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- - Updated at
- Tiziano B.
- Maintenance and cleaning
- 4763 views
You know that if you don't regularly maintain your hood filters, you might face even serious risks?
At the heart of the kitchen, as you well know, the hood plays a crucial role, ensuring a clean environment free from unpleasant odors. At the center of this effectiveness are the filters, which capture odors and vapors and purify the air from volatile compounds.
Despite their importance, they are often neglected. In this article, I will list the risks associated with the lack of maintenance of the grease filters and activated carbon filters, providing you with essential advice for their care and replacement.
Let's get started!
The function of filters in the kitchen hood
Kitchen hood filters, as mentioned, are key elements in the operation of kitchen hoods. Among the various types, more or less known, there are two main ones: grease filters and activated carbon filters.
Both have specific tasks: the former are the first "barrier" that smoke and vapors encounter and function to capture grease particles present in cooking vapors, while the latter, present only in filtering hoods, absorb odors and smoke, purifying the air that will be recirculated in the kitchen.
Let's take a closer look:
Grease Filters
Made of metal mesh, grease filters act as a barrier against grease and solid particles, preventing the accumulation of residues inside the ventilation system. Their effectiveness is directly proportional to the frequency with which they are cleaned and, if necessary, replaced.
Activated Carbon Filters
Activated carbon filters are essential for recirculating filter hoods, where it's not possible to expel air outside. They are placed inside the hood and contain activated carbon, a porous material capable of absorbing odors and organic vapors, purifying the air before it's circulated back into the room.
There are various types, from standard to more sophisticated LongLife ones that can also be washed and reused.
Risks associated with the lack of filter maintenance
Taking filter maintenance lightly can lead to various risks, some of which are serious, both for the home and the people living in it:
- Increased risk of fires: Persistent grease accumulated on grease filters can ignite when in contact with heat sources.
- Worsening air quality: The saturation of filters, both activated carbon and grease filters, leads to the spread of unpleasant odors and potentially harmful substances (coming from the smell of burning, for example).
- Higher energy consumption: A dirty hood requires more energy to draw air, increasing consumption and, consequently, costs on the bill.
- Deterioration of the hood: The accumulation of grease inside the hood can compromise vital components of the hood, contributing to the premature aging of the system and a decrease in the hood's lifespan.
- Inhalation of harmful substances: Fumes and particles emitted during cooking can spread in the environment and be inhaled by you or your family members.
- Development of molds and bacteria: The grease and moisture trapped in the filters can create an ideal environment for the growth of molds and bacteria that could come into contact with food.
Tips for regular maintenance of the Hood
To avoid these risks, some of which are serious, preventative maintenance is key to ensuring efficiency and longevity of your hood. Here are some practical tips I recommend you implement right away:
- Regular inspection: Periodically check the physical integrity of the filters and their cleanliness.
- Frequent cleaning: Grease filters should be cleaned and degreased at least once every 2-3 months, following the manufacturer's instructions. You can choose to wash them by hand or in a dishwasher. LongLife activated carbon filters, unlike traditional activated carbon filters, can also be washed and re-installed in the hood. Read the dedicated in-depth article to find out how to do this.
- Filter replacement: Traditional activated carbon filters, unlike LongLife filters, cannot be washed and should be replaced about every 6 months, depending on the use of the hood and the manufacturer's specifications. As for grease filters, if they are excessively dirty, consider replacing them with new filters.
Choose professional and original filters
To maintain high performance and efficiency of the hood, it's crucial to keep the filters in good condition, as well as to choose original professional filters, compatible with the specific model of the hood and coming from reliable and experienced suppliers.
At Filtro Cappa, we have all the filters and spare parts from the best brands on the market, including: Faber, Franke, Elica, Airone, Whirlpool, Smeg, and many others.
If you can't find what you're looking for, write to us and we will do our best to procure it for you!
Dedicated Assistance
If you need support in replacing the filters, especially if it's your first time performing maintenance on your kitchen hood by yourself, contact our dedicated assistance service and we will assist you in this process.
