Your vent hood is more than just a noisy fan above your stove. It's an essential appliance that protects your kitchen, your health, and your property’s air quality.

A vent hood disperses the steam, smoke, and aromas coming from the cooking surface below it. This makes it easier for you to stay by the stove while cooking,” explains Stuart Pyburn, a Mr. Appliance® expert and 36-year veteran of the appliance repair industry.

In this guide, Mr. Appliance will walk you through everything you need to know about residential vent hoods and commercial range hoods. We’ll start with how to choose the right vent hood for your space, cover the importance of regular maintenance, and explain repairs that can keep your hood working efficiently for years to come.

Choosing the Right Vent Hood

Selecting a new vent hood can seem overwhelming, but the choice boils down to venting type, style, and power.

Vent hood repair and installation expert Stuart Pyburn states that the right vent hood for your home or business is “the one that does everything you want and expect it to do. There are a lot of factors that go into this. Will you be able to vent to the outside or not? Do you have the room for a vent that covers your whole working surface? How quiet do you need it to be?”

The first and most important decision is whether you need a ducted or ductless system.

Ducted vent hoods

Ducted vent hoods are the most effective type of vent hood. They use a system of ducts, or pipes, to pull polluted air, smoke, grease, and odors from your kitchen and expel them outside. 

Because ducted vent hoods physically remove pollutants from your home, they are the gold standard for kitchen ventilation; however, installation can be more complex than ductless hoods.

Stuart Pyburn explains, “If your hood is vented to the outside, it helps in getting rid of those odors that tend to linger in your kitchen for days, such as when you fry something.”

Ductless vent hoods

Ductless (or recirculating) vent hoods don’t vent air outside. Instead, they pull in smoke and steam, filter the air through charcoal filters to remove contaminants and odors, and then recirculate the “cleaned” air back into the kitchen. 

While ductless vent hoods are an excellent option for kitchens without access to external ventilation, they are less effective than ducted models at removing heat and humidity. However, ductless hoods are easier to install and more flexible in terms of placement.

Choosing the right style

Vent hoods come in a variety of styles to suit any kitchen design. Each style fits into specific kitchen and cooking situations.

• Under-cabinet: These hoods are a popular choice for kitchens with limited space. They are installed directly under the cabinets above the stove, offering a streamlined, integrated look. Under-cabinet models can be either ducted or ductless.
• Wall-mount: A wall-mount hood, often referred to as a “chimney-style” hood, is a stylish focal point in a kitchen. It attaches to the wall above the range and vents upwards through a decorative chimney. They are typically only available as ducted models.
• Island: For a cooktop located on a kitchen island, an island hood is essential. It hangs from the ceiling and vents through hidden ductwork. Island vent hoods tend to act as a centerpiece in the room, so they are designed to be visually appealing from all sides.
• Downdraft: These hoods are a sleek, modern option. They are installed directly into the countertop or range and retract or pop up from behind the cooktop when in use. They pull smoke and air down and away from the cooking surface, making a great choice for kitchens with limited overhead space.

Power and sizing: Finding the right fit

When considering the right size and power of your next range fan, CFM is the number you need to know. The power of a vent hood is measured in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM), which indicates how much air the fan can move.

For gas ranges in residential kitchens, a common rule of thumb is to have at least 100 CFM for every 10,000 BTU. For electric cooktops, a minimum of 100 CFM is a good starting point. However, more CFMs means a bigger motor and possibly a noisier fan. Remember, if the hood is not vented outside, it’s only going to move the steam and aromas around your kitchen. In this case, a more powerful and noisy vent hood may not be the best option.

For most standard residential ranges, a hood with 300–400 CFM is sufficient. High-powered professional ranges or specific cooking styles, like wok cooking, may require a higher CFM rating. It's also critical to choose a hood that is at least as wide as your cooking surface to ensure it can effectively capture all the smoke and grease. Industry expert Stuart Pyburn explains: “The larger the better; the vent hood has to cover your whole working surface.”

