by A range hood is a useful tool in the kitchen. It is capable of venting fumes, odors, and heat out through grease filters and ductwork, or back into the kitchen after the air has passed through grease and charcoal filters. Over time, range hoods can sometimes stop working if you continue to use them. Like any appliance in your home, range hoods require years of maintenance and repairs. Here are some troubleshooting tips and cleaning techniques to keep your range hood at its maximum potential.
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Why Your Range Hood Is Not Working
An Issue With The Electricity Supply
While this isn’t the first thing that comes to your mind, the problem may not be the range hood itself, but its power supply. We recommend that you check the power outlet with a multimeter in voltmeter mode (AC). To do this, place the two probes of the meter on the live and neutral terminals of the socket. You should get a reading of 230 volts. You may also want to check to see if the socket is melted. It may be fused with the plug. If you have any terminal connectors installed, check that they are properly tightened and that the wires are in good condition.
The Connector Is Not Properly Plugged In
Some range hoods have a cord with a connector attached to the appliance. The connector will be male or female. One possibility is that you did not insert the connector properly and securely when installing the range hood. During use, faulty contacts may occur due to vibrations generated. We recommend that you check that the connector is properly inserted and in good condition. If it is damaged, you need to replace it.
Faulty Function Selector Mechanism
The function selector switches on and operates the range hood. So if it fails, the range hood won’t work. The selector mechanism can be based on mechanical switches or micro switches and circuit boards. You can check the status of the file selector yourself. It is usually located behind the control panel. If the function selector is the cause of the problem, it is most likely due to the microswitch no longer making proper contact. If this is the case, the circuit needs to be replaced.
Failed Capacitor
Capacitors are used to start the fan motor and maintain its torque. If the capacitor fails, the motor will try to turn but will fail to start. You can easily test it yourself. To do this, first, open the extractor cover. Then, when the motor tries to start, turn the impeller by hand to make it move. If the motor then starts running, your capacitor may be faulty. If this is the case, it needs to be replaced.
The Impeller Is Not Tightly Screwed On
The impeller is a small propeller-like component used to expel air through the range hood. It is fixed on the motor shaft by a nut. Range hood impellers are usually made of plastic. Check whether the impeller is blocked by foreign objects and whether its bolts are firmly tightened. Also, check for damage. If it is, you need to replace it.
The Filters Are Clogged Up
The range hood may not function properly if one or more of the filters on the unit are clogged. A clogged filter prevents the free passage of air. This is especially true of circulating extractor range hoods. These types of range hoods are fitted with a carbon filter close to the motor. If this filter becomes clogged (usually due to grease buildup), this will prevent the motor from working properly, so the unit will not start. Sometimes the carbon filter needs to be cleaned if possible. If this is not possible, the clogged filter will need to be replaced. This problem is the main reason for the failure of the circulating extractor range hood. The carbon filter in the cooker range hood should be replaced every three months. Also remember to regularly clean the grease filter in the extractor range hood, whether it’s ducted or recirculating. This prevents clogging of the entire system (i.e. suction, filter, and evacuation sections).
The Main Circuit Board (PCB) Is Defective
The main circuit board (PCB) manages all your cooker range hood’s functions (motor, light, etc.). If you’ve already checked everything else and the problem still persists, it may be that the circuit board needs replacing. You can change this part yourself; it will be located either behind the control panel or in the section leading to the duct. Alternatively, you can call on the services of a manufacturer-approved engineer.
What To Do If no power to your range hood
Range hoods are either connected directly to your home’s power supply or plugged directly into the wall. When your lights and fans aren’t turning on, the easiest solution is usually right. In this case, it is best to check for a blown fuse.
What To Do If the Light On Range Hood Won’t Turn On
If the range hood’s fan is working, but the light refuses to switch on, your first plan of action is to test the light bulb. If the bulb has burned out, simply replace it, but if you find the light bulb is not the culprit, you may be looking at a defective light switch or light socket. You can often purchase a light socket replacement as one piece and change it yourself. Finding out if the switch is defective can be more difficult and may require a repairman’s help.
What To Do If The Fan Doesn’t Work
When the fan on a range hood stops working, the two most common problems are a broken switch and a burnt-out fan motor. Unless you feel comfortable with your repair skills, hiring a repairman to fix these issues is probably your best bet. If you want to find out which part is faulty before calling an appliance repair company, you can check the continuity of the fan switch with an ohmmeter. If there is continuity, the switch is not faulty and the fan motor may be your problem.
Cleaning Tips To Keep Your Range Hood Functioning
If you don’t clean up the greasy buildup that forms on your range hood’s filters and fans, you’re not only shortening the life expectancy of your equipment, but you’re also creating a fire hazard. Properly cleaning your stove is easy and doesn’t take a lot of time.
Place the filter under the range hood and gently remove it. Check your device manual if you’re not sure how to do this.
For aluminum filters, use soap and hot water to remove grease from them. Allow the filter to air dry before replacing the filter.
If your range hood range has a charcoal filter, you don’t need to clean it, instead, you need to buy a new one and replace it.
Before locating the fan under the range hood, make sure the cooktop is unplugged or the circuit breaker connected to the cooktop is turned off.
Wipe the inside and outside of each blade with hot soapy water.
When you’re done, put everything back in place and reconnect power to the scope.
Conclusion
The range hood /stove range hood above the stove needs cleaning and maintenance to function properly. Continued heavy smoke and heavy use may cause “ventilation” problems or other malfunctions. The above are common problems that may arise when there is a problem with the range hood. These tips and methods will help you repair your range hood so that it works like new, with no glitches or problems.
Read More: What is a Convertible Range Hood?
