Should Extractor Fans Be Serviced? Here's What Actually Matters

Ever notice how your kitchen smells like last night’s fried fish even after you’ve opened the window? Or how your bathroom mirror stays fogged up long after your shower ends? That’s not just bad luck-it’s a sign your extractor fan isn’t doing its job. And if you haven’t touched it in years, you’re not alone. Most people treat extractor fans like invisible helpers: they run when needed, and that’s it. But here’s the truth-extractor fan service isn’t optional. It’s necessary.

Why extractor fans get clogged-and why it’s a problem

Extractor fans pull moist air, grease, and cooking particles out of your home. Over time, that stuff doesn’t vanish. It sticks. Inside the fan housing. On the blades. In the ductwork. In the filter. After 12 to 18 months, most kitchen fans are 40% less efficient. Bathroom fans? Even worse. Humidity carries soap scum, skin cells, and mildew spores. These don’t just reduce airflow-they create a breeding ground for mold.

Studies from the Canadian Building Science Institute show that homes with neglected extractor fans have 3x higher indoor humidity levels. That leads to peeling paint, warped wood, and yes-black mold on ceiling corners. You might not see it right away. But over time, the damage adds up. And fixing mold damage costs 10 times more than cleaning a fan.

How often should you service your extractor fan?

There’s no magic number, but here’s what works in real homes:

• Kitchen fans: Clean the filter every 2 months. Do a full service-blades, housing, duct-every 12 months.
• Bathroom fans: Clean the grille and filter every 3 months. Full service every 18 months.
• High-use homes (families, frequent cooking): Cut those times in half.

Think of it like changing your car’s oil. You don’t wait until the engine seizes. You stay ahead of it.

What does servicing actually involve?

It’s not rocket science. You don’t need a professional for every step-but you do need to know what to look for.

1. Turn off the power. Always. Flip the circuit breaker, not just the switch.
2. Remove the grille or cover. Most snap off or unscrew with a Phillips head.
3. Take out the filter. If it’s washable, soak it in hot soapy water for 15 minutes. Rinse. Let it dry completely. If it’s disposable, replace it. Filters cost $5-$15. Don’t reuse dirty ones.
4. Wipe down the blades and housing. Use a microfiber cloth and white vinegar. Vinegar cuts grease better than commercial sprays and doesn’t leave residue. Don’t use bleach-it corrodes metal.
5. Check the duct. Stick a flashlight in the duct opening. If you see thick, greasy buildup or cobwebs, you need to clean it. A vacuum with a long nozzle helps. For stubborn blockages, you might need a flexible brush designed for dryer vents.
6. Test airflow. Turn the fan back on. Hold a piece of tissue near the grille. It should pull firmly. If it barely moves, the motor’s struggling or the duct’s blocked.

That’s it. Ten minutes. Two tools. A bottle of vinegar. Done.

When to call a pro

You can handle most cleaning yourself. But call someone if:

• The fan makes grinding, rattling, or screeching noises.
• It turns on but doesn’t spin properly.
• You smell burning plastic or ozone.
• The motor hums but the blades don’t move.

These aren’t clogs. These are motor or wiring failures. Trying to fix them yourself can be dangerous-and expensive if you make it worse. A licensed technician can replace bearings, rewiring, or the whole motor for under $200. Replacing the whole unit? Around $300-$500, depending on model and installation.

Signs your extractor fan is beyond repair

Not every fan can be saved. Here’s when replacement makes more sense:

• The fan is over 15 years old.
• It’s a cheap, no-name brand with no replacement parts available.
• You’ve cleaned it twice and airflow hasn’t improved.
• The housing is cracked or rusted through.

Older fans often use outdated motors that draw too much power. Newer models are 50% more efficient. A modern extractor fan with a humidity sensor turns itself on when needed and shuts off when the air’s dry. That’s not just convenient-it saves energy. And energy savings add up over time.

What happens if you never service it?

Let’s say you ignore it for five years. Here’s what you’ll likely see:

• Strong, lingering odors in the kitchen or bathroom-even after cleaning.
• Mold growing behind the fan grille or on ceiling tiles.
• Increased humidity that causes wallpaper to peel or wood to swell.
• Your HVAC system works harder to remove moisture, raising your utility bill.
• Insurance claims for water damage may be denied if they find you neglected routine maintenance.

One homeowner in Hamilton had to replace $8,000 worth of drywall and insulation after a hidden mold outbreak. The source? A bathroom fan that hadn’t been cleaned since 2018.

Pro tip: Make it part of your routine

The easiest way to keep your extractor fan working? Treat it like a smoke alarm.

Set a reminder on your phone for every 3 months: “Clean extractor fan filter.” Every year: “Full extractor fan service.” Do it right after changing your clocks for daylight saving. Or on the first Saturday of spring and fall. Make it automatic.

It takes less time than scrolling through social media. But it protects your home, your health, and your wallet.

What about those “self-cleaning” extractor fans?

Some brands claim to have filters that trap grease without needing cleaning. They’re mostly marketing. Even the best filters get clogged. The motor still collects dust. The duct still gathers debris. No fan is truly maintenance-free. If someone tells you otherwise, they’re selling you a dream-not a product.

If you’ve been ignoring your extractor fan, today is the day to start. You don’t need a big project. Just 15 minutes. A cloth. Some vinegar. And a reminder on your phone. That’s all it takes to keep your home dry, clean, and safe.