Range vent hood doesn't vent to the outside: Common Causes & How to Fix

Repair Instructions:

Something could be stuck in the blower wheel stopping it from spinning. Or, the blower wheel might be rubbing against the blower housing. To check, try spinning the blower fan by hand. If it doesn't spin freely, look for blockages in the blower wheel. Also make sure the wheel isn't rubbing on the housing. If nothing is blocking it but the wheel still doesn't spin freely, you'll need to replace both the blower wheel and housing. A blower wheel that doesn't spin easily could mean it's damaged and needs replacement along with the housing it sits in.

How to Replace Range Vent Hood Blower Wheel and Housing

1. Turn off power and disconnect electrical supply - Locate the circuit breaker for the vent hood and turn it off. Then disconnect the wires leading to the blower motor.

2. Remove filters or baffles - Remove any filters, baffles or panels that are obstructing access to the blower wheel and housing.
3. Remove ductwork - Detach any ductwork connected to the blower housing so it can be fully removed.
4. Remove blower wheel - Locate and remove the screw(s) securing the blower wheel to the motor shaft. Slide the wheel off the shaft.
5. Remove blower housing - Remove any screws or fasteners securing the blower housing. Carefully detach it from the vent hood.
6. Install new blower housing - Position the new blower housing in place and secure with screws or fasteners.
7. Install blower wheel - Carefully slide the new blower wheel onto the motor shaft and secure it with the retaining screw(s).
8. Reconnect ductwork - Reattach any ductwork to the blower housing outlet.
9. Replace filters and baffles - Replace any filters, baffles or panels that were removed.
10. Restore power and test - Restore power to the vent hood. Turn on the blower and test for proper air movement.

Repair Instructions:

Something could be stuck in the blower wheel, stopping it from spinning. Or, the blower wheel might be rubbing against the blower housing. To check, try spinning the blower fan by hand. If it doesn't spin freely, look for blockages in the blower wheel. Also make sure the wheel isn't rubbing on the housing. If nothing is blocking it but the wheel still doesn't spin easily, you'll need to replace the blower wheel. A blower wheel that doesn't spin freely could mean it's damaged and needs replacement. Even if it's not obstructed, a tight spinning wheel should be replaced.

How to Replace Range Vent Hood Blower Wheel

1. Turn off power and disconnect electrical supply - Locate the circuit breaker for the vent hood and turn it off. Disconnect the wires leading to the blower motor.

2. Remove filters or baffles - Remove any filters, baffles or panels that are obstructing access to the blower wheel.
3. Detach ductwork - Detach any ductwork connected to the blower housing so the wheel can be accessed.
4. Remove blower wheel retaining screw - Locate and remove the screw that secures the blower wheel to the motor shaft.
5. Slide blower wheel off shaft - With the retaining screw removed, carefully slide the old blower wheel off the motor shaft.
6. Install new blower wheel - Carefully slide the new replacement blower wheel onto the motor shaft until it is fully seated.
7. Secure with retaining screw - Insert and tighten the blower wheel retaining screw to secure the new wheel to the shaft.
8. Reattach ductwork - Reconnect any ductwork that was detached from the blower housing.
9. Replace filters and baffles - Put back any filters, baffles or access panels.
10. Restore power and test - Restore power to the vent hood. Turn on the blower and test for proper air movement.

Repair Instructions:

Make sure the fan blade spins freely. If it doesn't, check if the blade is rubbing against the blower housing. Inspect the fan blade for damage. If the blade is damaged, install a new one.

How to Replace Range Vent Hood Fan Blade

1. Turn off power and disconnect electrical supply - Locate the circuit breaker for the vent hood and turn it off. Disconnect the wires leading to the fan motor.

2. Remove filters or baffles - Remove any filters, baffles or panels that are obstructing access to the fan blade.
3. Remove fan blade retaining screws - Locate the screws securing the fan blade to the motor shaft. Remove the screws using a screwdriver.
4. Slide fan blade off motor shaft - With the retaining screws removed, carefully slide the fan blade off the motor shaft.
5. Inspect and clean fan motor shaft - Clean the motor shaft and remove any dirt or debris. Inspect the shaft for damage.
6. Slide new fan blade onto shaft - Carefully slide the new replacement fan blade fully onto the motor shaft.
7. Secure with retaining screws - Insert and tighten the fan blade retaining screws to secure the new blade to the shaft.
8. Replace filters and baffles - Replace any filters, baffles or panels that were removed to access the fan blade.
9. Restore power and test - Restore power to the vent hood. Turn on the fan and ensure the new blade rotates properly.

