How Long Does It Take to Fix an Extractor Fan? Real-Time Estimates for Common Issues

When your extractor fan stops working, it’s not just an annoyance-it’s a health risk. Moisture builds up, mold grows, and the smell of cooking lingers for days. You’re probably wondering: how long does it take to fix an extractor fan? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some fixes take 20 minutes. Others need a full day. Here’s what actually happens on the ground, based on real jobs done in Auckland homes over the last 12 months.

Quick Fixes: 15 to 30 Minutes

The fastest repairs are the ones you can do yourself. If your fan is making a rattling noise or won’t turn on, check the simple stuff first. About 40% of calls end up being nothing more than a tripped circuit breaker or a loose plug. In older homes, especially in Ponsonby and Mt. Eden, the wiring behind the fan gets loose over time. Just unplugging it, checking the socket, and plugging it back in fixes it.

Another common quick fix: a clogged grease filter. If you haven’t cleaned it in six months, it’s probably blocked. Remove the filter, soak it in hot soapy water, scrub off the grease, and pop it back in. You’ll hear the difference immediately. This takes 15 minutes, costs nothing, and you don’t need a professional.

Some fans have a reset button. It’s usually hidden under a small panel near the motor. Press it once. If the fan turns on, you’re done. No tools. No cost. No wait.

Motor or Capacitor Replacement: 1 to 2 Hours

If the fan hums but doesn’t spin, or if it starts slow and then stops, the motor or capacitor is failing. These are the two most common parts that break in extractor fans made between 2005 and 2020. The capacitor is a small cylindrical component that gives the motor that initial kick. When it dies, the motor can’t start on its own.

Replacing the capacitor takes about 45 minutes. You need to turn off the power, remove the cover, locate the capacitor (it’s usually near the motor, labeled with microfarads and voltage), unplug it, and swap it out. A new capacitor costs around $12. Most electricians carry them in their vans.

Replacing the entire motor is a bit longer-about 90 minutes. It involves disconnecting wiring, removing screws, pulling out the old motor, and fitting the new one. The motor itself costs between $60 and $120, depending on the brand. Brands like extracto, Zephyr, and Vent-Axia have standard sizes, so finding a match isn’t hard. In 80% of cases, the fan housing doesn’t need replacing, even if it’s 15 years old.

Complete Fan Unit Replacement: 2 to 4 Hours

If your fan is cracked, rusted, or the housing is damaged, you’re looking at a full replacement. This is common in bathrooms that got flooded or in kitchens with poor ventilation. Older fans installed in the 90s often used cheap plastic housings that crack under heat and moisture. If the casing is warped or the ducting is disconnected inside the wall, you can’t just swap the motor-you need the whole unit.

Removing the old fan takes time. You have to cut through plasterboard, disconnect ducting, and sometimes reroute wiring. New fans come with mounting brackets, but fitting them to old holes is messy. You’ll need a drywall patch kit afterward. Most professionals charge by the hour for this, and it usually takes 3 hours. A new extractor fan unit costs between $180 and $350, depending on airflow (measured in litres per second). For a standard kitchen, you want at least 120 L/s. For a bathroom, 80 L/s is enough.

One thing to watch out for: if the duct runs through the roof, and it’s been damaged by birds or rodents, you’ll need to fix that too. That adds another hour. In Auckland, roof vents are a frequent problem-especially in coastal suburbs like Devonport and Takapuna.

When It Takes Longer Than Expected

There are cases where the repair turns into a project. If the fan is buried behind tiles, you’ll need to remove them. That’s not something most repairers do. You’ll need a tiler. That means two tradespeople, two appointments, and a delay of 2 to 5 days. Same goes if the ducting runs through a cavity wall and is blocked with insulation or debris. Clearing that out by hand can take hours.

Another hidden issue: outdated wiring. In homes built before 2000, the fan might be wired directly into the lighting circuit. That’s not allowed anymore. If the electrician finds this, they’ll need to run a new circuit from the switchboard. That’s a full day’s job. It’s rare, but it happens in 5% of older homes.

And then there’s the myth: "I’ll just buy a new one and install it myself." Most DIYers don’t realize extractor fans need proper ducting to the outside. If you just vent it into the attic, you’ll get mold in the roof space. That’s a $5,000 problem waiting to happen. Always duct to the outside. Always. No exceptions.

What You Can Do Right Now

Before calling anyone, try this checklist:

1. Turn off power at the switchboard.
2. Check if the fan is plugged in (some have hidden plugs behind panels).
3. Remove and clean the grease filter.
4. Look for a reset button-press it.
5. Turn the power back on and test.

If none of that works, take a photo of the fan’s label. Note the model number, airflow rating (L/s), and voltage. That’s all a technician needs to bring the right part. Don’t wait until the smell is unbearable. Moisture damage doesn’t reverse itself.

How to Avoid Future Problems

Extractor fans last 10 to 15 years with basic care. Here’s how to make yours last:

• Clean the filter every 3 months-use a toothbrush and vinegar for tough grease.
• Check the outside vent twice a year. Make sure it’s not blocked by leaves, bird nests, or snow.
• Don’t run the fan on high for hours. It overheats the motor.
• Use a timer switch. Turn it on for 20 minutes after showering or cooking. That’s enough.
• If you’re renovating, upgrade to a silent fan with an integrated humidity sensor. They turn on automatically when moisture rises.

There’s no magic to fixing extractor fans. It’s mostly about catching problems early. The longer you wait, the more it costs. A $15 capacitor fix today can save you a $400 unit replacement next year.