When your exhaust fan, a device that pulls stale air, moisture, and odors out of kitchens and bathrooms. Also known as extractor fan, it keeps your home healthy by preventing mold, foggy mirrors, and lingering cooking smells. stops working right, it’s not just annoying—it’s a risk. A broken fan means damp air lingers, walls get moldy, and grease builds up in the kitchen. Most people think they need a whole new unit, but often, it’s just the extractor fan motor, the part that spins the blades and moves air through the duct. that’s worn out. Replacing just the motor saves money and is doable with basic tools.
You don’t always need to replace the whole fan housing. If the casing is still solid and the duct isn’t clogged, swapping the motor is a common fix. Signs it’s time? Loud grinding, slow spinning, or no airflow even when the switch is on. Many fans in UK homes are 10+ years old—motors wear out faster than the housing. You’ll find this in kitchens above stoves, bathrooms with no windows, and laundry rooms. The key is matching the voltage, size, and airflow rating. A 120mm fan won’t work if your old one was 150mm. And don’t forget to turn off the power before you start. Most DIYers skip this and end up with a shock—or worse.
Some folks try cleaning the blades or lubricating the motor, but that’s usually a band-aid. Dust and grease gunk up the bearings over time, and once they’re worn, they won’t last. If your fan’s been acting up for months, replacement is smarter than temporary fixes. You’ll see this in our posts: real examples of people who replaced motors themselves, saved over £100, and got quiet, strong airflow again. Others tried to fix it with tape and hope—and ended up calling a pro for a full unit swap. The difference? Knowing when to stop tinkering.
Not all fans are the same. Kitchen fans handle grease and heat; bathroom fans deal with moisture and humidity. Using the wrong type can lead to early failure. If you’re replacing the whole unit, check the CFM rating—too weak and it won’t clear steam, too strong and it’ll be noisy. Most UK homes need between 50 and 100 CFM. Also, look for models with built-in timers or humidity sensors. They turn off automatically, so you don’t forget to switch them off.
What you’ll find below are real repair stories from Warwick homeowners who tackled exhaust fan issues themselves. Some replaced motors. Others swapped entire units. A few learned the hard way that duct blockages were the real problem. No fluff. No theory. Just what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid the mistakes most people make.
Exhaust fans can often be repaired instead of replaced. Learn how to diagnose common issues like noisy motors, bad capacitors, and grease buildup - and when to fix it yourself versus calling a pro.
