Downdraft Ventilation System: Why doesn't the downdraft vent fan pull much air?
When the downdraft vent fan isn’t pulling much air, clogged grease filters, air duct problems, a fan motor failure or a broken blower wheel could be causing poor air suction.
First, check the condition of the grease filters and wash or replace them if dirty.
Next, check the air damper on the vent duct cap attached to the outside of your house. That air damper keeps outside air from flowing into your home when the downdraft vent fan isn’t running. Repair or replace the air damper if it doesn’t open to allow downdraft exhaust air to flow out of the exhaust duct.
Check the blower wheel for damage because a damaged blower wheel won’t move air through the downdraft vent properly. Replace the blower wheel if damaged.
A weak fan motor won’t turn the blower wheel at the right speed to move air through the downdraft vent. If the fan motor makes noise or doesn’t turn the blower wheel at full speed when activated, replace the fan motor.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR DOWNDRAFT VENTILATION SYSTEM PROBLEM
Clean the downdraft grease filters
Clogged grease filters diminish airflow through the downdraft vent. Wash the aluminum grease filters in a mild detergent or in the dishwasher. Allow the grease filters to dry completely and then reinstall them in the downdraft vent.
Clean the downdraft grease filters
Replace the downdraft vent grease filters
If the aluminum grease filters are damaged or missing, replace them.
Downdraft vent grease filters
Replace the downdraft blower fan motor
If the blower fan motor doesn't run when the vent pops up, check the limit switches and the fan control switch. If the switches are okay, replace the blower motor.
Downdraft blower fan motor
How to replace a downdraft vent blower motor
A downdraft vent blower motor that won't start could have a worn-out motor. This DIY repair guide and video show how to replace a downdraft vent blower motor in less than 30 minutes.
Replace the downdraft blower wheel
If the blower motor has excessive vibration and noises when running, check for loose mounting nuts and fan bracket securing the blower motor. If the fan bracket and mounting nuts are tight, the blower wheel is likely unbalanced, replace the blower wheel.
Downdraft blower wheel
Most common symptoms to help you fix your downdraft ventilation systems
Choose a symptom to see related downdraft vent repairs.
Main causes: lack of electrical power, up/down activation switch failure, bad vent gear motor…
Main causes: electrical power failure, up/down activation switch problems, vent gear motor failure…
Main causes: problems with the vent limit switches, up/down activation switch failure…
Main causes: fan control switch failure, bad blower fan motor, broken blower wheel, wiring failure…
Main causes: clogged grease filters, air duct problems, fan motor failure, broken blower wheel…
Most common repair guides to help fix your downdraft ventilation systems
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your downdraft vent.
How to replace a downdraft vent up/down switch
The up/down switch starts the gear motor to raise and lower the air vent. Replace the up/down switch if defective.…
How to replace a downdraft vent blower motor
The blower motor spins the fan blade that removes smoke and steam from the cooktop area. Replace the blower motor if it …
How to replace a downdraft vent gear motor
The gear motor raises and lowers the air vent when you push the activating switch. Replace the gear motor if defective.…
Effective articles & videos to help repair your downdraft ventilation systems
Use the advice and tips in these articles to get the most out of your downdraft vent.
Learn how to repair broken, frayed or damaged wires in your appliances.…
Learn how to use a multimeter to check for wiring problems in an appliance that's not working…
See what to check if you are having a problem with a retractable downdraft vent.…