Range Hood Fan Repair and Maintenance Guide

When your range hood fan, a ventilation system built into your kitchen stove to pull out smoke, steam, and cooking odors. Also known as extractor fan, it keeps your kitchen air clean and prevents grease buildup on walls and ceilings. stops working, it’s not just annoying—it’s a health risk. Without proper airflow, moisture lingers, mold grows, and cooking fumes cling to everything. This isn’t just about smell; it’s about protecting your home and your lungs.

A range hood fan doesn’t need fancy tech to fail. Most issues come down to simple things: a clogged grease filter, a worn motor, or a tripped circuit. You might hear it rattling, notice it’s not pulling air, or see grease splatter building up on your cabinets. These aren’t signs you need a whole new kitchen—they’re signs you need a quick fix. Replacing a filter costs under $20. Cleaning the duct takes an hour. Even replacing the motor is often cheaper than buying a new unit.

Many people think if the fan’s broken, they must upgrade to a high-end model. But most homes don’t need a 1200 CFM beast. What they need is a fan that runs when it’s supposed to, clears the air, and doesn’t break every year. The real problem? Most people ignore it until the smell won’t go away or the ceiling starts peeling. That’s when repairs turn into expensive replacements. Fix it early. Clean the filters monthly. Check the duct for blockages twice a year. If the fan hums but doesn’t spin, it’s likely the capacitor or motor—both fixable. If it’s completely silent, check the switch and the breaker first.

You don’t need to be an electrician to handle most range hood fan issues. But you do need to know what to look for. A bad fan doesn’t always scream for help—it just gets quieter, slower, or stops working when you need it most. And if you’ve got an older home, the ductwork might be crushed, rusted, or never installed right in the first place. That’s a different kind of fix—one that needs a pro. But 80% of the time, it’s just a dirty filter or a loose wire.

Below, you’ll find real fixes from people who’ve been there. How long it takes to fix a broken extractor fan. What parts actually wear out. When you can DIY and when to call someone. Whether a new fan is worth the money—or if cleaning the old one will do the job. No fluff. No upsells. Just what works in real kitchens, with real appliances, in real time.