Vent Hood Maintenance

Once you've chosen the perfect vent hood, proper maintenance is key to its longevity and performance.

Routine vent hood cleaning

The most important maintenance task is cleaning your vent hood filters. A clogged filter will significantly reduce the hood's efficiency and can even pose a fire hazard if too much grease builds up.

Common types of vent hood filters include:

• Mesh filters: Most residential hoods use mesh filters. These are typically dishwasher-safe. Simply run them on a hot cycle with a degreasing detergent. For tougher grease, soak them in hot, soapy water before scrubbing.
• Charcoal filters: Ductless hoods use charcoal filters to absorb odors. These filters are not reusable and must be replaced every few months, depending on how often you cook.
• Baffle filters: Common in professional commercial kitchens, baffle filters can also be found in some high-end residential hoods. They are designed to trap grease and are usually dishwasher-safe.

In addition to the filters, regularly wipe down the exterior of the hood and the fan blades. Use a gentle degreasing cleaner to remove built-up grime and keep the surfaces clean.

Professional vent hood maintenance

Beyond your regular cleaning routine, professional vent hood maintenance is essential for the optimal performance of your appliance.

A typical vent hood maintenance check consists of:

• Checking all lights and switches for operation
• Ensuring all motor speeds work
• Making sure suction is present and that it increases at higher fan speeds
• Removal of filters and instructions on proper cleaning

Common Vent Hood Repairs

Even with proper maintenance, a vent hood may occasionally require a repair. Knowing the signs of a problem can help you address it quickly and prevent more expensive damage.

Because vent hoods are important to the function of your kitchen, you should always work closely with a qualified professional to address any issues that arise. If you attempt a DIY appliance repair, you could risk your own safety as well as that of your property. 

Weak airflow

If your vent hood is no longer effectively pulling smoke and odors, there are a few likely culprits:

• Clogged filters: This is the leading cause of reduced vent hood performance. Start by cleaning or replacing your filters. A service professional can remove filters and instruct you on the proper way to clean them. Carbon filters cannot be cleaned and may need to be replaced entirely.
• Fan switches: If the fan switch does not turn on and off or is failing to adjust speeds, it may be contributing to the air flow issue.
• Grease in the motor: If the filters have never been cleaned, grease can enter the motor, affecting air flow. The motor cannot be cleaned and is now a fire hazard, making replacement the likely solution.
• Blocked ductwork: In a ducted system, an obstruction in the duct can restrict airflow. This requires a professional to inspect and clear the ducts.
• Fan motor electrical issues: Verify that all motor speeds are operational and that suction increases with higher speeds. If the fan motor is struggling, it may not be pulling air efficiently. This can be caused by a faulty capacitor or a worn-out motor. Appliance experts can diagnose and replace vent fan motors. 

Noisy vent hood

A rattling, humming, or vibrating sound is a clear sign that something’s not right. The culprit may be:

• Loose components: Check for any loose screws, fan blades, or debris that may have fallen into the housing. If you find any, call an expert for adjustment. 
• Failing motor: A loud humming or screeching noise may indicate a failing motor or worn-out bearings.

Lights and controls

Issues with the lights and control panel typically require professional vent hood repair service.

• Light bulbs: If replacing an inactive bulb doesn't work, there may be an issue with the wiring or light socket that a professional can handle.
• Control panel malfunction: If the buttons or touchscreen are unresponsive, the cause could be a wiring issue or a more complex problem with the control board itself.

Contact Mr. Appliance for Vent Hood Repair & Maintenance

For any necessary vent hood repairs, it's always best to call a professional. A certified appliance repair expert from Mr. Appliance has the experience and tools to diagnose and repair the problem, ensuring your vent hood operates at peak performance. Proper vent hood maintenance can extend the life of your appliance and prevent the need for a costly replacement.

Contact your local Mr. Appliance team for assistance with vent hood maintenance and repair.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mr. Appliance is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Mr. Appliance location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.