(Guide) Winter Maintenance for Your Kitchen Hood

Blog Guides Diagnostics Maintenance and cleaning News and Technologies In the kitchen

October 9, 2024 - Updated at October 11, 2024
Tiziano B.
Maintenance and cleaning
376 views

With the arrival of the colder seasons, the kitchen hood becomes essential for keeping the environment healthy and well-ventilated, especially when we can’t open the windows to ensure air exchange. In this regard, the hood is crucial not only for removing steam and odors but also for preventing moisture buildup and circulating the air.

In addition to regular filter cleaning, it is important to carry out internal maintenance of the hood and check that the motor and air duct are in good condition, in order to face the season at its best and without unexpected issues.

Here is a complete guide on how to keep your hood efficient during the winter.

1. Cleaning the Filters in Winter for a Perfect Kitchen Hood

We all know that during winter, we tend to cook more in closed environments, leading to greater grease buildup in the grease filters. If the filters are saturated, the hood will lose its suction capacity, increasing the risk of bad odors and humidity in the kitchen, not to mention the fire hazard.

It is therefore crucial to clean or replace the hood's metal grease filters. Let’s see how.

How to Clean Grease Filters:

Remove the metal filters and soak them in hot water with dish soap. Let them sit for a couple of hours, then gently scrub with a soft brush to remove grease residues, being careful not to damage the steel. You can also wash them in the dishwasher, using an intensive cycle and placing them on the top rack. Be mindful of the washing temperature! Aluminum is a soft material and can easily bend if not handled with care.
Make sure to dry them completely before putting them back in place.
Clean the inside of the hood with a damp cloth and a degreasing cleaner.

Read the detailed guide on how to degrease grease filters >>

→ Tip: Perform this cleaning every 1-2 months during winter, when the kitchen is used more frequently and the air is less ventilated.

2. Checking the Hood Motor: Here’s How to Do It

Cold temperatures and increased humidity, typical of the winter season, can challenge the hood motor, leading to hidden issues such as condensation, dirt buildup, or electrical malfunctions.

A common mistake is neglecting to check the hood motor, which may accumulate grease over time and, in extreme cases, start dripping. If you notice grease leaks from the motor, there might be a serious issue that needs to be addressed.

Here’s what to do:

Check for condensation or grease: Make sure there are no traces of grease or moisture in the motor. If the motor is dripping, the air duct may be partially obstructed, or the pipe diameter may not be sufficient to properly expel the extracted air.
Verify the motor’s operation: Ensure that the hood motor turns on without difficulty and runs smoothly, with no unusual noises or slowdowns.
Lubricate moving parts: If the motor has components that require lubrication, make sure they are well-oiled to prevent cold temperatures from affecting the fluidity of movement.
Check seals and connections: Make sure all joints and seals are properly sealed to avoid air leaks or moisture infiltration that could damage the motor.

3. Checking the Air Duct in the Hood

An obstructed or undersized duct can drastically reduce the hood's suction capacity and cause problems such as grease dripping from the motor.

During the winter, the proper functioning of the kitchen hood's air duct becomes essential to maintain ventilation efficiency. Cold temperatures and humidity can cause issues like condensation, blockages, or air leaks, compromising air quality in the kitchen.

How to Check if the Duct is in Good Condition:

Inspect the duct: If you suspect that the pipe is obstructed, disassemble it and check for any debris or anything that could impede proper air flow.
Check the pipe size: Ensure that the duct diameter is suitable for the hood's power. It should generally never be less than 12 cm in diameter. A narrow pipe may not be able to evacuate the extracted air properly. Refer to the manufacturer's manual to know the recommended diameter based on your hood's power.
Check for air leaks: Carefully inspect all duct joints for air leaks, which can reduce ventilation efficiency and increase humidity in the kitchen.
Inspect the pipe integrity: If the duct is flexible or made of metal, check for any bends, crushing, or damage that could obstruct airflow.

If the duct is blocked or too small, consider having it cleaned or replaced by a professional to ensure proper ventilation.

Read the detailed guide on proper duct installation >>

4. Replacing or Cleaning the Activated Carbon Filters in the Recirculating Hood

If you have a recirculating hood, it contains activated carbon filters to eliminate odors, smoke, and return purified air to the environment. These filters lose effectiveness over time and need to be periodically cleaned and replaced regularly. Here’s how to do it:

It’s important to know that they should be replaced every 6-8 months, and if this period has passed, they must be changed to ensure the hood functions properly. Remember to note the date of the last filter replacement.
If you have reusable carbon filters, you can wash and regenerate them by following the instructions provided in the detailed guide.

In winter, with the hood working more intensively, changing the activated carbon filters is essential to maintain good air quality.

5. Checking and Replacing the Hood Lights

During the winter, shorter days and the need for better visibility while preparing meals make the hood lights essential. The hood lighting not only helps to cook safely but also contributes to keeping the environment well-lit.

Here are some useful tips for your hood lighting:

Regularly check that the hood lights turn on properly. If you notice burnt-out or non-functioning lights, replace them immediately with compatible bulbs.
Choose LED bulbs, which consume less energy and last longer. If your hood has halogen bulbs and you want to replace them, read our dedicated article.

→ Tip: Do not ignore burnt-out lights, as with increased use in winter, good lighting is crucial for safety in the kitchen.

6. Inspection of Mechanical and Electronic Components of the Hood

With the increased use of the hood during winter, it is essential to check in advance that all parts, both mechanical and electronic, are in good condition to ensure you are well-prepared for the season. Here’s what you need to pay particular attention to:

Check the motor and fans to ensure they are functioning smoothly. If you notice unusual noises or a drop in suction power, technical maintenance may be necessary.
Inspect the electrical connections to make sure they are intact and that there are no signs of wear or damage to the cables, which could be further compromised by cold or humidity.

7. Proper Use of the Kitchen Hood in Winter

Since windows are opened less often and for shorter periods during winter due to the cold, it is crucial to use the hood correctly to extract or filter stale air and ensure you breathe clean air.

Here are some tips for the proper use of the hood:

Turn on the hood 5 minutes before cooking: This will create a stable airflow that immediately captures steam and grease, while also warming up the hood surface, which will generate less condensation upon contact with fumes due to a lower thermal shock.
Keep the hood on after cooking for 5-10 minutes to eliminate any remaining odors and humidity.
Check the suction power: If you feel the suction is weak, it may be necessary to clean or replace the filters, or check the motor and fans.

How Can You Keep the Air Clean in the Kitchen Without Opening the Windows in Winter?

Without natural ventilation from windows, it is important to make the most of the hood and consider other solutions to maintain air quality:

Use an air purifier: It can be a valuable ally in eliminating fine dust and allergens that may accumulate indoors.
Regularly monitor the humidity level: If the air is too humid, it could promote mold growth. Use a dehumidifier if necessary.
Consistently clean the hood: Keep the hood and filters clean, both internally and externally, to ensure maximum suction power and a healthy environment.

Filtro Cappa for Your New Filters and Spare Parts

As we've seen in this article, regularly cleaning the filters, replacing the lights, and keeping the mechanical components in good condition is essential for the optimal functioning of the hood. However, these precautions may not be enough, and you might need to replace some parts of your hood.

That's where Filtro Cappa comes in! Everything you need to keep your hood in perfect shape, in any season! In our online store, you'll find original and compatible spare parts, even for outdated and obsolete hoods.

Need help diagnosing the problem or finding the right replacement? Contact us easily via WhatsApp or email.

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