If your bathroom’s suddenly foggy, or your kitchen smells like last night’s curry, you’re probably wondering who you need to call to sort out your extractor fan. Is it an electrician, a plumber, a handyman, or someone else? Most folks don’t realize that a mistake here can mean a huge mess—or even mess with your home’s wiring or air quality.
Here’s the deal: the main people who install extractor fans are certified electricians. They know how to hook everything up safely to your mains, follow building codes, and make sure there’s no fire risk. In some cases, especially for ducted fans or big kitchen models, a ventilation or HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) pro might take over, especially if ductwork is needed or you’re dealing with tricky ceiling spaces.
For most cases in homes, an electrician is your go-to. They’ll make sure the fan is wired for proper power, correctly positioned, and vented to the outside if needed—because venting into the loft is a quick way to get mold or wood rot. Got a landlord or live in a flat? Sometimes, property maintenance companies handle this, but they usually send an electrician anyway.
- Who Installs Extractor Fans?
- Repairs: Who Handles What?
- What to Look for in a Pro
- DIY or Call a Specialist?
Who Installs Extractor Fans?
When it comes to getting an extractor fan put in, most people turn to qualified electricians. Why? Fans usually need a direct hook-up to the mains, a switch, or even a timer that turns the thing off automatically. All this means working with wiring, which isn’t a job for just anyone with a screwdriver. In the UK, for example, it’s actually a legal requirement for new bathroom and kitchen fans to be wired up by someone who’s Part P registered—which basically means they’re trained and certified to do electrical work safely in your home.
You might be wondering about those big, commercial kitchen fans or tricky loft setups. That’s where HVAC specialists step in. If there’s complicated ductwork, ventilation systems, or big extractor hoods, these folks have the gear and experience to get it done right. But for most homes, you won’t need anyone beyond a good electrician.
Don’t forget about handymen—some will offer to install small fans, especially the plug-in types. But if your fan connects to your home’s wiring or needs to vent through a wall or ceiling, get an electrician. Skimping on this step can cost you more later if there’s moisture damage or even a fire risk. As Mark Sullivan, a senior electric safety advisor, puts it:
"Electrical work in bathrooms and kitchens is best left to qualified electricians. They know the rules, and you’ll have peace of mind things won’t go wrong."
If you’re in a rental, it’s usually building maintenance or the landlord’s job to sort out installation and repairs. But again, most will call in a pro because dodgy installs can lead to insurance headaches or even legal trouble.
Here’s what you’ll want from someone installing an extractor fan:
- Extractor fan installation experience—ask what types they’ve worked with before.
- Clear certification—such as NICEIC approval or Part P registration in the UK.
- Comfort with venting—drilling through brick or setting up roof vents takes proper tools and skill.
- Knowledge of local codes—you don’t want a fine, or worse, a job that has to get ripped out and redone.
Quick tip: If you want an easy job, pick a fan that matches the size of a previous hole or vent. This keeps drilling, dust, and mess to a minimum.
Repairs: Who Handles What?
When your extractor fan stops pulling its weight, it’s tempting to just Google a quick fix or ask any old handyman. But knowing which pro to call saves money, hassle, and sometimes your safety. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Electricians handle almost every extractor fan repair where wiring or switches are involved. If your fan just hums, doesn’t start, or keeps tripping the breaker, don’t mess with it yourself—electricians know how to fix or replace motors, connections, and timers without risking a shock or house fire.
- Ventilation specialists or HVAC techs step in for repairs that involve the ducting or airflow itself. If you’ve got moisture building up in odd spots, weird drafts, or the fan’s venting somewhere it shouldn’t, these folks will sort the duct routes, insulation, or blockages.
- Handymen are sometimes useful for basic stuff like cleaning clogged fan covers, minor noise issues, or replacing a worn-out unit if no new wiring or ducting is needed. But if they’re not trained or certified, don’t let them touch the electrics.
Why does this matter? A burned-out motor or snapped switch is small stuff for a pro. But if you try a DIY fix and get wires crossed, you could be looking at blown circuits or fire risk. That’s why most landlords and insurance companies insist on using a qualified electrician for extractor fan installation and repairs.
