Extractor Fan Longevity: How Long Do They Last and How to Make Them Last Longer

When you think about your extractor fan, a device designed to remove moisture, smoke, and odors from kitchens and bathrooms by pulling air out through a duct. Also known as extraction fan, it’s one of those appliances you rarely notice—until it stops working. Most extractor fans last between 8 and 15 years, but many fail way sooner because of dirt, moisture, or poor installation. Unlike your fridge or washing machine, you don’t see it every day, so you don’t check on it. That’s why so many people are shocked when their fan suddenly goes silent.

What kills an extractor fan isn’t usually a big breakdown—it’s small things ignored over time. Grease and dust build up on the motor and blades, making it work harder. Moisture gets into the bearings, causing rust. If the duct is blocked or too long, the fan has to push air through resistance it wasn’t designed for. These aren’t mysteries. They’re predictable. And they’re fixable. A simple cleaning every six months can double your fan’s life. Replacing a worn-out motor or cleaning the duct is often cheaper than buying a whole new unit.

There’s also a big difference between a cheap fan bought at a hardware store and a quality one installed properly. Brand matters, but installation matters more. If the fan isn’t sealed right, steam gets into the wall cavity. That’s how mold starts. If the duct isn’t straight, airflow drops. That’s how noise and strain go up. You don’t need to be a pro to spot these issues. Look for condensation around the vent, listen for grinding or rattling, and check if the airflow feels weak. These are the early warnings.

Some people think if the fan still spins, it’s fine. But spinning doesn’t mean working. A fan that’s slow, loud, or only pulls air on high speed is already failing. The motor is wearing out. The bearings are dry. The blades are clogged. Waiting until it dies completely means you’ll be stuck with no ventilation during cooking or showering—and possibly water damage from trapped humidity.

What you’ll find below are real fixes from real repairs. We’ve looked at hundreds of failed extractor fans across the UK. Some were 20 years old and still going. Others died in three. The difference? Maintenance. The difference? Knowing when to clean, when to replace a part, and when to call in a pro. These posts don’t just tell you what went wrong—they show you how to stop it from happening again.