Noise from the Hood: Causes and Solutions

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July 25, 2023 - Updated at January 22, 2025
Tiziano B.
Diagnostics
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Noise from the Kitchen Hood: Causes and Solutions

Do You Hear Noise Coming from Your Kitchen Hood Every Time You Turn It On?
Does this noise—whether it’s a rustling, squeaking, or humming sound—bother you and ruin the atmosphere of your kitchen?

If you notice this issue worsening over time, it’s crucial to identify its source so you can fix it and enjoy a quiet, efficient hood once again!

Having a quiet kitchen hood is essential to making your kitchen a welcoming and functional space, especially when hosting guests.

In this article, we’ll explore why a range hood—whether ducted or recirculating—can become noisy. I’ll also share some practical tips to help you reduce hood noise and restore the pleasant atmosphere of your kitchen.

Why Does the Hood Make Noise? The Causes:

If your hood is making noise, the first step is to identify its origin.

Recognizing the specific cause of the noise can help you take the right measures to solve the problem and restore a pleasant and quiet environment.

First, it’s important to distinguish between the normal operational noise of a hood and noise that indicates an issue.

Normal noise

Normal Hood Noise is to be considered the sound of air turbulence created by the motor and fans as the hood operates. The stronger the hood’s power, the louder this noise may be—but it’s nothing to worry about. It simply means the hood is doing its job!

To assess whether your hood is operating within acceptable noise levels, keep in mind that the sound threshold should not exceed 55 decibels (with the hood at maximum power). You can find information about noise levels on the label of every appliance, as shown in the image below.

By understanding the type of noise your hood makes, you can determine whether it’s normal or if there’s an underlying issue that needs attention

Abnormal noise

Manufacturers of range hoods are increasingly focused on reducing noise levels, constantly developing new technologies to make them quieter and more discreet.

However, if the noise you’ve identified is abnormal—such as a loud humming sound—it may indicate a malfunction that requires specialized maintenance.

Common Causes of Hood Noise:

Broken, Unbalanced, or Dirty Fan
Damaged or Malfunctioning Non-Return Valve
Motor Malfunction and/or Wear and Tear
Build-Up of Dirt and Grease in the Filters

Let’s take a closer look at these issues one by one

1) Broken, Unbalanced, or Dirty Fan

The fan, also known as the impeller or blade, is a wheel-shaped plastic component that, driven by the motor, creates the airflow that "sucks" air into the hood.

If the hood's fan is noisy, it could be due to one of the following reasons:

The nut securing it is loose, causing the fan to collide with the motor housing.
The fan is broken due to wear and tear.
It’s dirty from grease and dirt accumulation over time, often due to neglected filter maintenance.

2) Damaged or Malfunctioning Non-Return Valve

The non-return valve, also known as a backdraft damper or one-way flap, is a crucial component in a kitchen hood. It prevents the return of extracted air, odors, or fumes from outside or from shared duct systems in multi-unit buildings.

When the hood is switched off, the valve closes automatically to prevent external air and odors from re-entering the kitchen.

A malfunctioning valve—caused by wear or damage—not only makes the hood noisy but also compromises its suction efficiency, impacting air quality in the kitchen.

3) Motor Malfunction and/or Wear

One of the most common causes of hood noise is motor malfunction. The motor is the heart of the hood and drives the suction process.

If the motor isn’t working, the hood won’t extract air properly. Common causes of motor malfunctions include:

Excessive or prolonged use: Running the motor for extended periods without breaks.
Debris inside the motor: Debris from the duct system can obstruct or damage the motor.
Lack of regular maintenance: Accumulated dirt and grease inside the motor can hinder its functionality.
Electrical issues: Voltage surges, power fluctuations, or faulty electrical components can cause irreversible motor damage.
Low-quality motor: Cheaper motors tend to fail sooner than high-quality, durable ones.
Natural wear and tear: Over time, the motor may simply reach the end of its lifecycle and need replacement.

4) Accumulation of Grease and Dirt in Filters

The hood's filters (grease filters and activated carbon filters) can accumulate grease and dirt over time.

This buildup can obstruct airflow, forcing the motor to work harder and generate noise. Regularly cleaning grease filters and replacing activated carbon filters is essential to maintain a quiet and efficient hood.

Solutions to Reduce Hood Noise

Now you might be wondering: how can you reduce the noise from your hood? Here are some steps you can take:

Lower the Motor Speed: Excessive hood noise is often caused by running the motor at a high speed. Lower the speed, and you’ll notice a significant reduction in noise.
Clean or Replace Filters: Regularly clean or replace the filters to ensure they are free of grease and dirt, allowing the hood to function more quietly and efficiently.
Check the Fan: Clean the fan regularly to maintain good airflow and reduce noise.
Inspect the Motor: If you use the hood frequently, periodically check that the motor is securely fastened, not excessively worn or dirty, and assess if it needs replacement.
Inspect Soundproofing Materials (if applicable): Ensure the hood’s soundproof panels are in good condition and not crumbling or overly worn.

If you’ve addressed all these points and still experience noise or malfunctions, don’t hesitate to contact me. I’ll help you identify the problem and find a solution

Range Hood Maintenance

As we’ve seen in the previous sections, proper maintenance of kitchen range hoods is essential to ensure smooth operation and to prevent noise and malfunctions.

To keep your hood in the best condition and extend its lifespan, we recommend:

Regularly cleaning grease filters and replacing them if they are too dirty or worn.
Replacing activated carbon filters periodically.

At Filtro Cappa, you’ll find all the spare parts you may need to restore your hood, regardless of the model or brand.

We stock over 10,000 types of spare parts, including control panels, motors, fans, grease filters, and activated carbon filters, to meet any repair need.

Need Help Identifying the Problem? If you notice noise or a malfunction with your hood but can’t figure out the root cause, contact us! Our support team is always available to assist you.

With the right care and access to reliable assistance, you can enjoy a hood that is efficient, quiet, and long-lasting.

Conclusions

In this article, we’ve learned that a quiet range hood not only makes the kitchen environment more pleasant but also ensures the proper functioning of the entire ventilation system.

To reduce hood noise, we recommend regular maintenance to guarantee its longevity and preserve optimal performance. Once repaired and restored, you can enjoy a peaceful and discreet kitchen experience.

If you need to replace faulty components or improve your hood’s performance, visit our website to find the spare parts best suited to your needs.

If you need help identifying the issue, don’t hesitate to contact me! I’ll be happy to assist you in resolving your problem!

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