For a quick real-world look, here’s what pros handle most often:
| Common Problem | Who Fixes It? | Average Cost (UK, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Fan not turning on | Electrician | £65 – £125 |
| Loud noises or rattling | Handyman/Electrician | £40 – £100 |
| Replacing ducting | HVAC/Vent specialist | £120 – £250 |
| Steam still building up | Electrician/ Vent specialist | £70 – £160 (diagnosis + fix) |
Always ask the pro to show proof of their certification before letting them near your wiring. In the UK, that’s usually a Part P electrical qualification. Playing it safe beats trying to scrub black mold out of the corners next season.
What to Look for in a Pro
Picking the right person for your extractor fan job isn’t just about who’s available. It’s about getting someone who’s safe, skilled, and saves you headaches down the line. Here’s what really counts when hunting for a proper extractor fan installer or repair tech.
- Extractor fan installation should always be handled by someone with a current electrical license. In the UK, for example, you want someone who’s Part P registered. In the US, look for a licensed electrician used to working in homes.
- Check for insurance. If they mess up, you don’t want to pay for repairs out of pocket. Ask to see proof of public liability insurance before they start.
- Experience matters, especially with older homes or weird fan setups. Ask if they’ve worked with the brand or type of fan you’ve got. If it’s a high-end or ducted model, experience is a must.
- Look up their reviews and ratings on sites like Trustpilot, Yelp, or Google. Dodge anyone with a sketchy track record or tons of no-shows.
- If your job involves more than just wiring (e.g. cutting through walls or ceilings, fitting ductwork), check that they know building codes and have the right tools to avoid a disaster.
Some folks brag about being “fan experts,” but if they can’t show they’ve actually fixed or fitted the brands you use, be skeptical. Also—don’t fall for day-rate quotes without a breakdown. You want to know what you’re paying for, step by step.
| Criteria | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Electrical License/Certification | Legally required for safe, code-compliant work |
| Experience With Brand/Model | Faster, neater installs; less chance of mistakes |
| Insurance Coverage | Covers accidents, saves you from surprise bills |
| Transparent Pricing | No surprises—know your costs up front |
| Positive Customer Reviews | Shows reliability and real-world skill |
One more thing: always ask if they give a warranty on their work. Most legit pros do—usually at least a year for both install and parts. That little bit of paperwork can be a lifesaver if something goes wrong six months down the line.
DIY or Call a Specialist?
This is where a lot of people get tripped up. You see those YouTube tutorials and think, "I can save a bit of cash and do it myself." Sometimes, that works if you’re just swapping out an old fan for a new one the same size and you feel pretty confident with a screwdriver. But, even then, the devil’s in the details.
If all you’re doing is taking one fan out and swapping it for another that doesn’t need new wiring or fitting, it might look easy. Still, you’ll need to switch off the power—no shortcuts. Wiring mistakes are a recipe for blown fuses, or worse, electric shocks. Remember, sometimes the colors of wires aren’t what you expect, especially in older homes.
Once you move past simple swaps, things get complicated. Cutting new holes in walls or ceilings, running new cables, and making sure you’re venting the air outside (and not just into your attic) means playing with fire—sometimes literally. Bad installation can lead to mold, moisture damage, or even electrical fires. That’s why UK rules, for example, require some extractor fan installation work to be done by a Part P-certified electrician, especially in bathrooms.
Here’s a quick reality check—when should you skip DIY?
- If you’re not 100% sure how to work safely with household wiring.
- If your fan needs new ductwork or vents installed leading outside.
- If there’s no isolator switch, or your setup doesn't meet local electrical codes.
- If you spot signs of old or damaged wiring.
- If it’s a kitchen extractor hood that involves a big, heavy motor or complicated controls.
Sure, handymen might take on some simpler repairs. But when it comes to anything involving mains electricity or changes to your home’s structure, play it safe. The pros have the tools and know-how, and if anything does go wrong after, at least you’re covered legally and insurance-wise. If you ever get that sinking feeling that it’s a little above your pay grade—get some quotes and hand it over.
