Noisy Extractor Fan? Here’s What’s Really Going On and How to Fix It

When your noisy extractor fan, a kitchen exhaust system designed to remove smoke, steam, and odors. Also known as range hood, it’s meant to work quietly while keeping your air clean starts sounding like a jet engine, it’s not just annoying—it’s warning you something’s broken. Most people ignore the noise until the fan stops working entirely, but that delay can lead to mold, grease buildup, or even a fire hazard. The truth? A loud extractor fan is usually a simple fix—if you catch it early.

The most common cause? dirt and grease, a sticky buildup that clogs the fan blades and motor. Over time, cooking vapors stick to the inside of the fan, making it unbalanced and strained. You might also hear rattling from loose mounting screws, the hardware that holds the fan to the wall or ceiling, or a worn-out motor bearing, the part that lets the fan spin smoothly. If you’ve ever opened the filter and found a greasy crust, that’s your culprit. Cleaning it out often fixes the noise, and it only takes 15 minutes. But if the motor’s humming or grinding, that’s not dirt—it’s wear. Those parts don’t just need cleaning; they need replacing.

And don’t assume a new fan is the only answer. Many people replace their extractor fan thinking it’s old, but the real issue is lack of maintenance. A fan that’s 10 years old can run quietly for another five if you clean the filters every month and check the duct for blockages. On the flip side, a brand-new fan can be just as loud if it’s poorly installed or if the ductwork is crushed or kinked. That’s why you’ll see posts here that walk you through checking the duct, testing the motor, and even replacing a faulty capacitor—all without calling a technician. Some fixes are DIY. Others? They need a pro with the right tools and experience.

What you’ll find below are real fixes from real homes—not theory. We’ve got guides on how to clean a clogged fan in under 20 minutes, how to tell if the motor’s dead, why your fan sounds like a helicopter, and when it’s cheaper to replace the whole unit than to repair it. No fluff. No jargon. Just what actually works when your kitchen sounds like a construction site.