Fix a leaking extractor fan
Extractor fans are very common nowadays. It used to be only public places to have extractor fans, but now homes too tend to feature those types of fans. There are several ways to install this particular type of fan but most people would prefer a professional to avoid any incident from happening. You don\’t have to worry about replacing your fan if it gets noisy or fails to function normally. You can solve the problems by fixing it yourself with a few tools and simple steps to make your extractor fan back to its best working condition.
In general, an extractor fan is a fan which is used to pull out the air from a room in your house and filter it. It will also carry it through a duct to the outside of your home. An exhaust fan is another name for an extractor fan, which happens to be the fan located in your bathroom under an extractor or under a range hood in your kitchen. A problem that might occur to your extractor fan is normally the leakage issue. But, it is not as hard to deal with; it can be fixed with several steps. Here are the steps on how to do it.
You will need:
- Screwdriver
- Water and soap
- Sponge
- Foil tape or rubber
- Flashlight
- Oven cleaner
- New filter
Steps:
- First, you should identify in what kind of extractor fan you are using as there different methods of fixing leakage for both types. An extractor fan comes in two types which are the ducted and the ductless. A ducted type carries the air from a room through a duct and out a vent that leads to the outside. While the ductless type filter any air that sucked into it, and will be released back after being filtered.
- Then, remove the fan\’s cover to see what is going on inside regardless of what type of extractor fan you are using. You will need to locate where the ducts are for the fan if it is the ducted type. Check if they go through the wall to a vent that leads outside or the attic.
- Turn off the power to your exhaust fan for safety. Remove the extractor fan cover with a screwdriver. If the blades or the cover are dirty, clean them with a mixture of soap and water. Use an oven cleaner to clean a kitchen fan that is covered with grease.
- If you are using an extractor fan which is ductless, the problem will most probably come from a damaged or dirty filter. Check the filter once you have removed the cover. Replace the filter if needed. If the filter is in good condition, you can clean the filter with water and cleaner. Run the extractor fan to check if it still leaks once the filter is installed back in place.
- Ventilation problem can cause leaking for a ducted extractor fan. If there is a hole or tear in the air ducts, it will allow the moisture in. Turn on the exhaust fan and follow along the air duct. Check for any leaks by using your hands. Fix any leaks with a foil tape or rubber.
Additional Reading:
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-fix-a-leaking-extractor-fan
Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/xoranus/4609729762/
