When your exhaust fan stops, your kitchen stops. Health codes require a functioning exhaust system to operate — no exhaust means no cooking. Here's what NJ restaurant owners need to know about exhaust fan repair.
Common Exhaust Fan Problems
Belt Failure (Most Common) The fan belt is the #1 failure point on upblast exhaust fans. Belts wear, stretch, crack, and eventually snap. When the belt breaks, the fan motor runs but no air moves. You'll notice immediately — the kitchen fills with smoke and heat.
Fix: Belt replacement. A 30-minute job for an experienced tech. Contact us for pricing.
Motor Failure The fan motor burns out from heat, grease buildup, or age. You'll hear nothing when you turn the fan on, or you'll hear humming but no spinning. Grease-laden air accelerates motor failure — this is why regular cleaning matters.
Fix: Motor replacement. Most motors are universal fit and can be sourced same-day. Contact us for pricing.
Bearing Failure The fan bearings wear out over time, especially without regular lubrication. You'll hear grinding, squealing, or rumbling from the roof. If you ignore it, the bearings seize and the motor burns out — turning a simple bearing job into a full motor replacement.
Fix: Bearing replacement or re-lubrication. Contact us for pricing.
Grease Buildup on Fan Wheel Grease accumulates on the fan wheel and housing, adding weight and reducing balance. The fan vibrates, moves less air, and works harder. Eventually the added weight and vibration destroy the bearings and motor.
Fix: Fan wheel cleaning and rebalancing. Should be done during every hood cleaning. Contact us for pricing.
Electrical Issues Contactors, relays, and wiring connections fail — especially in the harsh rooftop environment. The fan won't start, runs intermittently, or trips the breaker.
Fix: Electrical diagnosis and component replacement. Contact us for pricing.
When to Repair vs Replace
Repair if:
- Fan is under 10 years old
- Only one component has failed (belt, motor, bearing)
- Frame and housing are structurally sound
- Fan is still listed/approved for your hood system
Replace if:
- Fan is 15+ years old
- Multiple components failing
- Housing is corroded or structurally damaged
- Fan is undersized for the hood (common in renovated kitchens)
- Repair cost exceeds 60% of replacement cost
Contact us for fan replacement pricing — cost depends on size and CFM rating.
What to Check Before You Call
1. Is the fan switch on? Check the hood control panel. Someone may have turned it off.
2. Check the breaker. A tripped breaker is free to fix.
3. Listen. Motor humming but not spinning = belt or bearing. Nothing at all = electrical or motor.
4. Look at the roof. If the fan is spinning but slow, it's probably a belt slipping or bearing dragging.
Emergency Exhaust Fan Service in NJ
A dead exhaust fan is an emergency — you can't legally operate without it, and your kitchen fills with smoke and heat within minutes.
True Commercial Service provides same-day exhaust fan repair across Union County, NJ. We carry common belts, motors, and bearings on the truck. Most repairs are completed in under 2 hours.
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Looking for service? Visit our Kitchen Ventilation Service page or schedule service today.