Ventilation system vibrates or makes unusual noises

Causes

Worn or seized bearings

Bearings need lubrication

Fan blades need cleaning

Common

Listed under: electrical, mechanical ventilation, Services

Cause

Worn or seized bearings

Repair

  • although the problem is unlikely in a 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
  • some ventilation system manufacturers require installation and repair work to be carried out by technicians that they have trained
  • 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 doing work
  • 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

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Cause

Bearings need lubrication

Repair

  • as for the first repair above

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Cause

Fan blades need cleaning

Repair

  • ask the supplier for maintenance or cleaning guidance and whether cleaning the fan blades is something homeowners can do. Some suppliers have this information available online
  • switch off the power before starting work
  • the vent cover is removable in most cases to allow cleaning, and is held in place with clips or screws
  • a vacuum cleaner can remove loose dry dust and a wrung-out damp cloth can clean dirt from the surface of the blades
  • if the fan blade unit is detachable, clean both sides of the blades with warm soapy water and dry before reinstalling
  • 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

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