Range hoods are among those kitchen appliances that are used the most but not always appreciated for the work they have been used for. You hardly ever notice that it’s there. You turn it on when you are cooking, and that is it, you don’t give it another thought. That is, of course, until it stops working. That is when you realize there is something wrong with something important in your kitchen. As it is rightly said you don’t care about something until it’s gone. The prospect of a broken range hood is anxiety-inducing, but we’re here to tell you not to panic. Most common kitchen range hood problems can be easily fixed with a little care, leaving your range hood and your late-night snacks ready to go.
We’ve gone through and listed the most common symptoms, what causes them, and then a bit about what you can do to fix these problems.
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Common kitchen range hood problems and fixes
If your kitchen hood is not working. Keep reading this range hood troubleshooting guide to find out a few of the most common kitchen range hood problems and their fixes.
Range Hood won’t Turn On
You will have to carefully examine and observe if the circuit breakers have been tripped and reversed in any way so that you can turn it on. The other way to check it is where the range hood is plugged in if the outlet has blown, or it is not working. If nothing of these two methods works, it might be time to call in the professionals at kitchen services.
Strange Noises Inside the Range Hood
A strange noise can be one of the most common range hood problems that may occur, and it can also get very annoying at times. Nobody would want the noise to reduce the benefits of cooking. To get rid of this problem you may check your hood for any sort of debris that might have been sucked in and left there loose screws, or parts. If you still do not see anything and the rattling continues, you may have to call the experts at kitchen services to help you with this issue.
Range Hood Light Not Turning On
Another common range hood problem is about the light that won’t turn on in a proper way, this problem may go unnoticed because it has nothing to do with the function of the range hood, especially in that case if the fan is still working. You may have to change the lightbulb. If this still does not work check to see if the writing is still intact and call someone to replace it if not.
Fan Does Not Turn ON In Range Hood
In case the fans on the range hood do not turn on, you may have to check that the fan switch is in proper working order. You may use any meter in order to check the fan switch. In case the fan switch is in working order and still, your fan is not functioning properly, you can check the fan motor as well. You can again use a meter to find out if the range hood fan motor has any faults in it. If you come across any faults, you should replace the motor with an OEM part to make sure that the fans start to work in the proper manner.
If your Range Hood Fan Does Not Clear Smoke (Air) From Area
In that case, when you have turned the fan setting to HIGH and the air is not being cleared away up and into the vent, you will have to first check the filter that the air enters into to make sure that it is not exceptionally congested with grease. If that is the case, you will have to remove the filter and clean the range hood filter with the help of hot soapy water with grease-removing soap. In case if the filter is clean the other issue might be a grease blockage that may be constraining the airflow. For that matter, you will have to check the duct with a flashlight to make sure that the inside is not blocked. Another issue might be the fan motor and or fan blades may be thick with grease making it hard for it to suck the air outward. Clean and or replace the fan motor is found to be faulty after testing it with a meter.
The fan turns on by itself
Some of the models might have a ‘sentry feature’ that monitors the air above the cooktop. In case the temperature has gotten warm enough to alert the sentry system, it will automatically turn on the exhaust fan. But in that case when your fan is turning on even when the cooktop is off, a failed sensor, a broken ECB, or loose wiring might be the cause. If you were to open up your range hood, you will see a temperature sensor for measuring the air over your cooktop. You will have to find the tech sheet or the technical data for your model and use a multimeter to check its resistance. You’ll be looking for a temperature/resistance chart. If the reading that you’re getting doesn’t meet the expected resistance on the sheet, the sensor needs to be replaced.
Accumulation of Moisture
The exhaust fan of your range hood can easily build up and collect moisture, which will result in moisture that would be dripping from it. As a result, the surface below your range hood might stain and can even get damaged in the long run. In case the moisture still gathers over time, it can consequently cause the growth and formation of germs, mold, and other unhygienic and harmful elements that will affect your whole kitchen. To verify moisture accumulation, you will have to remove the fan’s cover and clean its inner surface. Repairs will be needed more if the surface of the fan and other components have already been damaged by moisture.
Disturbed Internal Components
One of the common kitchen range hood problems is their unsettling action. Whenever you turn on a range hood, it has to function quietly without giving off any rattling sound and movement. Manifesting any rattling movement means that the range hood has loose or faulty components. There is a chance that your range hood has some screws that just need to be returned to their particular places. A repair is always needed if there are range hood parts that are already damaged in any way. Pieces of damaged components may be knocking around the range hood, which may further damage other internal components if left unresolved.
