A kitchen range hood is a type of exhaust system that removes cooking fumes from the kitchen and keeps them from accumulating in the rest of the house. These appliances are usually installed above the cooktop or oven and create negative pressure in the space so that air flows out instead of remaining inside. They also prevent harmful fumes from entering the home through an intake duct leading outside.
There are many types of range hoods available for sale, including built-in models, wall-mounted versions, and ceiling-mount styles. So, depending on your needs and budget, there’s a range hood that will work best in your kitchen. However, given their importance as an appliance in your kitchen and the frequency with which it is used, keeping your range hood clean and well-maintained is essential to its continued usage in your home.
To help you understand how to properly maintain your kitchen range hood and keep it working at peak performance for years to come, we have compiled this helpful article with advice from leading builders and designers.
Maintain Or Replace The Range Hood Insert Fan Annually
For most range hoods, the fan is a critical component of the unit. It pulls air in through the ductwork and filters and then pushes it out of the kitchen through the exhaust vent.
As such, this part of the range hood will likely require more maintenance than other parts, such as the lights or control panel. You should check the operation of the range hood insert fan annually and have an electrician check the wiring and circuit breakers if necessary.
If the range hood insert fan is making noise or vibrating, try turning it off and then back on to see if it stops. If the vibration persists, the bearings may need to be replaced. You should also regularly clean the blades of the range hood insert fan to ensure they are not stopped up with dust or grease.
Change The Filters Regularly
Air filters are important components in all range hoods. Particularly in more expensive models, the filters are often made of high-quality, durable materials such as stainless steel or carbon fiber.
While these filters are important, they can be one of the dirtiest components in your kitchen range hood. This is why it is essential to change the filters regularly.
Depending on the model, filters should be cleaned or swapped out every 3 months or so. Filters can be cleaned in the dishwasher or with a mild detergent and water. Be sure to dry and replace them promptly to keep your kitchen hood working properly.
Vacuum Or Sweep The Filter Covers Regularly
Even if your filters are cleaned and maintained regularly, there may be some amount of dust or other particles collecting on the covers of the filter system. This can have a significant effect on the performance of your range hood and should be addressed as soon as possible.
Fortunately, most range hoods have a removable filter cover that can be quickly removed, vacuumed, and then put back on.
If your filter cover is too dirty to be effectively cleaned, it is best to remove it and replace it with a new one. A clean filter cover will ensure that air flow is unimpeded and that cooking fumes are properly directed away from your home.
Clean The Exhaust Vent Weekly
The exhaust vent leading outside your home is another part of your range hood that can get very dirty and should be cleaned regularly.
The frequency with which you should clean this part of your range hood will depend on how often you use it and what kind of food you are cooking. If you typically cook foods that create a lot of fumes, such as bacon, you should clean this duct more often.
Note that you should be extra careful when cleaning this part of the ductwork, as it can be dangerous if you are working on a ladder or other unstable surface.
Clean The Grease Collector
The grease collector is a much-overlooked part of the range hood. It is a tray or container that collects oil and fat drippings from cooking foods. If this grease isn’t cleaned out regularly, it can affect the performance of your range hood and may even start a fire.
When cleaning the grease collector, tilt the hood up and use a long-handled brush or other tool to remove the excess oil. This will help keep it from overflowing and causing a fire hazard.
In Conclusion
Keeping your kitchen appliances safe and clean is a job that never ends. You can’t just install a range hood once and call it good for the rest of its life. You need to continue to give it attention in order for it to keep functioning properly.
If you don’t take care of it, grease can collect on surfaces around it and shorten its lifespan, not to mention make your kitchen smell like old chicken nuggets left out in the sun all summer long.
As such, it is important to properly maintain your kitchen range hood using the tips highlighted in this column to keep it functioning optimally for years to come.
