Range Hood Not Working? Here's How to Fix It
Your range hood does critical work — removing cooking smoke, steam, grease, and odors from your kitchen. When it fails, your kitchen becomes uncomfortable and grease buildup accelerates on cabinets and walls. Most range hood problems fall into three categories: fan issues, lighting issues, and venting issues.
Common Range Hood Problems
1. Fan Not Running
If the range hood doesn't respond at all when you press the power button:
Check first:
- Is the range hood plugged in? (sounds obvious, but plugs can loosen)
- Has the circuit breaker tripped?
- If hardwired, is the wall switch on?
If power is confirmed but fan doesn't run:
- Motor failure — The fan motor has burned out. You may hear a humming sound without blade rotation.
- Failed switch/control board — The speed controls or touchpad have failed.
- Wiring issue — A loose wire connection inside the hood.
Repair cost: $100–$250 for motor replacement; $75–$200 for switch or control board.
2. Fan Runs But Doesn't Vent Well
The fan spins but doesn't seem to remove smoke or odors effectively.
Common causes:
- Clogged grease filters — The mesh or baffle filters below the fan trap grease and need monthly cleaning. Metal filters can be cleaned in the dishwasher or soaked in degreaser. Charcoal filters (on recirculating hoods) need replacement every 3–6 months.
- Blocked duct — Grease accumulates inside the ductwork over time, reducing airflow. In San Francisco's Victorian row houses, long duct runs with multiple bends are especially prone to buildup.
- Damper stuck closed — The damper (flap) at the wall or roof exhaust cap can get stuck from grease buildup, preventing air from exiting.
- Undersized hood — If your range hood is smaller than your cooktop, it can't capture all the smoke and steam. The hood should be the same width or wider than the cooking surface.
DIY fix: Clean or replace filters first — this solves the problem 60% of the time.
Professional cleaning: Duct cleaning runs $150–$300 depending on length and accessibility.
3. Noisy Operation
Rattling: Loose fan blade, worn motor bearings, or a loose housing screw. Tighten visible screws and check that the fan blade is secure.
Humming without spinning: Motor bearings are seizing. The motor needs replacement before it burns out completely.
Vibration: The hood may not be securely mounted to the wall or cabinet. Check mounting screws and add rubber dampening pads if needed.
4. Lights Not Working
If the bulb type is standard (E26/E12): Replace the bulb. Many range hoods use specialty candelabra (E12) bulbs. Check wattage limits — LED replacements that match the original wattage are safest.
If bulbs are fine but lights don't work: The lamp socket or light switch has failed. Socket replacement is a simple repair ($50–$100).
LED integrated lights: Some modern hoods have built-in LED arrays that aren't user-replaceable. These require module replacement by a technician ($75–$200).
5. Grease Dripping
If grease drips from the hood onto your cooking surface, the internal grease collection system is overwhelmed:
- Clean filters immediately (they should be cleaned monthly)
- Check the grease cup/tray and empty it
- The internal surfaces of the hood may need professional degreasing
When to Repair vs Replace
Repair if:
- Fan motor failure on a hood less than 10 years old ($150–$300 repair vs $300–$800+ replacement)
- Switch or control board issues (easy replacement, $75–$200)
- Ductwork cleaning needed ($150–$300 one-time)
Replace if:
- Hood is 15+ years old and the motor has failed
- The hood is undersized for your current cooktop
- You're upgrading from recirculating to ducted venting (major improvement in performance)
- Multiple components have failed
Range Hood Maintenance Tips
- Clean grease filters monthly — dishwasher or soak in hot water with degreaser
- Replace charcoal filters every 3–6 months (recirculating hoods only)
- Wipe exterior surfaces weekly to prevent grease buildup
- Run the fan every time you cook, even for low-heat cooking
- Have ducts inspected every 2–3 years, especially in older homes with long duct runs
Bay Area Considerations
San Francisco's row houses and older apartments present unique range hood challenges:
- Many kitchens lack exterior venting and rely on recirculating hoods
- Retrofit ducting through Victorian walls requires careful planning to avoid damaging plaster
- Over-the-range microwaves double as range hoods in small kitchens — see our microwave repair guide for those specific issues
- Building codes in SF require exhaust fans in kitchens, making a functioning range hood not just convenient but legally required
