Quick Answer
Okay, so here's the quick version. If your kitchen still smells like last night's fish fry and your cabinets have a greasy film, your vent hood isn't doing its job. Most often, it's either the wrong CFM for your stove, the filters are clogged solid, or the ductwork is inefficient. Cleaning or replacing filters is a cheap DIY, typically under $50. However, if you need a new hood or ductwork modifications, it's generally a job for a professional. That will run you anywhere from $300-$1,000 for a basic like-for-like hood replacement to over $1,000-$3,500+ for a complex installation involving new ductwork or an island setup.
Common Symptoms
Possible Causes
Step-by-Step Diagnosis
Step 1
Inspect the baffle or mesh filters for grease buildup. Hold them to a light; if you can't see through, they're clogged.
Step 2
Determine if the hood is ducted (vents outside) or ductless (recirculates air) by checking for exterior vents or air blowing from the unit itself.
Step 3
Measure the width of your cooktop and compare it to the width of your vent hood. The hood should be at least the same width, preferably wider.
Step 4
Calculate the necessary CFM for your stove. For gas, divide total BTUs by 100. For electric, multiply cooktop width in inches by 10.
Step 5
Assess the existing ductwork if applicable. Check the diameter (should be at least 6 inches for most modern hoods) and trace its path to look for excessive bends.
Step 6
Measure the installation height from the cooktop surface to the bottom of the hood. It should be between 20-27 inches, depending on stove type and manufacturer specs.
Step 7
For an existing hood, listen to the fan motor. If it sounds strained or makes odd noises, the motor itself could be failing.
DIY vs Professional Costs
| Repair Type | DIY Cost | Professional Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
Filter Cleaning / Replacement | $10 - $50 | $150 | 30 minutes |
Basic Vent Hood Swap (like-for-like) | $25 - $150 | $300 - $1,000 | 2-4 hours |
New Ducted Hood Installation (with new ductwork) | Not recommended for full ductwork installation | $1,000 - $3,500+ | 1-2 days |
When to Call a Professional Kitchen Remodel
- When installing a new type of hood, like switching from under-cabinet to a wall-mount chimney style.
- Anytime new ductwork needs to be installed, especially if it involves cutting through an exterior wall or the roof.
- If the electrical wiring for the new hood is different from the existing wiring or requires a new circuit.
- For any island or ceiling-mount hood installation, as these require structural support and complex ducting.
- If you're unsure about calculating CFM, duct size, or whether you need a makeup air system (required by code in many places for high-CFM hoods).
Prevention Tips
- Choose a vent hood that is at least as wide as your cooking surface, and preferably 3-6 inches wider.
- Select a vent hood with more CFM (power) than the minimum calculation requires. You can always run a strong fan on low.
- Opt for a ducted hood that vents to the outdoors whenever possible; it is drastically more effective than a ductless model.
- Ensure ductwork is installed to be as short and straight as possible with a maximum of two 90-degree bends.
- Clean your metal grease filters monthly by running them through the dishwasher or soaking them in a degreasing solution.
- Run the vent hood for 10-15 minutes after you finish cooking to clear all residual contaminants from the air.
Frequently Asked Questions
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