Repair Instructions:

Lots of range hoods have a vent damper above the fan motor. This damper helps prevent outside air from entering the house when not venting. If the damper gets stuck closed or blocked, it can't open to let the range hood vent properly. Check the vent damper to see if something is obstructing it from opening fully or if it's damaged. Look for any debris, dirt or grease that could be blocking it. Also inspect the damper hinges and linkage to ensure they move freely. If the vent damper is obstructed by a clog or has any damaged parts, it will need replacing. Installing a new vent damper that can open fully allows proper ventilation again. An operating damper blocks backdrafts when the hood isn't venting but opens when in use.

How to Replace Range Vent Hood Vent Damper

1. Turn off power and disconnect electrical supply - Locate the circuit breaker for the vent hood and turn it off. Disconnect any wiring.

2. Remove damper access panel - Remove the access panel providing internal access to the vent damper.
3. Detach linkage - Remove any retaining clips or fasteners connecting the damper linkage.
4. Remove mounting screws - Remove the mounting screws securing the old damper assembly.
5. Remove old damper - Carefully slide out and remove the old damper assembly.
6. Install new damper - Insert the new replacement damper assembly into position.
7. Replace mounting screws - Reinsert and tighten the mounting screws to secure the new damper.
8. Reattach linkage - Replace any clips and fasteners to reconnect the damper linkage.
9. Replace access panel - Replace the damper access panel.
10. Restore power - Restore power and test that the new damper opens and closes properly.

Repair Instructions:

Many range hood vents have a damper above the fan motor. This damper helps prevent outside air from entering the house when the vent is off. If the damper gets stuck shut or blocked, it can't open to let the range hood vent right. Check the damper to see if something is keeping it from opening fully or if it's damaged. Look for any dirt, grease or debris that could be blocking it from moving. Also inspect the hinges and rods to make sure they move freely. If the damper is obstructed by a clog or has damaged parts, it will need replacing. Putting in a new damper that can open all the way allows proper venting again. A working damper stops backdrafts when the vent is off but opens when the vent is on.

How to Replace Range Vent Hood Damper

1. Turn off power and disconnect electrical supply - Locate the circuit breaker for the vent hood and turn it off. Disconnect any wiring.

2. Remove damper access panel - Remove the access panel providing internal access to the damper.
3. Detach linkage - Remove any retaining clips or fasteners connecting the damper linkage.
4. Remove mounting screws - Remove the mounting screws securing the old damper assembly.
5. Remove old damper - Carefully slide out and remove the old damper assembly.
6. Install new damper - Insert the new replacement damper assembly into position.
7. Replace mounting screws - Reinsert and tighten the mounting screws to secure the new damper.
8. Reattach linkage - Replace any clips and fasteners to reconnect the damper linkage.
9. Replace access panel - Replace the damper access panel.
10. Restore power - Restore power and test that the new damper opens and closes properly.

Repair Instructions:

If the range hood is not venting air well, check the air filter(s). If the filter is very dirty, it typically needs to be replaced since these cannot be cleaned like grease filters. Air filters trap grease and particles but get clogged over time. There is usually no good way to clean an air filter in most range hoods. Soaking or washing will not work. The fibers that catch the grease get full and restrict airflow. A new replacement air filter is needed so air can flow freely through again. Make sure to get the same style and size air filter made specifically for your range hood model. Switching out a dirty air filter for a new one will allow the range hood to properly vent smoke and odors once more.

How to Replace Range Vent Hood Air Filter

1. Locate filter panel - Locate the filter panel on the back or side of the vent hood. It may have release tabs.

2. Open or remove filter panel - Open the access panel or disengage any release tabs to access the air filter.
3. Slide out old air filter - Gently slide the old air filter out of the vent hood cavity.
4. Check sizing of new filter - Verify the replacement air filter is the correct size and shape.
5. Insert new air filter - Carefully slide the new air filter completely into the vent hood cavity.
6. Replace filter panel - Close the access panel or engage the release tabs to secure the filter panel.
7. Periodically check air filter - Check and clean the air filter periodically according to manufacturer guidelines.
8. Replace grease filters if needed - Consider replacing any grease filters as well during air filter maintenance.
9. Discard old filter properly - Discard the old air filter in the garbage. Do not attempt to clean and reuse it.

Repair Instructions:

The hood filter is one of the most important components in a range hood ventilation system. Its job is to trap grease, smoke particles, and other cooking contaminants before they can spread throughout the kitchen. Over time, this builds up layers of greasy residue on the filter mesh. A dirty, clogged filter blocks airflow, preventing the range hood from sucking up cooking fumes effectively. Gunked up filters make the fan work harder to try pulling more air through the restricted vents. This strains the fan motor and decreases its CFM airflow rating dramatically. Unfiltered air then recirculates back into the kitchen instead of being vented outside. Replacing a dirty range hood filter restores higher airflow so the system can properly exhaust again. Cleaning very greasy filters may help, but filters with heavy buildup must usually be replaced for optimal ventilation once more.

