Cooker Hood Fault Checker

Component Parts

Regardless of whether you have a standard extractor hood or the integrated island type or other built-in options, the main components are:

• Motor
• Lamp holders
• Bulbs
• Control switch or PCB – this controls the speed of the motor and the lights

If you have a more upmarket extractor hood that was very expensive, there will probably be far more components to be checked.  As these are generally more exclusive, it would make more sense to actually contact the manufacturer for a recommended engineer.  This is also true if you have a remote controlled extractor hood.

Poor airflow or extraction:

These problems seem to occur when the extractor hood has only just been installed.  Rest assured, this is very unlikely to be caused by the motor and is more likely caused by a blockage in the vent to the outside, or the filters themselves.

With a new installation, it is possible that when connecting to the outside vent something has been moved, which may have fallen into the vent.  

It is a good idea to check both these areas before calling back your installers, or calling out an engineer under your Warranty, as you may be charged if it is just a blockage.

Failed Lights

Extractor hood lights are not meant to be left on for long periods of time, but are designed to shed more light on the cooking surface on gloomy days, and whilst cooking is in progress.

If the lights are left on for much longer, the heat created may cause the bulbs to fail.  Also the bulb holders themselves may get too hot, which can also cause the bulbs to fail.

Other problems can be caused if you leave the extractor hood running for too long, especially on the less expensive models, so treat with care.

If used correctly, the bulbs should last for a very long time.  If you have not been leaving the lights on for too long and they have failed, there could be a problem which will require further investigation, either by yourself or an engineer.

Other Potential Faults

Obviously, as with any electrical appliance, there is the probability that a fault is caused by a wiring problem.  This can be further complicated when a transformer is in position.  Unless you are confident to fault-find in this way, it may be sensible to call in an engineer.

Other potential problems include the electronic control module or switch.  As these are used regularly, there is a chance that they will blow and will need to be replaced.It is comforting to know that motors themselves rarely fail, and it is probably not the cause of the problem.

Spare Part for Extractor Hoods

As stated, Extractor Hoods are quite simple and it should be fairly straightforward to source any spare part you require.

These can be found in either your DIY store, specialist retailer or on line.  If you have your make and model it should be fairly easy to locate the correct part.  

Sometimes you will be requested to provide the serial number as well, to ensure you get a perfect fit with your new spare part.

The most generic spare parts are the filters, either grease filters or carbon or charcoal.  If you can’t find exactly the correct size you need, there are universal filters available that you will need to cut down to fit your actual extractor hood.