Range Hood: Why isn't my range hood's fan pulling much 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. 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 range hood fan isn't running. Repair or replace the air damper if it doesn't open to allow range hood exhaust air to flow out of the exhaust duct. Also, check the damper above the fan in the range hood to make sure that damper opens properly to allow air to flow out through the exhaust duct system. Check the fan blade for damage because a damaged fan blade won't move air through the range hood properly. Replace the fan blade if damaged. A weak fan motor won't turn the fan blade at the right speed to move air through the range hood. If the fan motor makes noise or doesn't turn the fan blade at full speed when activated, replace the fan motor.
If your range hood recirculates the air back into the kitchen (non-ducted installation) and uses a charcoal recirculation filter, a clogged filter can diminish airflow through the range hood. Replace the charcoal filter if you haven't replaced it according to the guidelines in your owner's manual. Next, check the condition of the grease filters and wash or replace the grease filters if dirty. Check the damper above the fan to make sure it opens properly so exhaust air can pass through the damper and recirculation filter. Repair or replace the air damper if it's stuck closed. Check the fan blade for damage and replace the fan blade if damaged. If the fan motor makes noise or doesn't turn the fan blade at full speed when activated, replace the fan motor.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR RANGE HOOD PROBLEM
Replace the range hood fan motor
The fan motor spins the fan blade. If the fan motor hums or won't run properly when activated, replace it.
Range hood fan motor
How to replace a range hood fan motor
If your range hood's fan motor hums or the range hood fan isn't working, the fan motor might be worn out. This step-by-step repair guide shows how to replace a range hood fan motor in 30 minutes or less.
Replace the range hood fan blade
The fan blade spins on the motor shaft and moves exhaust air through the range hood to the outside of the home. If the fan blade is damaged, it vibrates and won't move air properly. Examine the fan blade and replace it if it's damaged.
Range hood fan blade
Replace the range hood charcoal filter
The charcoal filter is used when the range hood is installed to recirculate exhaust air into the kitchen instead of being routed outside the home. The charcoal filter traps and removes cooking odors from the recirculated exhaust air. If the charcoal filter can't be cleaned and reused. This filter needs to be replaced periodically. If the charcoal filter is laden with grease or damaged, replace it.
Range hood charcoal filter
Replace the range hood grease filters
The grease filters use aluminum mesh screens to remove vapor-suspended grease particles from the exhaust air stream. If the aluminum screens become laden with grease, remove the grease filters and clean them with warm soapy water or wash the filters in the dishwasher. Follow the directions in your owner's manual when cleaning the grease filters. If the grease filters are damaged or get so caked with grease that they can't be cleaned properly, replace them.
Range hood grease filters
Symptoms common to all range hoods
Repair guides common to all range hoods
If the fan on the range hood won’t run, it’s likely that the fan motor has failed. Follow the steps in this guide to replace the fan motor.
The fan switch activates the fan motor in the range hood. If the fan switch is defective, replace it using the detailed steps in this repair guide.
When you replace a light bulb and it still won’t work, the socket is likely defective. Use the detailed steps in this repair guide that show you how to replace it.
Articles and videos common to all range hoods
Find out how to stay safe when repairing your appliances.
See the most common replacement parts needed for your range hood.
Learn some of the most common symbols found in a wiring diagram and what they mean.