.
How We Fix It
We optimize fan placement, clean blocked ducts, and install a higher-powered fan if necessary.
Tip: Always run your bathroom extractor fan for at least 20 minutes after a shower to reduce mold growth.
Extractor Fan Brands We Repair in South Africa
We service and repair all major extractor fan brands, including:
Defy – Kitchen and bathroom fans Bosch – High-performance kitchen extractor fans Faber – Powerful industrial and commercial units Samsung & LG – Premium kitchen ventilation systems Tornado & Solent – Bathroom and industrial extractor fans Fantech – High-efficiency industrial ventilation systems
Tip: Using genuine spare parts during repairs helps extend the lifespan of your extractor fan.
