5 Common Kitchen Exhaust Fan Problems
You don't often realize how
important your kitchen exhaust is until it breaks down. It gets rid of smoke, moist air, and food odors. Luckily, these five common problems are easy to fix.
1. Motor
If the motor of the
kitchen exhaust fan suddenly begins to make an unusual noise, it may be due to the fact that the motor is struggling to keep the fan running. When it gets to this stage, it is likely to be only a matter of time before the motor burns out completely. In this case, replacing the motor is the best option.
If you have retained the instruction manual, keep this on hand during the removal process to help you to identify relevant components. Switch off the power supply and remove the cover of the fan to access its wires. Carefully unhook them before removing the other fasteners that hold the motor to the support and reverse the steps with the new motor. Ensure that the new part is made by the same manufacturer as the fan and is the correct model. Then check the manual to determine whether it outlines any recommendations as to suppliers.
2. Rattle
A kitchen exhaust fan that rattles when it is in operation is likely to have loose or defective components that will have to be rectified. After switching off the power supply, check the fasteners holding the cover in place. If they are correctly secured, unscrew them in order to remove the cover and check for any loose parts. Repair or replace any components that you find to be faulty and make sure the screws are properly tightened when you replace them.
3. Power Failure
If the exhaust fan fails to work at all when you switch it on, there are a few possible causes. Check whether the appliance has tripped the circuit breaker and switch it back into place if this has occurred. Alternatively, check whether the fuse has blown and replace it if this is the case.
4. Moisture
A build-up of condensation in the kitchen exhaust fan can result in moisture dripping from it and causing staining to the surface beneath. Remove the cover after switching off the power and clean the inner surface of the cover. Check whether you can see a build up of moisture.
5. Wiring
The location of a kitchen exhaust fan can sometimes cause the wiring to melt. The wires can also become loose or frayed. In this situation, the wires must be replaced. Turn off the power supply and remove the cover by unscrewing the fasteners that hold it in place. Visually
check the wires for any sign that something may be amiss. If they appear to be intact and fault-free, use an ohm meter on the wires that relate to the power switch. If the resulting reading is anything but zero, then the switch is faulty and must be replaced.
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Return Air Vent Efficiency and Proper Placement
The best way to improve the efficiency of your return air vents is to check your furnace filter. If the filter is too old, it is probably reducing the efficiency of your return vents, and you should change it. Furnace filters should be changed every six months anyway.
How Do They Work?
A return vent sucks in air and delivers it to the heating/air-conditioning system to be treated. The treated air is then forced out of the air vents into the rooms of the house, starting the cycle over again.
Using Proper Vents
Another good way to improve the efficiency of your return is to make sure the grills aren't blocking the airflow. Also, keep in mind that the size of the return vent depends upon the size of both the room and your ducts. Some large spaces might require multiple vents, and some small rooms that don't have vents might benefit from having them. In general, you want your HVAC system to have about as much return capacity as supply capacity.
Proper Placement
Sometimes vents get blocked by rugs, couches, or the like. Try to avoid doing this to your vents as it will reduce their efficiency. Some systems have two sets of return vents, one up high for warm air and one low to the floor for cool air. The low vents stay closed in the summer and the high vents stay closed in the winter.
Shutting the Vents
A popular misconception about vents is that by shutting some you can improve the efficiency of others. By closing vents, however, you raise the pressure in the ducts, causing more harm than good.
Cleaning
The last step in ensuring the efficiency of your return vents is to clean them on a regular basis. You can use your vacuum cleaner. Just remove the grilles and vacuum out any dust you can reach with your attachment. This is sufficient most of the time, but every once in a while you should call in professionals for a more thorough cleaning.
Your return air vent plays a vital role in the cooling and heating of your home. You'll breathe a little easier with these efficiency and placement tips!
