My extractor fan has broken or isn't working properly
Firstly, check that the switch is turned on. This is usually found next to the extractor fan or sockets in the kitchen, or above the bathroom door. It may also have a pull cord to turn the fan on, which might be labelled ‘fan’.
If you aren’t sure if the extractor fan is working, you can test by holding a sheet of tissue paper against the fins on the inside to see if the fan either pulls the paper towards it or holds it in place. If it does this indicates the fan is working.
Dust can gather inside the fan, which can affect its performance and make it noisy when it’s being used. With the fan turned off, clean the vent with a vacuum cleaner. This should improve the performance of the fan.
In some properties, there will be a vent in the ceiling, which is connected to an air extraction unit. These are sometimes fitted to properties in the roof space where there is a problem with damp or mould and could be in a bedroom or lounge ceiling.
How do newer extractor fans work?
Extractor fans fitted from approximately 2013 onwards will have a humidistat, which means they are designed to run 24/7 and will not turn off. Some fans may have a pull cord, but this will not override the operation of the humidistat and will not turn the fan off. They run on a silent setting and can detect humidity/moisture in the air which may bring them onto a full speed setting to extract the moisture. They will return to the silent setting once the humidity/moisture has cleared. The running cost of these types of fans is very minimal whilst they are in the silent/minimum mode.
All types of extractor fans fitted by Futures are designed as humidity/moisture extractor fans and not air extraction units. This means that although they may extract smells and dusts to some degree, this is not their primary function and can damage them long term e.g. cooking fumes can cause a grease build up, and talcum powder and dust can also cause damage.
How do I report a repair?
You can report a repair to us at anytime, anywhere using My Account or contact us via Live Chat. Let us know when reporting that you’ve followed the advice and what you’ve tried to get it working. This helps us to decide what to do next, and to make sure we send the right person for the job.
