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Rangehoods play a critical role in maintaining air quality, especially in homes where cooking is a daily ritual. Beyond their sleek appearance, a working rangehood helps remove smoke, steam and airborne particles before they settle into your kitchen — or your lungs. When that system fails, so does your first line of defence against indoor air pollution.
Without proper extraction, pollutants linger. This can lead to indoor air quality issues that cause skin irritation, headaches, fatigue, asthma flare-ups and more. Regular maintenance and prompt troubleshooting are key to keeping your rangehood functioning the way it should.
Below, we'll explore the most common rangehood issues — and how to fix or diagnose them before they impact your kitchen's airflow. Disclaimer: Always check your manufacturer's warranty terms before attempting any repairs. Some issues may be covered, and DIY fixes could void your coverage.
No Power to the Unit
If your rangehood won't turn on at all — no lights, no fan — you're likely dealing with a power supply issue.
Solution 1 – Check your circuit breaker. If nearby lights or outlets are also off, you've probably tripped a breaker. Reset it from your switchboard and test again.
Solution 2 – If breakers are fine, check for a blown fuse (some models have internal fuses). Consult your manual to locate and replace if needed.
Solution 3 – For hardwired units, test the outlet or wiring with a multimeter to confirm if power is reaching the unit. No power? Time to involve a licensed professional.
Rangehood Light Not Working
Lights can fail even if the fan runs normally. The most common culprit? A burnt-out bulb — but not always.
Solution 1 – Visually inspect the bulb. If the glass looks dark or blackened, it's expired and needs replacing.
Solution 2 – If the bulb looks fine, test the switch using a multimeter. No voltage at the light socket when switched on? The switch could be faulty — and best left to a professional.
Fan Won't Start
If the lights work but the fan doesn't engage, the problem is likely electrical or mechanical.
Possibility 1 – The fan switch may be faulty and not delivering power to the motor.
Possibility 2 – The motor itself could have failed due to wear or internal damage.
Either way, if you're unsure — or under warranty — it's safest to speak with your rangehood manufacturer or service specialist.
Poor Suction or Weak Airflow
When your rangehood “works” but doesn't actually pull air, it's often due to poor airflow management or clogged components.
Common causes include:
- Grease-clogged or broken filters
- Obstructed ductwork
- Worn or unbalanced fan blades
- Motor fatigue or failure
Solution 1 – Check the filters first. If they're greasy or blocked, remove and clean them thoroughly. Refer to our rangehood cleaning guide for help.
Solution 2 – If airflow is still weak, inspect the duct using a flashlight. Look for obstructions like dust buildup, bird nests or crushed ducting.
Solution 3 – Examine the fan blades. Excess grease or physical damage can reduce performance. Clean them carefully, and if damaged, consult a technician for replacement.
Fan is Loud or Making Strange Noises
Unusual noise usually signals friction, imbalance or a component struggling to spin freely.
Solution 1 – Clean the fan blades. Grease buildup increases resistance and vibration.
Solution 2 – Check for blade misalignment or if the fan is rubbing against ductwork. Bent blades or poor mounting can throw the whole system off balance.
If the noise continues after cleaning, it may be time for a new motor or fan assembly.
How to Test Your Rangehood's Suction Power
If you suspect your rangehood isn't extracting enough air — even after cleaning — try these simple tests before calling in a technician:
- Anemometer test: Compare the airflow reading to your model's rated specs.
- Paper test: Hold a sheet of paper near the vent. If it sticks, suction is present.
- Steam test: Boil a pot of water. A working rangehood should pull the steam straight up. If it lingers or spreads, airflow may be weak.
If airflow remains low after testing and cleaning, your current model might simply be underpowered for your kitchen layout or cooking habits. In those cases, our team can help assess whether an upgrade is worth considering — or if the issue lies elsewhere in the system.
