Extractor Fan Test: How to Check If Your Ventilation Is Working

When you turn on your extractor fan, a device designed to remove moisture, smoke, and odors from kitchens and bathrooms. Also known as exhaust fan, it’s one of the most overlooked but critical parts of your home’s ventilation system. If it’s not working right, you’re not just dealing with a smelly bathroom or foggy mirror—you’re inviting mold, rot, and long-term damage into your walls and ceilings.

A proper extractor fan test, a simple check to confirm airflow and function takes less than five minutes. Start by turning the fan on and holding a piece of tissue paper near the vent. If it sticks, airflow is good. If it drops, the fan’s either clogged, broken, or wired wrong. Many people assume their fan works because it makes noise—but noise doesn’t equal airflow. A loud fan with no suction is worse than a silent one because it’s wasting energy while letting moisture build up.

Common causes of failure include a dirty filter, seized motor, or loose wiring. In older homes, ducts often get blocked by insulation or bird nests. In newer builds, fans are sometimes installed without proper venting to the outside—meaning they just blow air into the attic, which causes more harm than good. If you’ve noticed peeling paint, black mold around windows, or a musty smell after showers, your extractor fan is likely failing silently.

Fixing it isn’t always a job for a pro. Sometimes, all you need is a screwdriver and a vacuum to clean the blades and grille. But if the motor’s dead or the wiring’s faulty, you’ll need a certified technician. Don’t risk electrical hazards or voiding your home insurance by trying to rewire it yourself. The right fix depends on the model, age, and how it was installed—something a local expert in Bedford knows from seeing hundreds of them.

What you’ll find below are real-world stories from homeowners who dealt with extractor fan problems—the ones that turned into mold outbreaks, the ones that were fixed in 20 minutes, and the ones that cost thousands because they were ignored. We cover how long repairs take, what parts actually fail, and how to tell if you need a full replacement. Whether you’re in a new build or a 1970s flat, these guides give you the facts you need to act before the damage spreads.