If you’ve had your new kitchen for a number of years, then you’ve undoubtedly noticed that the range hood is no longer working as gently as it used to, and a lot more vapor is lingering in the house. That’s because most range hoods have filters in them that need to be changed regularly. I’d like to help you out by going into more detail about the importance of replacing those filters in this blog.
Why clean air?
We do not need to go deeply into this, because it is common knowledge why clean air in the home is a must. First of all, it is good to remove water vapor and greasy air because otherwise that air can cause excessive humidity resulting in mold, and the greasy air can settle on all surfaces in the house. In addition, it is potentially harmful to the respiratory system if the air quality is poor in the home.
Why should a filter be replaced
If you cook often, hood filters become saturated. Of course, it also depends a bit on what you cook, but the fact is that filters get dirty and grimy over time. A full filter causes an extractor to have to pull harder, reducing the effect of the appliance working. More often, the fumes get stuck. Also, the device may start making more noise. At 10 p.m., do you still smell the smell of leeks and cauliflower from several hours ago? Then it’s time to change the filters.
What to do with recirculation
Some systems work on the principle of recirculation and it is mainly these systems where the filters need to be changed. They have no exhaust duct and filter the air before it is blown back into the room. There are carbon filters that need to be changed every six months, but there are also other types of filters that you can wash yourself. These washable “long-life” carbon filters are probably cheaper at the bottom line. There are also sometimes metal filters in such an appliance that need to be replaced once every three or even four years.
What is the service life of an exhaust filter
The lifespan of an exhaust hood filter varies greatly from model to model and from manufacturer to manufacturer, so we cannot give exact numbers. However, there is a good way to check if it is still working properly. Take a piece of A4 paper and hold it up to the extractor. If it pulls the paper up and the paper “sticks,” it is still fine. If the A4 falls down, then the filters are probably already (too) full.
How to practically replace a filter
When it’s time to change the filters, it’s something that does take an hour of your time. Below are some general steps to follow to change the filter. However, it may vary from model to model.
- Step 1 – First, you need to remove the grease filters to get to the carbon filters. You can also clean these grease filters right away.
- Step 2 – There are generally always carbon filters with the motor. These must be unclipped or slid out. The new filter can be clicked back in.
- Step 3 – Replace all parts and check that everything is in place. Is everything working? Then you can continue cooking.
Find the right filter
I recommend that before you begin unscrewing or removing the grease filters, that you first make sure you have the correct parts and filters. Order them by providing the correct make and model. If you have the time, remove the filter first and buy a new filter based on this item.