Range hoods making noise other than that of the fan is abnormal. Even when the hood is not operating, you shouldn’t be hearing any noise coming from the unit. However, sometimes you may hear noise coming from your range hood even when it is not working! Why?
Range hood making noise when not working is due to outside weather conditions. Wind and rain can interact with the exhaust vent of the range hood and bring that noise inside through the ducting.
If your hood becomes noisy especially when the weather outside is rainy or windy, then a couple of minor fixes can easily solve the problem. Although there might be several reasons behind a noisy idle range hood, the most common is wind. Stick with us and find out how to handle this issue and make your kitchen as quiet as it can be.
Loud banging noise from the exterior vent
Firstly, we have to determine where the noise is coming from. If your hood becomes loud during windy weather, there’s a high chance that the problem lies in the outdoor vent. The vent contains a backdraft damper that helps in directing air outside. Unfortunately, removing it isn’t an option since dampers prevent insects and debris from getting into the vent as well. The best way to stop hood dampers from banging due to wind is by placing a piece of foam between the gap.
Damper flaps are usually made of light metal sheet that is held down by gravity. If the weather is windy, it becomes easy for the wind to move and bang them against the surface, hence making the banging noise that echoes throughout the vent. You can stick the damper’s flap to the foam with the help of some glue to stop the banging noise. Basically, anything that can absorb the motion of the flap would do the trick. It can be rubber, foam, or even cotton. All you have to do is stick some of the material around the opening to suppress the noise.
Range hood making noise when raining
Rain can be another cause of noise coming from your range hood. Whenever it rains, you’ll hear water dripping into the vent and the noise echoing into your kitchen. To fix the problem of range hood noise due to rain, you can have insulation installed around the ductwork. Insulation that can withstand the ups and downs of weather and dust while boasting soundproofing capabilities would definitely do the trick. However, this method is indeed expensive and only opted by homeowners who can afford to have the entire duct insulated.
So, for folks who are seeking an inexpensive solution, a weather flap is your answer. These flaps fit on your exterior vent and prevent the entrance of both water and pests, hence eliminating any possibility of noise emitting from the vent. Their downward-facing louvers direct water droplets to the ground and the best part is that these can shut and open automatically. You can check out the product and its features here (Amazon link).
Other reasons why range hoods make noise
Range hoods don’t always have to make noise due to the weather. The most common reasons behind range hood noise include the lack of proper maintenance that typically leads to faulty or worn-out components. If your range hood makes noise when turned on, the following might be the cause:
Fan blades touching
The fan blades might be touching the base of the motor if you hear a scraping noise whenever the hood operates. This can be a drawback of poor installation. If you cleaned the fan recently, probably, the positioning of the fan wasn’t done properly. All you have to do is tighten the fan to the top tightly so it doesn’t become loose and has enough space for blades to swing freely.
Unfit rubber belts
A range hood’s motor has a belt that connects them to the pulley. If this belt becomes loose over time, it will start to create a squeaking noise. To tackle this problem, have the belt changed with a new belt that is a proper fit.
Bearings replacement
The bearings of the range hood can be the reason behind the grinding noise. Faulty bearings can be a result of rough use and improper maintenance of the hood. It’s necessary to have them replaced with new ones as soon as possible.
Stuck debris
Dirt, dust, pebbles, can make their way into the ductwork of your range hood over time. Outdoor debris getting stuck in the fan is a common issue most range hood owners face. A thorough cleaning session occasionally will ensure your hood is free from this problem.
How to make range hood quieter
Though range hoods typically do not make that much noise, the echo through the duct might seemingly increase the loudness of range hood operation. To make your range hood quieter, consider having insulation installed. A single layer of soundproofing insulation would be sufficient for absorbing the echoing noise. Moreover, it’s recommended to run the hood at lower speeds if you’re not cooking excessively that often. Not only will this save you energy, but it would also cut down the noise since range hoods operate quietly at lower speeds. Having a larger duct is also an efficient way of minimizing echoes but it’s an expensive and time-consuming one.
Conclusion
Before you call a professional to come over, take a look at the hood for yourself. Range hood noise problems often take minor fixes that can be handled by anyone. However, if the problem still persists, it’s a sign that a proper repair is needed. That’s when you’ll have to seek professional assistance.
