Do Extractor Fans Need Maintenance? Here’s What Actually Happens Without It

Ever notice how your extractor fan sounds like a jet engine after a few years? Or how grease builds up on the filter until it looks like a fossilized pancake? That’s not normal wear and tear. That’s neglect. And if you’re wondering whether extractor fans need maintenance, the answer is simple: yes. Not just occasionally. Not just when they break. Regular upkeep isn’t optional-it’s what keeps your kitchen safe, your air clean, and your appliance from dying early.

Why extractor fans fail faster than you think

Most people think extractor fans are low-maintenance because they don’t have complex parts like a fridge compressor or a washing machine motor. But that’s exactly why they break. Grease, dust, and moisture don’t care how simple the design is. They stick. They build up. They clog. And over time, that buildup turns into a fire hazard, a smell trap, and a power drain.

In Vancouver, where humidity runs high and cooking happens daily, extractor fans work harder than you realize. A typical range hood pulls 150 to 300 cubic feet of air per minute. That’s a lot of grease-laden steam passing through a small space. Without cleaning, that grease doesn’t vanish. It coats the blades, gums up the motor bearings, and blocks airflow. The fan has to spin faster to do the same job. That means more electricity. More noise. And eventually, a burnt-out motor.

A 2023 study by the Canadian Home Safety Institute found that 68% of kitchen fires linked to ventilation systems started because grease buildup ignited. That’s not a rare accident. That’s a predictable result of ignoring maintenance.

What maintenance actually looks like

You don’t need special tools or a degree in engineering. Maintenance for an extractor fan is straightforward. Here’s what you should do every month:

• Remove the grease filter. Most are either metal mesh or aluminum baffle filters. They slide out or unscrew easily.
• Soak the filter in hot, soapy water for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of white vinegar or baking soda to cut through grease faster.
• Scrub gently with a soft brush-old toothbrushes work great. Don’t use steel wool; it scratches and weakens the metal.
• Rinse and let dry completely before putting it back.

If your fan has a charcoal filter (common in ductless models), that’s a different story. Charcoal filters don’t clean-they absorb odors. Once they’re saturated, they stop working. Replace them every 3 to 6 months, depending on how often you cook. If you fry fish or cook curry weekly, replace them every 3 months. If you mostly boil pasta, 6 months is fine.

Every six months, check the fan blades. Turn off the power at the breaker. Use a damp cloth to wipe them down. Don’t spray cleaner directly on the motor. Just the blades and housing. If you see thick, sticky grease inside the housing, that’s a sign you’ve waited too long. You might need to disassemble the unit deeper-or call a pro.

Signs your extractor fan is overdue for maintenance

You don’t have to wait for the smell or the smoke alarm. Watch for these red flags:

• The fan runs louder than it used to. A sudden change in noise means the motor is working harder.
• Steam lingers after cooking. If your windows fog up or the ceiling stays damp, the fan isn’t pulling air out fast enough.
• Grease spots appear on your cabinets or walls near the fan. That’s grease escaping because the filter is full.
• You can’t remember the last time you cleaned it. If it’s been over 6 months, you’re already behind.
• The light or fan doesn’t turn on reliably. That’s often a sign of electrical issues from moisture buildup or corroded connections.

These aren’t just annoyances. They’re early warnings. Ignoring them means you’re one burnt-out motor or one grease fire away from a costly repair-or worse.

What happens if you never clean it

Let’s say you decide to skip maintenance for two years. Here’s what you’re likely to face:

• Reduced airflow: The fan might still spin, but it’s moving only 30% of the air it was designed for. That means odors, smoke, and humidity stay in your kitchen.
• Higher energy bills: A clogged fan draws more power. You could be paying $50-$100 extra a year just to run a fan that’s barely working.
• Motor burnout: Grease in the bearings causes friction. Bearings overheat. The motor fails. Replacing the whole unit costs $300-$800. Cleaning the filter costs $0.
• Fire risk: Grease is flammable. When it builds up near a hot motor or wiring, it can ignite. Insurance claims for kitchen fires caused by dirty hoods are rising across Canada.
• Indoor air quality: Poor ventilation means pollutants-like carbon monoxide from gas stoves and VOCs from cooking oils-linger in your home. That’s especially bad for kids, seniors, or anyone with asthma.

A 2024 survey of Vancouver homeowners found that 73% of those who never cleaned their extractor fans reported persistent cooking smells, even after opening windows. Only 12% of those who cleaned monthly said the same.

When to call a professional

You can handle 90% of extractor fan maintenance yourself. But there are times you need help:

• The fan makes grinding, screeching, or buzzing noises that don’t go away after cleaning.
• Wires look frayed, melted, or corroded.
• The ductwork is visible and covered in grease (common in older homes).
• You’re not sure if your fan is ducted or ductless. Ducted systems need vent pipe checks for blockages.
• You’ve cleaned everything but the fan still runs poorly.

A certified appliance technician can check the motor, test the capacitor, inspect the duct for debris, and verify airflow with a smoke test. That kind of service usually costs $120-$180. It’s a fraction of what a new fan or fire damage would cost.

Make maintenance part of your routine

Set a reminder on your phone. Put a note on your fridge. Tie it to another monthly chore-like changing your air filter or cleaning your oven. Pick a date: the first Sunday of every month. Or the day after payday. Whatever sticks.

Think of it like oil changes for your car. You don’t wait until the engine seizes. You don’t wait until the check engine light flashes. You do it on schedule. Your extractor fan is no different.

Clean the filter. Wipe the blades. Replace the charcoal pad. Check the duct. That’s it. Five minutes a month. That’s all it takes to avoid a $1,000 repair, a fire, or weeks of smoky kitchens.

What’s the real cost of ignoring it?

Let’s break it down:

• Monthly cleaning time: 10 minutes
• Annual cleaning time: 2 hours
• Cost of replacement filter: $15-$30/year
• Cost of a new extractor fan: $300-$800
• Cost of fire damage repair: $10,000+

You’re not saving money by skipping maintenance. You’re just delaying the bill.

If your extractor fan isn’t working right, don’t assume it’s broken. Nine times out of ten, it just needs a good cleaning. Take five minutes this week. Remove the filter. Soak it. Wipe the blades. You’ll notice the difference the next time you cook.