It’s easy to overlook, but your bathroom extractor fan plays a vital role in keeping your home healthy. At EPM, we’re often called out to jobs where the fan hasn’t been working properly for months — or even years — and it’s caused all sorts of issues like mould, damp patches, and peeling paint.
So let’s answer a question more and more homeowners are asking:
“How do I know when it’s time to replace my bathroom extractor fan?”
If you’re wondering the same, here’s a practical, no-nonsense guide to help you figure it out.
1. Your Bathroom Steams Up Every Time
If the mirror fogs up instantly and stays that way long after your shower or bath, chances are your fan isn’t pulling its weight anymore.
A working extractor should start clearing steam within minutes.
2. It’s Gone Very Quiet… or Very Noisy
Fans wear out over time. If yours has suddenly gone silent, it might’ve packed in completely. On the flip side, if it’s gotten louder, that could mean the motor or bearings are failing.
Either way, time to take a closer look — or replace it.
3. There’s Little or No Airflow
Hold a piece of toilet paper near the fan grill — it should cling to it slightly when the fan’s running.
No suction? You’ve either got a blockage or a faulty fan.
(We’ve also come across fans installed incorrectly or with way too much ducting — which kills performance.)
4. You’ve Got Mould or Peeling Paint
Mould on the ceiling, black spots near corners, or bubbling paintwork are all signs of poor ventilation.
A fresh coat of paint won’t solve the root issue — the fan needs sorting.
5. It’s Old, Inefficient, or on the Wrong Timer
Many older fans either stay on too long, not long enough, or run constantly. Replacing them with a modern, humidity-sensing model is often the smarter move — they’re quieter, more efficient, and only run when needed.
That means lower energy bills and less hassle.
Replacing an Extractor Fan: What’s Involved?
Most replacements are straightforward. We’ll typically:
Isolate the power
Remove the old fan and check wiring
Fit a new fan (either same size or upgrade if needed)
Check airflow and extraction route
Test it fully and set the timer if it has one
The job can usually be done in under an hour if access is good.
Should You Upgrade to a Better Fan?
If you’re already replacing, it’s often worth upgrading to a quiet, energy-efficient fan with features like:
Humidity sensors
Silent motors
Adjustable timers
Backdraft shutters to prevent cold air blowing back in
Modern fans also look better — no more yellowed plastic!
Can You Replace It Yourself?
Basic replacements are sometimes DIY-friendly if you know what you’re doing and it’s a straight swap.
But be careful — if there are electrical changes (like rewiring, switching to a different model, or moving the location), it’s safer and often required to use a qualified electrician.
At EPM, we’ve seen DIY fan jobs where wiring was left exposed or unsafe — and that’s not something you want near a bathroom.
Final Thoughts from EPM
Extractor fans might not be glamorous, but they’re essential for a healthy home. If yours isn’t doing its job, replacing it now could save you from much bigger headaches later on — like damp, mould, or expensive repairs.
If you’re not sure whether yours needs replacing, we’re happy to pop out for a quick check — no pressure, no jargon.
And if you do need a new one? We’ll fit it cleanly, safely, and to current regs. You’ll barely notice we’ve been… except your mirror will stay clear.
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