Range vent hood is overheating: Common Causes & How to Fix

Repair Instructions:

The filters in the range hood need to be clean for good airflow. If the filters get clogged with grease and dirt, it's harder for the fan to push the air through. This can make the motor overheat. Check the filter(s) and clean or replace them if needed. Look to see if they are covered in sticky grease and particles that block airflow. Remove any large debris by hand. For grease, soak the filters in degreaser solution and then wash off. Let them air dry completely before putting them back. If filters are very dirty or have tears, replace them with new ones. Clean or new range hood filters allow air to flow freely again. The fan won’t have to work as hard or overheat with clean filters that don’t restrict airflow.

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 has always run too hot, check the vent ducts. If the ducts are too narrow or too long, airflow can be restricted. This can make the hood overheat. Look at the manual for the right duct size and maximum length. Also inspect the outside vent hood for blockages like a bird's nest that could limit airflow. Check that the vent damper inside the duct opens all the way when the fan is on. Any obstructions or undersized ducts that limit airflow can cause overheating issues. Clearing any clogs in the outside vent or damper will help airflow. If the ducts are smaller or longer than recommended, replacing them with the proper sized ducts can improve ventilation and prevent overheating. Proper duct sizing allows good airflow so the range hood doesn't have to work as hard or get too hot.

Repair Instructions:

Most range hood vents have a damper that helps prevent outside air from entering the house when not in use. If the damper gets stuck shut or cannot open all the way, the airflow can be limited. This can make the fan motor overheat from lack of ventilation. Check that the damper moves freely and opens fully when the vent hood fan turns on. Look for any debris, dirt or grease that could be obstructing it from opening completely. Also inspect the hinges and rods to ensure they operate smoothly. If the damper is stuck closed or unable to open fully, it needs to be repaired or replaced.

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 fan blade gets clogged with dirt and grease, it blocks airflow. This can make the range hood overheat. Try cleaning the fan blade with dish soap and warm water. Remove stuck on gunk with a small brush or toothpick if needed. Let the fan dry completely after cleaning. If the blade won't come clean or is bent, the whole fan assembly will need replacing. A new fan blade that spins freely allows good airflow again. The range hood motor won't have to work extra hard and overheat if the fan isn't obstructed. A clean, debris-free fan blade is important so air can vent properly.

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:

If the fan blade gets clogged with dirt and grease, it blocks airflow. This can make the range hood overheat. Try cleaning the fan blade with dish soap and warm water. Scrub off stuck on gunk with a small brush if needed. Let the blade dry completely when done. If the fan won't come clean or has bent fins, the whole fan will need replacing. A clean fan blade that spins freely allows good airflow again. The range hood motor won't have to work extra hard and overheat if the fan isn't blocked. Keeping the fan blade free of built up grease and debris is important for proper venting.

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:

Range hood vents use grease filters to catch oils and grease from cooking steam while letting air pass through. If the filters get clogged with too much grease, it's harder for the fan to push the air. This can make the motor overheat. You should clean the grease filters periodically with dish soap and warm water so air flows well. Check if the filters are very dirty or have tears or holes. Remove large chunks of grease by hand first. Then soak the filters and scrub off residue. Rinse and let them dry completely before putting them back. If the filters are excessively greasy or ripped, replace them with new ones. Clean filters allow good airflow so the motor doesn't overheat. Dirty or damaged filters block ventilation, making the fan work too hard.

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:

Most range hood vents have a damper that helps keep outside air from coming in when not venting. If the damper gets stuck shut or can't open all the way, airflow is limited. This can make the motor overheat from poor ventilation. Check that the damper opens fully when the fan turns on. Look for debris, dirt or grease that could be blocking it from opening completely. Also inspect the hinges and rods to ensure they move smoothly. If the damper is obstructed or has damaged parts, it needs replacing. Installing a new damper that can open fully allows good airflow again. The motor won't overheat with unrestricted ventilation. A working damper seals when the vent is off but opens when in use to prevent overheating issues.

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.