Extractor Fan Lifespan: How Long Do They Last and When to Replace

When you think about your kitchen, you probably don’t give much thought to the extractor fan, a device that pulls steam, smoke, and odors out of your kitchen through a duct to the outside. Also known as range hood, it’s one of those appliances you only notice when it stops working—or worse, when you don’t notice it at all. Most people assume their extractor fan will last forever. But like any mechanical device, it wears out. The average extractor fan lifespan is between 10 and 15 years. After that, performance drops, noise increases, and the risk of failure rises. If your fan is older than 12 years and starts humming louder than usual, it’s not just getting old—it’s becoming a liability.

What kills an extractor fan faster? Dirt. Grease. Moisture. If you don’t clean the filter every month or clear the duct every year, grease builds up inside the motor and blades. That forces the fan to work harder, overheats the motor, and shortens its life. Mold growth in the duct is another silent killer. When moisture isn’t properly vented outside, it settles in walls and ceilings, rotting wood and triggering allergies. A failing extractor fan doesn’t just make your kitchen smell bad—it can damage your home’s structure. This is why regular maintenance isn’t optional. It’s a basic safety habit, like checking your smoke alarms.

Repairing a broken extractor fan often makes sense—unless the motor is fried or the duct is clogged beyond cleaning. Replacing the fan motor or cleaning the duct usually costs less than half of buying a new unit. But if the fan is over 12 years old, the cost of repair starts to add up. You’re not just fixing a fan—you’re buying more time before you need to replace it anyway. And if you’re already dealing with mold or bad air quality, replacing the whole system might be the smarter long-term move.

Below, you’ll find real guides from people who’ve been there: how to unblock a clogged fan, what happens when you ignore it, how to tell if it’s failing, and when to call a pro instead of DIYing it. No fluff. Just clear steps and honest advice based on actual repairs done in homes around Taunton. Whether you’re trying to fix your current fan or deciding if it’s time to upgrade, you’ll find what you need here.