Why would a bathroom exhaust fan stop working?

Author: Michelle Erdman IV  |  Last update: Monday, April 14, 2025

Motor damage – humidity and dust can cause a fan's motor to burn out; this cannot be fixed and needs a like-for-like replacement. Wiring Issues – damaged or improper wiring can disrupt your fan's electrical connection. Blades inside the fan housing – these could begin to seize up due to moisture passing through the fan.

What causes exhaust fan to stop working?

  • Power Supply Issues: - Tripped Circuit Breaker: Check your circuit breaker panel to see if the breaker for the exhaust hood has tripped.
  • Faulty Switch: - The switch that controls the fan and light may be malfunctioning.
  • Burned-Out Bulb:
  • Motor Failure:
  • Overheating or Clogging:
  • Control Board Issues:
  • Age and Wear:

What is the life expectancy of a bathroom exhaust fan?

Typically, bathroom exhaust fans have a lifespan of about 10 years, provided they receive proper care and maintenance.

How to tell if a bathroom fan motor is bad?

Bathroom Exhaust Fan Motor Replacement: 5 Signs to Watch For
  1. Table of Contents. ...
  2. The Fan is Louder than Usual. ...
  3. The Fan is Not Spinning Like it Used to. ...
  4. Is Your Bathroom Too Humid? ...
  5. The Pungent Smell Sticking Around. ...
  6. Burning Smell from the Fan. ...
  7. Easy Maintenance Hacks for Bathroom Exhaust Fan.

Do bathroom exhaust fans burn out?

The lifespan of your bathroom exhaust fan is typically around 10 years, depending on the quality and maintenance of the unit.

Bath Fan Broke? You Can Fix It

Why did my fan suddenly stop working?

If it hums and turns freely but doesn't run, then it's probably the capacitor connected to the motor, and if it doesn't even hum, it's the motor's thermal fuse, switch, or power cord. But by far the easiest to fix, and the most common failure mode is when the lubricant has turned to gunk.

How to test if a bathroom fan is working?

When Does Your Bathroom Exhaust Fan Need Servicing?
  1. Take 2 pieces of toilet paper.
  2. Turn on the fan and place the toilet paper against the fan cover.
  3. The fan should suck up the toilet paper and stay attached to the fan.
  4. If not, your bathroom exhaust fan isn't working efficiently.

Why is my exhaust fan not moving?

This could be the motor has worn out and has stopped running. You can expect this in older fans that have been operating for a long time. If it is a newer fan, check your warranty as many fans have at least a one-year warranty and some up to a 5 year warranty.

How do you unclog a bathroom exhaust fan?

You can vacuum the motor inside your home, using the brush attachment, or take the unit outside, and use compressed air to blow the dust out of the motor. Vacuum the fan housing in the ceiling from which you removed the vacuum, and finish by using a dry microfiber cloth to dust all the parts you can reach.

Is it bad to leave bathroom exhaust fan on?

Bathroom exhaust fans are typically used during bathroom usage; however, sometimes they are left on for extended periods to clear humidity and/or fumes out of a space, often left unattended during these periods, this is when they can turn into an electrical fire hazard.

What to do when bathroom extractor fan stops working?

Check the power supply: Ensure that the extractor fan is receiving power. Sometimes, a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse could be the culprit. Inspect wiring: Examine the wiring connections to see if there are any loose or damaged wires. Secure connections or replace damaged wires as necessary.

Can a bathroom fan be fixed?

You're going to need to replace the motor or buy a new fan. Replacing the motor is relatively easy. It costs about as much as buying a new fan, but at least you don't have to tear out the old fan.

Why did my fan stop blowing?

If your ceiling fan isn't blowing air, one potential reason is electrical issues. This can be caused by a variety of factors including a blown fuse, loose wiring, a problem with the dual or single capacitors, or a defective motor.

How long does a bathroom fan motor last?

If the fan in your vent is slow to turn on, this is a sign that the motor isn't working efficiently anymore. If it doesn't turn on at all, the motor has probably already failed. It's more than 10 years old. Like most appliances, these fans last about 10 years before their parts and motors start to wear out.

What would cause a bathroom fan to stop working?

Several factors can cause a bathroom exhaust fan to stop working. Common issues include power supply problems, blocked vents, motor damage, wiring issues, and age.

How do you know if you need a new bathroom exhaust fan?

4 Signs Your Bathroom Exhaust Fan Needs to be Replaced
  1. It's Louder Than Before. It's normal for your bathroom exhaust fan to make some noise while it's on. ...
  2. Moisture is Taking Over Your Bathroom. ...
  3. Stubborn Odors. ...
  4. It's Exceeded its Lifespan.

What is the first thing to check if the electric fan is not functioning?

When your electric fan does not seem to work like it used to, the first thing you should do when troubleshooting is to make sure that the power supply to our power outlet works well. Turn your fan on to see if the motor works.

What would stop a fan from working?

If your ceiling fan is not working at all speeds, it could be due to a faulty capacitor, a worn-out motor, or issues with the fan switch. These issues can prevent the fan from functioning properly and may require professional attention to resolve.

What causes a fan to lose power?

Sudden Power Loss: Connection and Motor Troubles

Whether it's due to loose wiring, a faulty switch, or a dying motor, these power interruptions are a clear sign that your fan needs a professional's touch.

How do you fix a fan that won't turn?

Try troubleshooting some issues yourself first:
  1. Replace Batteries. ...
  2. Remove Fan Blockages. ...
  3. Ensure the Reverse Switch Isn't in Neutral. ...
  4. Check That the Wall Switch & Chain Are On. ...
  5. Frequently Tripped Circuit Breakers. ...
  6. Loose Wiring. ...
  7. A Faulty Fan Motor. ...
  8. Overheating or Faulty Fan Capacitor.

How do I know if my bathroom fan is bad?

Common Signs Your Exhaust Fan Needs Replacing
  1. The fan is noisy but doesn't suction air.
  2. Moisture or mildew is building up, even with regular fan use.
  3. Paint is peeling from your ceiling or walls.
  4. The motor doesn't respond even after cleaning.

Who do you call to fix a bathroom fan?

HVAC Technicians

Additionally, they have the skills to troubleshoot and resolve any issues related to the ventilation system, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of the exhaust fan.

Is it safe to leave bathroom exhaust fan on all the time?

Your Bathroom Fan Is a Fire Hazard

From there, it's so easy to forget about the bathroom fan completely! There are consequences for leaving the fan on too long, though. Leaving the exhaust fan running for an extensive period of time can cause significant wear to the motor and may cause a fire.

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