Extraction fans are found in most residences and many commercial properties to help prevent steamed up mirrors, damp walls, and fogged windows along with removing odours. However, these fans, over time, build up lint which insulates the motor, exacerbating the heat build-up; the lint provides an easy-to-ignite fuel source which in turn ignites nearby combustible building materials.

These fans are not designed to last forever and many are original installs. Older extractor fans are not thermally protected. Thermal protection causes the motor to shut off should they seize and overheat. If you have a bathroom extraction fan in your home, clean it twice a year. If it starts to make noises or smells odd, it’s time to replace it.

Five action steps you can take to prevent an extraction fan fire:

1. Inspect and clean all bathroom exhaust fans as necessary and per the manufacturer’s recommendations, be sure to place on a regular cleaning schedule.
2. When cleaning, remove the fan cover to clean and remove lint from around the motor, paying careful attention to all air-flow areas.
3. Wash the fan cover in warm soapy water to remove all lint. If there is any mould growing, add bleach to the cleaning mixture. Make sure the cover is completely dry before putting it back up.
4. If some fans are not easily accessible for regular cleaning, or appear to have evidence of heat damage, or do not turn freely, they should be replaced with thermally protected units.
5. Please remember that bathroom fans should only be used for brief periods of time, such as during a shower. Many people run them excessively or even forget that they are on. Consider installing a timer switch instead of a manual switch to limit the unnecessary use of the fan. Turn off all fans as soon as they have done the job.