Repair vs Replace Extractor Fan: When to Fix It and When to Swap It

When your extractor fan, a ventilation device used in kitchens and bathrooms to remove steam, smoke, and odors. Also known as range hood fan, it plays a quiet but vital role in keeping your home healthy and mold-free. stops working, you’re faced with a simple but costly choice: fix it or swap it. Most people jump straight to buying a new one—until they realize the motor might just be clogged with grease, or the wiring’s loose. A repair can cost under £50 and take an hour. A replacement? That’s £150 to £400, plus installation. So why do so many replace too soon?

The answer often lies in the extractor fan lifespan, how long a typical fan lasts before major components fail. Most fans last 10 to 15 years if cleaned regularly. But if yours is older than 12 years and the motor’s humming like a dying bee, replacement is usually smarter. Newer models are quieter, more energy-efficient, and come with better filters. If your fan’s under 8 years old, though, and the issue is a clogged duct, a dirty filter, or a loose wire, repair makes perfect sense. You’re not throwing away money—you’re extending the life of something that still works.

Then there’s the extractor fan motor failure, the most common reason fans stop working. It’s not always the end. Many motors just need cleaning. Grease builds up over time, especially in kitchens, and it gums up the bearings. A quick disassembly, a wipe-down with white spirit, and a bit of lubricant can bring it back to life. But if the motor’s completely dead—no spin, no sound, no response—then it’s likely burnt out. Replacing just the motor can cost £60 to £100. Sometimes, that’s more than half the price of a whole new fan. At that point, buying new is the smarter move.

Don’t forget the extractor fan repair, the process of diagnosing and fixing common issues like power loss, noise, or poor airflow. A lot of DIY fixes are safe and simple. Check the fuse. Test the switch. Clean the grease trap. Tighten the mounting screws. A rattling fan? That’s often just loose housing. A fan that runs but doesn’t pull air? The duct’s probably blocked or collapsed. These aren’t rocket science. But if you’re not comfortable with basic tools or electrical wiring, calling a local electrician or ventilation specialist is worth it. In Nuneaton, you don’t need to wait days for a fix—local pros can be there the same day.

Here’s the real test: if the repair quote is more than half the cost of a new fan, walk away. If your fan’s noisy, slow, or doesn’t turn off properly, it’s using more electricity than it should. Newer fans use up to 60% less power. That adds up over time. And if you’ve had the same fan since before you moved in? It’s probably time. But don’t panic. Not every problem means a full replacement. Sometimes, it’s just a filter, a bearing, or a loose connection. You can save money, reduce waste, and keep your home ventilated properly—if you know what to look for.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides from local experts on exactly how to spot these issues, what tools you need, and when to call in help. No fluff. No guesswork. Just clear steps to decide—repair or replace—so you don’t waste time or cash on a fan that’s already done.