Heat/light/fan extract units – fan gets noisy/stops working

Cause

Worn or seized bearings

Repair

  • although this problem is unlikely in a relatively new unit, if the unit was installed by an electrician in recent years, call them back to make the appropriate repair/replacement
  • any electrician you call to do the work must hold an annual practising licence
  • house occupants can do the work themselves (repairing or replacing low voltage fittings not involving work on a switchboard) if they own and live in the property. Do not carry out any electrical work unless you have the knowledge, experience, skills and tools to do the work. Unsafe work is not only illegal but may also make a house insurance policy invalid
  • switch off the power before starting work
  • check the condition of all the components, especially in very old units. There have been cases in older units where plastic lamp holders have deteriorated, leading to a fire. If you see any signs of heat scorching, burn marks or melting plastic, replace the whole unit or get a registered electrical worker to replace the whole unit without delay  
  • once the unit has been repaired or replaced, inspect and clean it once every six months or more often if required, following the manufacturers/supplier’s recommendations

Cause

Bearings need lubrication

Repair

  • as for the first repair above