Anyone who cooks regularly knows how important a range hood is. It reliably neutralizes stuffy odors and cooking smells or directs them outside. Problems arise when the hood stops working. Cooking fumes, grease, and unpleasant odors then remain in the kitchen, forming a sticky film on all surfaces. Is your range hood not working either? Here are some valuable tips to help you fix it yourself.

1) Ensure Ventilation

Depending on the type of your range hood, it either recirculates air or effectively vents it outside. To ensure it works reliably, fresh air is necessary. Make it a habit to open a window as soon as you turn on the stove. The more cooking fumes accumulate in your kitchen, the harder your range hood has to work. With heavy fumes, it may even function poorly. Not so with an open window! Additionally, this allows some of the cooking smells and fumes to escape directly outside.

2) The Right Height

The installation height of the range hood is crucial for its function. Experts recommend a distance of 60 to 80 centimeters between the cooktop and the hood. If the hood is mounted too high, it may not be strong enough to capture the rising fumes effectively. However, it should not be mounted much lower, as it could interfere with cooking. Alternatively, there are hoods that can be integrated into the cooktop or placed beside it.

3) Replace the Charcoal Filter

If you have a recirculation hood, you should replace the charcoal filter regularly. This ensures that unpleasant odors are neutralized. Over time, however, the cleaning performance decreases. As a general rule of thumb, replace the filter every four to six months. Depending on how often you use your range hood, it may need replacing more frequently. You can conveniently find the right filter and other spare parts for your range hood online at Fixpart.at.

4) Clean the Grease Filter

The grease filter is another essential component of your range hood. It captures grease particles from the air before they can reach the mechanism or the exhaust ducts. A dirty filter significantly reduces the extraction power. Therefore, it is important to clean the grease filter regularly.

In most cases, the filter can be easily removed and cleaned in the dishwasher. Alternatively, you can soak it in hot water with dish soap and scrub it thoroughly. Let the filter dry completely before putting it back in place.

5) The Exhaust Duct

Range hoods that vent used air outside are equipped with an exhaust duct. A poorly installed or dirty exhaust duct is a common reason for weak suction power. Ideally, it should have as few bends and kinks as possible. The length also matters; the shorter the duct, the more effectively odors are transported outside.

Replacement or Repair? When It’s Time for a New Hood

Even the best range hood reaches its limits at some point. If the suction power remains weak despite clean filters and free exhaust ducts, or if the motor becomes unusually loud, it could be a sign of wear and tear. Older models, in particular, often consume more energy and provide less performance compared to modern devices. In such cases, replacing the hood might be a good idea, especially if repair costs are too high. However, first check if spare parts can fix the problem—often, a new filter or replacement exhaust hose is enough to get the hood working again.

How to Maintain Your Range Hood

• Regularly clean or replace filters
• Wipe down the surface
• Keep ventilation slots clear
• Check and replace lighting if necessary
• Let the hood run for about 5-10 minutes after cooking
• Avoid grease buildup