Who Installs Extractor Fans? Pros, DIY, and What You Need to Know

Ever turned on your extractor fan and heard nothing but silence? Or noticed moisture clinging to your bathroom tiles even after a long shower? You might be wondering: who puts in extractor fans? It’s not just about fixing a broken one-it’s about getting the right person to install it right the first time.

Extractor fans aren’t plug-and-play

Extractor fans might look simple-a motor, a blade, and a hood-but getting one installed properly involves more than screwing it into the ceiling. If it’s not vented correctly, you’ll get mold, bad air quality, and maybe even structural damage over time. In Adelaide’s humid summers and cool winters, a poorly installed extractor fan can turn a small moisture problem into a full-blown renovation job.

Most people assume electricians handle everything electrical. But extractor fans sit at the intersection of electrical work, ventilation, and building codes. That means more than one trade might be involved.

Electricians install the wiring

If your extractor fan needs to be wired into your home’s circuit, an electrician is the one to call. They’ll make sure the fan is on the right circuit, grounded properly, and connected to a switch that meets Australian Standards (AS/NZS 3000). Many modern fans also need a timer or humidity sensor, which requires precise wiring.

But here’s the catch: not all electricians know how to handle ducting. I’ve seen too many cases where an electrician wires up a fan, only for the homeowner to realize the duct runs into the attic instead of outside. That’s a recipe for condensation and rot.

Handymen and HVAC technicians handle the ducting

The real magic-or mess-happens in the ductwork. A good extractor fan needs a direct, unobstructed path to the outside. That means cutting through roof tiles, wall cladding, or ceiling joists. Most electricians don’t carry the tools or experience for this kind of structural work.

That’s where handymen with ventilation experience or HVAC technicians come in. They know how to seal ducts properly, avoid sharp bends that reduce airflow, and install backdraft dampers to stop cold air from flowing back in. In older homes, they’ll also check for existing ducts that might still be usable instead of ripping everything out.

In Adelaide, many homes have tiled roofs or brick veneer walls. Cutting through these without causing leaks or cracks takes skill. A good technician will use flashing kits and silicone seals designed for Australian weather conditions-not just any caulk from the hardware store.

DIY: Possible, but risky

Can you install an extractor fan yourself? Technically, yes. You can buy a fan for under $100 and follow YouTube tutorials. But here’s what most DIYers don’t realize:

• Building codes in South Australia require extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens to vent to the exterior-not into roof cavities or walls.
• Failure to comply can void your home insurance if water damage occurs.
• Most home insurance policies won’t cover damage from unlicensed work.

I’ve seen homeowners cut holes in their ceilings, run flexible ducting that sags in the middle, and connect fans to power via extension cords. The fan works for a few months, then burns out. By then, mold’s already growing behind the tiles.

Even if you’re handy, skip the DIY if you’re not comfortable cutting through roof battens or running cables through walls. The cost of a professional install is often less than the repair bill later.

What about plumbers?

Plumbers are often called for bathroom renovations, but they don’t usually install extractor fans. Their focus is on pipes, drains, and water systems. Unless the fan is part of a full bathroom rebuild that includes new ventilation ducts tied into a mechanical ventilation system, you won’t need a plumber.

That said, if your bathroom has a combined exhaust system that vents both the shower and toilet through a single duct, a plumber might be involved in the design phase. But the actual fan installation? That’s still the job of an electrician or HVAC tech.

When to call a specialist

You don’t need to hire five different people. The smartest approach is to find one professional who can handle both electrical and ducting work-or at least coordinate between two.

Look for:

• Electricians who advertise “ventilation installations” or “extractor fan fitting”
• Handymen with a license for ventilation work (check Fair Trading SA)
• HVAC companies that offer residential exhaust system services

Ask them: “Do you handle both the wiring and the ducting to the outside?” If they hesitate, or say “We just wire it,” move on.

Also, ask for proof of insurance. In South Australia, anyone doing electrical work over $5,000 needs to be licensed. Even small jobs should be covered by public liability insurance.

What to expect from a professional install

A good installer will:

1. Assess your room size and recommend the right CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating-usually 8-10 air changes per hour for bathrooms
2. Check for existing ductwork and clean or reuse it if possible
3. Use rigid metal ducting (not flexible plastic) for better airflow and fire safety
4. Install a backdraft damper to stop wind and pests from blowing back in
5. Seal all joints with high-temp silicone and use roof flashing where ducts penetrate the roof
6. Test airflow with a smoke pencil or anemometer
7. Provide a certificate of compliance for electrical and ventilation work

Most professional installs take 2-4 hours. If someone says it’ll take a full day, they’re either inexperienced or overcharging.

Signs your extractor fan was installed wrong

Even if it’s been running for years, something might be off. Watch for:

• Mold on walls or ceiling near the fan
• Condensation on windows after showers
• Whistling or rattling sounds when the fan runs
• Dampness in the roof cavity (check your attic if you have access)
• Fan turns on but doesn’t move much air

If you see any of these, don’t wait. A $200 repair now can save you $5,000 in mold remediation later.

What’s the average cost?

In Adelaide, a full extractor fan install-including removal of the old unit, new fan, ducting, wiring, and compliance certification-typically costs between $250 and $550. Factors that affect price:

• Location: Roof access is harder than wall access
• Fan type: Basic models cost less; smart fans with timers or humidity sensors cost more
• Duct length: Longer runs need bigger fans and more materials
• Older homes: May need structural reinforcement or new wall penetrations

Don’t go for the cheapest quote. Look for someone who explains the process clearly and shows you where the duct will go before they start cutting.

What if you’re renting?

If you’re a tenant, you can’t just hire someone without your landlord’s permission. But if your extractor fan isn’t working, you have rights under the South Australian Residential Tenancies Act. The landlord is responsible for maintaining ventilation systems that affect health and safety.

Document the problem with photos and send a written request. If they ignore you, contact Consumer and Business Services (CBS) in SA. A non-working extractor fan in a bathroom is considered a repair that affects habitability.

Next steps

If you’re unsure who to call:

1. Check the Fair Trading SA website for licensed electricians and ventilation contractors
2. Ask for references-especially for homes similar to yours
3. Get at least two quotes
4. Confirm they’ll provide a certificate of compliance
5. Don’t pay the full amount until the job is done and tested

Extractor fans are one of those invisible systems you don’t think about-until they fail. When they do, it’s not just about noise or airflow. It’s about your health, your home’s value, and your peace of mind. Don’t guess who to call. Get the right person in before the problem gets worse.