If your kitchen fan keeps coughing, humming loudly, or just won’t spin, you’re not alone. Most homeowners face at least one of these annoyances, and the good news is many of them are easy to sort out without calling a tech.
First, pinpoint the symptom. A fan that runs but feels weak usually suffers from blocked airflow. Grease, dust, and cooking splatters build up on the blades and the vent, slowing the motor. A humming sound often means the motor is working but the fan blade is stuck, again because of grime or a mis‑aligned blade. If the fan refuses to start at all, the most common culprits are a tripped circuit breaker, a faulty switch, or a dead motor.
Don’t ignore a burning smell either – that can signal an overheating motor, which needs professional attention right away.
Start with the power. Check your consumer unit for a tripped breaker or blown fuse and reset it. Next, turn off the fan at the wall switch, wait a minute, then switch it back on. Many minor glitches reset themselves.
If the fan still won’t move, unplug it (or switch off the circuit) and remove the cover. Use a soft brush or a vacuum with a narrow nozzle to clear dust from the blades and vent. A damp cloth can wipe away greasy film – just be sure the fan is completely dry before you re‑attach it.
While the cover is off, give the motor a quick visual inspection. Look for loose wires or obvious signs of wear. Tighten any loose connections, but if you see scorch marks or the motor feels hot, stop and call a qualified electrician.
Re‑assemble the fan, turn the power back on, and test it. If it’s quieter and air flows better, you’ve saved yourself a call-out. If the problem persists, it’s time to call the pros. They can test the motor windings, replace worn bearings, or install a new fan if needed.
Regular maintenance keeps these issues at bay. A quick clean every month and a visual check of the wiring once a year will prolong your fan’s life and keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
Got a stubborn fan that still won’t cooperate after these steps? Our Nuneaton experts can diagnose and repair any kitchen ventilation problem fast and at a fair price. Give us a shout, and we’ll have your fan humming smoothly again.
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