Fan Not Working? Simple Fixes and Pro Help Guide

If the fan above your kitchen sink or in the bathroom suddenly goes silent, it can feel like a small disaster. A quiet fan means extra moisture, possible mould, and that annoying hum you can’t get rid of. The good news is most fan failures are easy to spot and fix. Below you’ll find the most common reasons a fan stops, quick DIY checks, and clear signs when it’s time to call a qualified technician.

Common Reasons Your Fan Stops

1. Power loss. The simplest culprit is that the fan isn’t getting electricity. Check the switch, the light‑bulb socket (many fans share a switch with a light), and any wall outlet if it’s a plug‑in unit. A tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse can also cut power.

2. Dust‑filled motor. Over time, dust builds up on the motor and fan blades. A clogged motor overheats and quits. You’ll often hear a faint buzz before the fan dies.

3. Loose wiring. Vibration can loosen the connections inside the fan housing. A loose wire may cause intermittent work or a complete stop.

4. Worn out bearings. Bearings let the motor spin smoothly. When they wear out, the motor strains and eventually stops turning.

5. Faulty capacitor. Many extractor fans use a capacitor to start the motor. If it fails, the fan won’t start even though power is present.

Do It Yourself Checks Before Calling a Pro

Step 1 – Turn off the power. Safety first. Switch off the breaker or unplug the fan.

Step 2 – Clean the blades. Remove the cover (usually a few screws) and wipe the blades and motor housing with a damp cloth. Use a soft brush to clear dust from the motor vent.

Step 3 – Inspect the wiring. Look for any loose or burnt wires. If you see a loose screw on a terminal, tighten it gently.

Step 4 – Test the switch. Swap the fan’s switch with another one in the house or use a multimeter to see if the switch is sending voltage.

Step 5 – Listen for a hum. After you re‑assemble, turn the power back on. If you hear a low hum but the blades don’t spin, the motor’s bearings or capacitor are likely at fault.

When you’ve tried these steps and the fan still won’t run, it’s time to call a professional. Trying to replace a motor or capacitor yourself can be risky if you’re not comfortable with electrical work.

At Taunton Appliance Repair Solutions we specialize in extractor and ventilation fan repairs. Our technicians can quickly diagnose a dead motor, replace worn bearings, or install a new capacitor. We charge a fair rate, arrive on time, and leave your bathroom or kitchen dry and quiet again.

Don’t let a silent fan turn into a mould problem. Run through the simple checks above, and if the fan still won’t cooperate, give us a call. We'll get the fan humming back in no time.