Grease Buildup on Filters
Over time, the filters in a range hood can become clogged with grease and debris, reducing their efficiency in trapping grease and odors. This can lead to decreased airflow and make the hood less effective at removing smoke, steam, and odors from your kitchen. Regular cleaning or replacement of the filters is necessary to maintain optimal performance.
How can I improve my kitchen hood?
You may have to check the following first to make sure you’re maximizing the CFM of your current hood.
- Clean the filters.
- Clean the blower(s).
- Make sure there is nothing obstructing the duct.
- Leave the fan on for 10-15 min after you finish cooking.
How do you troubleshoot a range hood?
To make sure that your range hood parts work effectively, check out this list:
- Inspect the circuit board.
- Inspect all switches.
- Replace the control panel.
- Replace your driver.
- Replace burnt light bulbs.
- Replace the light socket.
- Tighten the blower.
- Inspect your fan blades.
Quick Tips to Troubleshoot
If your range hood fan is not working or the lights stopped working, start troubleshooting your range hood by following these tips. First, check the circuit breaker box to ensure the power is on, then inspect the fan, fan motor, and fan blade for any visible issues. Use a multimeter to test the fan switch and control panel, as a faulty circuit board or broken switch could be the problem. If the fan and light don’t work, replace the fuse if needed, and ensure the hood filter is clean. For appliance repair, test each component carefully, including the fan motor and circuit board, and remember to check the circuit connections for any loose wires.
Conclusion
In conclusion, addressing kitchen range hood problems effectively involves understanding the common issues and implementing appropriate solutions. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning filters and checking for blockages in the ductwork, can prevent many issues. Problems like inadequate ventilation, excessive noise, or malfunctioning lights often have straightforward fixes, including replacing filters, tightening connections, or repairing electrical components.
By staying proactive and addressing these issues promptly, you can ensure that your range hood operates efficiently, maintaining a clean and comfortable kitchen environment. For persistent or complex problems, consulting a professional can provide tailored solutions and restore optimal performance to your range hood.
Kitchen Range Hood Problems FAQs
How do you know if your kitchen extractor fan is working?
How to check if kitchen extractor fan is working? A suction test can be done by checking that the air outlet at the top of the cooker hood is working properly. An easy way to do this is to get a banknote or light piece of paper and hold it up to the grease filter grill (the part with holes on it). This is found on the underside of the cooker hood.
Why my range hood light turns on by itself?
If the hood turns on by itself, the possible cause is an error in communication between the primary electronic printed circuit board and the control electronics. Unplug the hood from the socket. Wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Alternatively, find the power switch and follow the same procedure
How to fix Range Hood Exhaust Fan?
When the fan on your range hood stops working, the two most common problems are a broken on and off switch and a burned out fan motor. Unless you feel secure in your repair skills, hiring a repairman to fix these issues may be your best option.
How to tell if range hood is working?
Troubleshooting a range hood is easy. To check if your range hood is functioning like it should, turn it off for a few minutes and then turn it back on. Make sure the range hood isn’t making too much noise. If you are hearing a lot of noise, there may be an issue with your fan or motor.
Why kitchen exhaust fan not pulling air?
When the range hood fan isn’t pulling much air, clogged air filters, air duct problems, a fan motor failure or a broken fan blade could be causing poor air suction. If your range hood exhausts air to the outside of your home, check the condition of the grease filters. Wash or replace the grease filters if dirty.
How to test range hood fan motor?
When the fan on your range hood stops working, the two most common problems are a broken on and off switch and a burned out fan motor. Unless you feel secure in your repair skills, hiring a repairman to fix these issues may be your best option.
Why does my range hood turn off by itself?
This is normal operation. The blower turns off when heat reaches a low enough temperature.
Why is my rangehood not turning on?
If a range hood does not start and work at all when switched on, then its circuit breaker may have already been tripped. It is also possible that the fuse of the range hood has blown, ceasing any possibility of the range hood being functional.
How to test range hood suction?
To test your range hood’s suction, first ensure it’s turned on and set to the highest speed. Hold a piece of paper or a thin tissue near the hood’s grille. The paper should be drawn towards the hood if the suction is strong. You can also use a smoke test: carefully light a match or candle and hold it near the hood to see if the smoke is effectively pulled up. If the suction is weak, check filters and ductwork for blockages.
Why are both the fan and lights on my kitchen range hood not working?
If both the fan and lights are not working, it could be due to an electrical issue, such as a blown fuse, tripped circuit breaker, or a disconnected power supply. Check the power connection, fuse box, or circuit breaker and reset if necessary. If the problem persists, contact a professional technician to inspect the wiring or control panel.
