Who this guide is for
- Homeowners whose range hood no longer clears smoke and steam
- People preparing to brief a professional about poor extraction
- Anyone seeing grease film or lingering odours despite a running hood
- Owners wanting a clear performance record before an assessment
Symptoms of weak extraction
Note whether smoke and steam linger, odours stay in the kitchen, a greasy film builds on cabinets and walls, or the hood is loud but ineffective. A tissue near the intake shows whether it pulls air.
Record how the hood performs across normal cooking rather than guessing the cause.
- Smoke and steam drifting past the hood
- Odours lingering after cooking
- Greasy film on nearby surfaces
- Loud running but little pull at the intake
Filters and obvious blockages
Note the condition of the visible grease filter — clogged filters are a common, easily seen factor. Record whether it looks saturated or has not been cleaned in a long time.
You are observing condition, not dismantling the unit's wiring or motor.
Ducted or recirculating
Note whether the hood vents outside through ducting or recirculates through a charcoal filter back into the room. If you are unsure, say so. If you can safely see an external outlet, note whether its flap opens.
This setup distinction matters a great deal to a professional.
Photographing and timing
Photograph the hood, the grease filter, any external outlet visible from the ground, and the grease film that has built up. Note how the hood copes during steamy cooking.
Avoid opening the hood's electrical parts or working on ducting at height.
- Tissue test at the intake
- Capture the filter, outlet and grease film
- Do not open the hood's wiring or ducting
Briefing a professional
Bring your symptom notes, the ducted-or-recirculating observation, the filter condition, and photos before contacting an electrician or ventilation professional.
Let them assess the hood, ducting and outlet; your record helps them judge where the airflow is lost.
Documentation checklist
- 1Note whether smoke, steam and odours linger despite the hood running
- 2Do a tissue test at the intake to gauge pull
- 3Check the visible grease filter and note its condition
- 4Record whether the hood is ducted outside or recirculating
- 5Note whether any external outlet flap opens
- 6Photograph the hood, filter, outlet and any grease film
- 7Note how it copes during steamy cooking
- 8Avoid opening the hood's wiring or working on ducting at height
Common mistakes to avoid
- Opening the hood's electrical parts or motor, which is for a qualified electrician
- Cleaning or disconnecting ducting at height yourself
- Assuming the motor is weak when a clogged filter may be the issue
- Overlooking whether the hood actually vents outside
- Ignoring grease film and odours that show extraction is failing
When to involve a professional
- An electrician or ventilation professional should assess and work on the hood, its wiring, ducting and outlet
- Do not open the hood's electrical components; they carry shock risk and are for a qualified electrician
- Built-up cooking grease can be a fire-relevant factor, so flag a heavily clogged filter to the professional
- What is involved varies by installation and location
Frequently asked questions
Questions readers ask about this topic
Why is my range hood not clearing smoke?
Weak extraction can come from the hood, ducting, the external outlet, a clogged filter, or the hood recirculating rather than venting outside. Recording the symptoms and your setup helps a professional narrow it down.
Could a dirty filter be the problem?
A saturated grease filter is a common and easily seen factor in poor extraction. Note its condition in your record, and flag a heavily clogged one to the professional, as built-up grease is also a fire-relevant concern.
Does it matter if my hood is ducted or recirculating?
Very much — a recirculating hood filters and returns air to the room rather than venting outside, which changes how it performs. Noting which type you have is one of the most useful things for a professional.
Can I open the hood to check the motor?
No — the hood is an electrical appliance and should only be opened by a qualified electrician. Record the symptoms, the filter condition and your setup from outside, and leave inspection to a professional.
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