When your kitchen extractor fan, a ventilation device designed to remove smoke, steam, and odors from your cooking area. Also known as range hood, it plays a quiet but vital role in keeping your kitchen air clean and mold-free. stops working, it’s not just annoying—it’s a health risk. Stale air, lingering grease, and trapped moisture lead to mold, warped cabinets, and bad air quality. Most people ignore it until the smell won’t go away or the fan makes a grinding noise. But fixing it early saves money, time, and stress.
Not every problem needs a full replacement. A noisy extractor fan, often caused by worn bearings, loose blades, or blocked ducting can be fixed for under £50. If the fan spins slowly or won’t turn on at all, it’s usually a simple electrical issue—a blown capacitor, faulty switch, or tripped circuit. You don’t always need an electrician. But if the motor is burnt out or the duct is collapsed, that’s when replacement makes sense. And if you’re unsure whether to repair or replace, you’re not alone. Many homeowners in Nuneaton face the same choice after years of use. The average extractor fan lasts 10–15 years, but poor maintenance cuts that in half.
What you fix depends on what’s broken. A fan that smells like burnt grease? Clean the filters and check the motor. One that hums but doesn’t spin? Likely a capacitor issue. A fan that’s loud and vibrating? Probably loose mounting or damaged blades. And if you hear rattling from the duct outside, it might be blocked by bird nests or debris. These are all common fixes we see daily in Nuneaton homes. You don’t need fancy tools—just the right knowledge. Some problems are DIY-friendly, but others need a certified technician, especially if wiring or gas lines are involved. The key is knowing where to draw the line.
What you’ll find below are real fixes from real repairs. No theory. No fluff. Just step-by-step guides on diagnosing power issues, stopping noise, clearing blocked vents, and deciding when it’s time to upgrade. Whether your fan’s old, loud, or just plain broken, there’s a solution here that matches your situation. These aren’t generic tips—they’re based on the actual repairs we’ve done across Nuneaton homes over the last decade. Skip the guesswork. Find your fix below.
Kitchen extractor fans stop working due to grease buildup, motor failure, wiring issues, or blocked ducts. Learn the most common causes and how to fix them yourself with simple tools and steps.