How to Replace Range Vent Hood Filter

1. Turn off vent hood - Turn off the vent hood fan and lights. Allow any residual heat to dissipate.

2. Locate filter release tabs - Look along the front and sides of the filter for spring loaded release tabs.
3. Push in tabs and lower filter - Push back on the release tabs and gently lower the filter down and out.
4. Inspect vent hood interior - Check for any grease buildup inside the vent hood. Clean if necessary.
5. Check sizing of new filter - Verify the replacement filter is the correct size and shape.
6. Align and insert new filter - Angle the new filter into place and push up until the release tabs click.
7. Periodically check filter - Check and clean the filter regularly according to manufacturer guidelines.
8. Discard old filter properly - Place the old grease filter in a plastic bag before discarding in the trash.
9. Turn on vent hood - Turn the vent hood fan and lights back on and check for proper operation.

Repair Instructions:

If the range hood is not sucking air well, check the grease filter(s). If the filter is very dirty, it can be cleaned. Take it out and soak the filter in a degreasing solution until all the grease breaks down. Then wash it in warm, soapy water to get rid of any left over degreaser. Let the filter dry completely before putting it back in. If the filter does not come clean after soaking and washing, or it is damaged, you will need to replace it. Putting in a new filter or cleaning a greasy one will allow air to flow through properly again so the range hood vents smoke and odors like it should.

How to Replace Range Vent Hood Grease Filter

1. Locate filter release tabs - Locate the release tabs or handles on the edges of the grease filter.

2. Push in tabs and lower filter - Push in the release tabs and gently lower the filter down and out of the vent hood.
3. Clean vent hood if needed - If there is a heavy grease buildup, clean the interior of the vent hood.
4. Check new filter sizing - Verify the new replacement filter is the correct size and shape for the vent hood.
5. Align and insert new filter - Align the new filter into the vent hood opening and gently push into place.
6. Engage release tabs - Make sure the release tabs or handles are fully engaged to secure the new filter.
7. Check filter periodically - Check and clean the new filter regularly according to manufacturer guidelines.
8. Discard old filter appropriately - Discard the old greasy filter in the garbage. Do not attempt to reuse or clean it.

Repair Instructions:

Inspect the vent hood and ductwork to see if either is blocked. Look at the vent opening to check for debris, dirt, or grease buildup that could be clogging it. Also check along the entire duct run from the vent hood to the outside. Make sure there are no obstacles or tight bends that restrict airflow. Ducting should be as straight and smooth as possible. Remove any clogs or obstructions in the vent or ducting so air can flow freely again. Clean off any grease or particles clogging the vent cover. Use a long brush to clear out any dirt or debris stuck in the duct. Having clear, unobstructed ventilation will allow the range hood to properly suck up and exhaust smells, smoke, and moisture from cooking.

Repair Instructions:

Some range hoods are made to vent either inside or outside. Convertible models allow you to choose where it exhausts. If the hood vents outside, there will be metal ductwork sending the air to a vent hood on the exterior of the house. This outside vent can be on the wall or roof. If you don't see an external vent hood anywhere on your home's exterior, then the range hood probably vents back into the kitchen through filters instead. Inside venting filters and recirculates the kitchen air rather than removing it outside. Check for any ductwork connections to confirm if your range hood is vented externally or just internally filtered. Knowing how it vents can help diagnose airflow issues.

Repair Instructions:

The blower motor is making a humming noise but the fan is not spinning. This typically means the bearings that let the motor shaft spin freely are worn out. Some older, bigger motors have openings to add oil. If your motor has these oil holes, try adding oil to the bearings to get the fan spinning freely again. If oiling the bearings does not fix the problem, or if you can't lubricate the motor, you will need to replace the blower motor. Motors without oil holes need to be replaced when the bearings wear out and cause the humming noise.

How to Replace Range Vent Hood Blower Motor

1. Turn off power and disconnect electrical supply - Locate the circuit breaker for the vent hood and turn it off. Then disconnect the wires leading to the blower motor.

2. Remove filters or baffles - Remove any filters, baffles or panels that are in the way of accessing the blower motor.
3. Remove fan blade - Use a screwdriver to remove the screw holding the fan blade onto the blower motor shaft. Carefully remove the fan blade.
4. Remove motor mounting screws - Locate mounting screws or nuts holding the blower motor in place. Remove them so the motor can be taken out.
5. Disconnect wiring - Disconnect any remaining wiring connected to the blower motor's wiring harness or terminals.
6. Remove old blower motor - Carefully maneuver the old blower motor out of the vent hood. Make note of how it was positioned.
7. Install new blower motor - Place the new blower motor into position, lining up any mounting holes or hardware. Reconnect wiring.
8. Secure blower motor - Replace any mounting screws or hardware to secure the new blower motor.
9. Replace fan blade - Carefully replace the fan blade onto the new blower motor shaft in its original position.
10. Replace baffles and panels - Put back any filters, baffles or access panels.
11. Restore power and test - Restore power to the vent hood. Test that the new blower motor and fan are working properly.