How to Fix a Ceiling Extractor Fan

clean, modern kitchen with large ceiling extractor fan
  • 1-3 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 0-50
What You'll Need
Ladder
Rag
Cleaning detergent
Clean dry cloth
Vacuum cleaner
Bucket
Screw driver
Rubber gloves
Face mask
Tooth brush
Contact cleaner
What You'll Need
Ladder
Rag
Cleaning detergent
Clean dry cloth
Vacuum cleaner
Bucket
Screw driver
Rubber gloves
Face mask
Tooth brush
Contact cleaner

A ceiling extractor fan helps significantly in the ventilation inside the bathroom or kitchen. If your fan fails or gets noisy you do not have to hurry to replace your fan, as you may be able to fix it yourself. All you need are a few tools and materials and a set of simple instructions to help you return your fan to its normal working condition.

Step 1 - Clean the Fan

Your extractor fan may clog with dust and dirt after a long time of filtering bad air from your house. Cleaning the fan is the first thing you should do. Turn off the electricity before you start cleaning the fan and fasten your ladder firmly to climb to the ceiling. You can use a mask and rubber gloves to protect yourself from the dust and dirt accumulated in the fan.

Mix the cleaning detergent with 50% warm water in a bucket. Use the vacuum cleaner to remove all the loose dust and dirt from the fan. Take a clean rag and use it with the cleaning detergent to clean the entire fan. Dip the toothbrush in the liquid to clean the corners thoroughly. Once the fan is completely clean, take the dry cloth and wipe it dry to avoid water coming into contact with the electric parts of the fan. Turn the fan on to check whether it functions properly.

Step 2 - Check Wiring

Your fan may fail to work because the wiring is faulty. Turn off the electric fuse. Remove the cover of the switch by unscrewing it. In the small box under the cover, check the wiring to see that it is not loose. In addition, check for any loose screws which need tightening. Cover the fan and once again check whether it works.

Step 3 - Check Switch and Motor

If your ceiling extractor fan still does not work, turn the circuit off once again and check the condition of the switch. See if there is corrosion or its contacts are broken. If that is the case, you should replace the switch. If the switch seems fine, you should clean it using the contact cleaner. Spray the cleaner directly into the switch. Having tried all the above steps to fix your fan and it still fails, perhaps the motor is faulty. You will have to replace it to get your fan to work appropriately. Ensure that while replacing the motor the power is off. A new motor will have your fan working as well as a new one.