Warning Signs That It Is Time To Replace Your Extractor Fan

Extraction systems are an essential part of any air purification system, and almost every home, office and high-traffic retail area will have several of them installed to reduce humidity, minimise damp and clear away smoke.

There are various types of extractor fans of varying sizes depending on location and specific needs, but all of them work in the same way to protect health, reduce foul smells and avoid unnecessary wear and tear in a building that can result from excess humidity.

However, if they are not well maintained, well designed or are too old, they can stop working properly and even potentially cause fires in the worst-case scenarios.

Here are some telltale signs that it is time to replace your extractor fan system.

Loud Noises

Besides banging or rattling noises that are clear signs of a potential issue, if your extractor fan is making more noise than usual, particularly if it is whirring as if the motor is straining, that could be a sign of several major issues with your fan.

It could suggest that the motor is dying, that the blade has gotten blocked or contaminated, or that there is another component issue that could potentially become more serious.

Lingering Smells

One key reason for having an extractor fan in your kitchen or bathroom is to remove overpowering smells, and they are typically highly effective at removing these malignant odours quickly.

However, if you notice smells remaining in the fan, particularly if they start to get strong, it could be a sign that there is a build-up of contaminants in your fan.

In a kitchen, this is not only unpleasant but potentially dangerous; if there is a grease build-up and the fan sparks, it could cause a fire. A burning smell is an immediate sign to turn your fan off and turn to an expert.

Sparks And Heat

No extractor fan should spark, and as with any other electrical device, sparking should be an immediate warning to turn off the power to your fan and contact an expert.