Range Hood Life Expectancy: How Long Do Extractor Hoods Really Last?

When you turn on your range hood, a kitchen ventilation system designed to remove smoke, steam, grease, and odors from cooking areas. Also known as an extractor fan, it’s one of the most overlooked but essential appliances in your home. Most people don’t think about it until it stops working—then they’re stuck with greasy air and lingering smells. So how long should you expect it to last? The truth? Most range hoods last between 10 and 15 years, but that’s only if they’re maintained. Without regular cleaning and part replacements, some fail in as little as 5 years.

The biggest killer of range hoods isn’t age—it’s grease buildup. Over time, oil and particles clog filters, strain the motor, and force the fan to work harder. That extra stress wears out bearings, melts plastic housings, and eventually kills the motor. A extractor fan, the core component that pulls air out of your kitchen, isn’t built to run forever under heavy load. And if your hood doesn’t have a metal grease filter, or you never clean it, you’re basically feeding your motor junk. Some models have carbon filters for odor control, but those need replacing every 3–6 months. Skip that step? You’re paying for a shorter life.

Then there’s the wiring. In older homes, voltage spikes or outdated circuits can fry control boards. Cheap models use plastic gears that crack under heat. Even the lights can burn out faster if they’re not LED. If your hood makes a loud grinding noise, smells like burning plastic, or just won’t turn on anymore, it’s not always the end. Many issues—like a bad capacitor, loose wiring, or a clogged duct—are cheap fixes. But if the motor’s gone or the housing is warped, replacement often makes more sense than repair.

And don’t forget the ductwork. If your hood vents into the attic instead of outside, or if the duct is kinked or blocked, the fan’s working twice as hard. That’s why a 12-year-old hood in a well-ventilated kitchen can outlive a 5-year-old one in a cramped, poorly installed setup. Regular duct cleaning, filter checks, and motor inspections can add years to your unit’s life.

What you’ll find below are real-world stories and fixes from UK homeowners who’ve been there. From DIY filter swaps that saved a $1,200 hood, to when a £50 repair was better than a new unit. We cover how to test your fan’s suction, spot early warning signs, and whether it’s smarter to fix or replace based on age, cost, and efficiency. No fluff. Just what works.