Buy Extractor Fan: What to Look For and When to Replace

When you buy an extractor fan, you’re not just buying a piece of metal and plastic—you’re buying better air, less mold, and lower energy bills. An extractor fan, a ventilation device that removes moist, smoky, or stale air from kitchens and bathrooms. Also known as range hood or extractor hood, it’s one of the most ignored but critical parts of your home’s health system. In damp climates like the UK, skipping this step leads to peeling paint, black mold behind tiles, and even respiratory issues over time.

Not all extractor fans are the same. If you’re replacing an old one, check the airflow rating—measured in liters per second (L/s). A good kitchen fan should pull at least 30 L/s; for bathrooms, 15 L/s is the minimum. Look for models with a timer switch so it keeps running after you leave the room—this clears moisture you can’t even see. Energy efficiency matters too: an A-rated fan uses less power and lasts longer. And don’t forget the noise level. Anything over 60 decibels feels like a vacuum in your face. Some fans come with built-in lights or humidity sensors that turn on automatically. These aren’t fancy extras—they’re practical upgrades that make daily life easier.

Before you buy an extractor fan, a ventilation device that removes moist, smoky, or stale air from kitchens and bathrooms. Also known as range hood or extractor hood, it’s one of the most ignored but critical parts of your home’s health system., ask yourself: is this just a replacement, or is it time to fix the whole system? Many people replace the fan but leave a clogged duct behind. That’s like putting a new filter on a dirty air conditioner. Ducts need cleaning every 2–3 years. If your current fan is noisy, slow, or covered in grease, it’s not just broken—it’s working against you. Sometimes, the best move is to upgrade the whole setup, not just swap the motor. And if you’re dealing with mold or condensation, a new fan alone won’t fix it. You might need better insulation, a dehumidifier, or even a different vent path.

There’s a big difference between buying a fan at a hardware store and hiring a pro to install it right. A poorly fitted fan leaks air, pulls in drafts, and won’t clear moisture properly. Most DIY installs fail because people don’t check the duct route or seal the connections. If you’re not confident, get a technician in. The cost of a bad install can mean mold repairs that cost ten times more than the fan itself.

When you extractor fan replacement, the process of removing an old or faulty ventilation unit and installing a new one to improve air quality and prevent moisture damage. Also known as ventilation upgrade, it’s a smart investment in long-term home health., you’re not just fixing a machine—you’re protecting your walls, your health, and your wallet. The posts below cover everything from how to tell if your fan is failing, to real-world costs of repair vs. replacement, to DIY cleaning tricks that actually work. You’ll find advice on kitchen and bathroom models, how long they last, and why some brands are worth the extra cash. No fluff. Just what you need to decide whether to fix it, clean it, or buy a new one.