advice on how to identify why an extractor fan is no longer working

Question

My bathroom extractor fan is no longer working. It is turning on but not doing its job. How can I identify the exact cause?

Andy · Accepted Answer

You will require a mustimeter to test..

1. Identify Fuse maybe a locat spur or relay on distribution fuse . Test fuse
2 Identify any isolator switch Humidistat and test for power

3  see if Power getting to extractor.. No power check isolator /humidistat is in the operating  condition. if power here is ok then wiring fault. if power at fan the fan fault..

NOTE WARNING if you don't understand this do not try get a qualified person to check it out

Heidi · Answer

If not extracting fully like before then yes fan blades need cleaning...other faults could be ductwork may have a hole in if this in the loft maybe check it ...wear and tear could do this or mice etc...
But could just be wear and tear on unit if old...they are not dear and are easily replaceable.
I can do this for you...but any competant person can ...if your fan worked perfectly well before failing then just get like for like.
Kind regards The Pink Painter

Shane · Answer

The first thing you should do is check the switch if the red power light is coming on then look at the fuse if the fuse is ok then more than likely the fan motor is burnt out and will need to be replaced.

Gary · Answer

Not quite sure on "doing its job" 
If you mean it it doesn't efficiently removes the stream from the bathroom, but has done in the past, I would suggest it's full of dust (inside the fan where you might not see it, or the bearing has dried out and is running slower than usual.
If it's ceiling mounted, the fan MUST be a ball bearing type which you will pay more for, but it will last longer. If you Google how to size an extractor fan it will give you a simple calculation to work out how many metres cubed the fan needs to get the correct air changes required, you then purchase a fan nearest this figure, i.e. metres cubed per minute

Joshua · Answer

The fan motor itself may have failed or a fuse may have gone you would need a multimeter to test this.

Marlon · Answer

Hi, can you send me a close-up photo of the face of the extractor fan no that's the the fan has been clogged over the years will particles of dust so it has compared the performance of the extractor fan ensure all electricity to the van has been turned off

Terry · Answer

Could be a blockage or a electrical fault. Take the outside cover off and inspect it

Brian · Answer

If no noise coming out when switched on it normally means the motor has burnt out and needs replacing.
The fuse could have blown get an electrician to check the circuit

Matthew · Answer

Is it making the usual spinning noise? If so check it’s pulling air, by holding some light paper like kitchen roll over the inlet. It should hold the paper. If not the exhaust outlet may be blocked. Check external grill is free could have a build up of dust or insect debris. Remove vent and try to check ductwork from the vent to the fan. The fan may need removing but live wiring will be exposed so be carful. If ducting and external vent is free could be the fan itself the fan blades could have disconnected from the motor. Either way these fans usually last about ten years, unless the motor and bearings are greased each year after a good clean out of dust. Good luck.

David · Answer

Hi its the bushes the best and easy option is take down the make / name go online and order the same one as some will work when the light comes on so its best to get the same make thay are straight forward to change make sure you turn the electric off at the mains but id recommend a quailed election to fit as it safer .

hope this helps
Dave

advice on how to identify why an extractor fan is no longer working

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