How to Check if a Kitchen Extractor Fan Is Working

A kitchen extractor fan plays a pivotal role in ensuring your kitchen is free from the scourge of humidity, condensation, and mould. Ensuring it is working at all times is essential, so is there an established method to check the status of an extractor fan? Or are there obvious signs?

With that in mind, In this blog, we will show you how to check if a kitchen extractor fan is working.

With new buildings being made to be as energy efficient as possible, and the UK aiming for 95% of its electricity usage to be low carbon by 2030, it is imperative to understand how we can make the most of our ventilation. This is where applications such as extractor fans and heat recovery ventilation units come in.

To prevent mould, fresh air should constantly be introduced into your dwelling daily, as it helps to regulate temperature and reduce condensation. Introducing fresh air can be as simple as having a ventilation routine, or installing extractors or MVHR units. Almost all of this is facilitated by ducting.

Do all kitchens need ventilation?

Absolutely. A kitchen is a room in a home or building that sees regular usage, as a result, there will generally be activities that generate humidity, or steam. This includes cooking, cleaning with hot water, and even using the kettle and toaster!

Of course, the size, and level of ventilation in the kitchen will determine if any condensation ends up settling on a surface.

A kitchen should always have an adequate level of ventilation that can remove humidity effectively relative to its size. For the best results, using your cooker hood when cooking, in addition to your extractor fan and opening the kitchen windows is the most effective method.

Is mould only made from bad ventilation?

No. Mould can also form as a result of wet surfaces that can occur as a result of leaking pipes. This can be particularly dangerous as mould’s ability to spread depends directly on how quickly the leak is addressed, if left too long, it can spread to other areas of the kitchen and house.

Is mould dangerous?

Yes. Mould is dangerous as it can affect your health severely, this is especially true for those with existing health conditions. Aside from health complications, mould can be a sign of structural issues in the building.

Sometimes, mould develops as a result of leaks in a building, whether this be from damaged piping seeping into its surroundings, or structural issues that allow rainwater to seep through the building. If this is left unaddressed, mould will certainly develop.

That being said, if the mould you experience is a result of poor ventilation management, there is good news. You can address the mould through the following methods.

• Use a mould surface cleaner, or other mould treatment products if the mould returns after using this, there may be a leak in the area or inadequate insulation.

• Contact local mould removers, they will not only assess the cause but treat it too, however, this may cost more.

• Contact your landlord. If the landlord has highlighted issues like these as their responsibility in your tenancy agreement, then you can legally ask them to take care of it.

• Enquire about the ventilation, how old is it? Is it working efficiently?

How to check if a kitchen extractor fan is working