How to Fix a Noisy Vent Hood Damper

There you are, perfecting the seasoning in your soup, when suddenly your vent hood starts clattering. It’s tempting to ignore the problem by just turning off the vent, but that’s not a great solution since it means smoke could circulate into your living space, and if you’re cooking on a gas stove, there are a number of other toxins as well. Luckily, if you have a noisy vent hood, you might be able to fix it yourself.

Here’s how to figure out the cause of your noisy vent hood damper, or what other elements could be broken, how to fix them and when it’s a better idea to call a professional.

Noisy Range Hood Vent Causes

There are a number of reasons your vent hood could be noisier than usual. “It could be as simple as a loose grease filter or as complex as a bad motor,” says Glenn Lewis, President of Mr. Appliance. Here are some common possibilities.

Loose Damper

If you notice the noise when the wind has picked up, a loose damper is the likely culprit. “This will force the metal of the hood to slam against the unit and make a clanking noise that can drive some people crazy,” says Geoff Walker, superintendent at ASAP Restoration.

Stuck Damper

If the damper is damaged, warped or stuck, it can also create a clatter. “You can identify these issues typically by just turning the hood off,” says Aaron Wilson, a home appliance expert with JustAnswer. “The noise should stop shortly after turning it off.”

Bent Fan Blades or Loose Pieces

If your fan blades are bent, broken, worn or wobbling, or other parts of the hood are loose, they can cause a noisy vibration. “Check for loose screws on the range hood, especially around the fan,” says Melanie Powers, president at Goodberlet Home Services.

Motor Needs Oil

If you hear a squeaky, high-pitched sound, it could indicate that your motor needs to be lubricated. If lubricating doesn’t fix the problem, you might need a new motor.

Clogged Filter

Residue can build up on the grease filter, so check to see if it’s clean and installed tightly in place.

Uninvited Guests

It’s also possible that your vent hood has become the entry point for rodents to enter the home, says Walker. “This can cause it to clang every time they go in and out,” he says.

How to Inspect Your Range Vent for a Faulty Damper

Typically the range vent hood is located on the outside of the house, close to the wall where the range is installed. Once you locate it, see if it’s the vent hood that’s making the flapping noise.

“If the range vent flap is located on the inside, then it will be directly above the range inside of the ventilator fan area, and you should be able to adjust it, albeit awkwardly, from below the vent hood,” says Walker.

How To Fix a Noisy Range Hood

Stuck or Worn Damper

If you think a noisy vent hood damper is the root of your problem, then start by replacing the vinyl or foam backer, says Walker. “It has likely deteriorated and metal is hitting against metal when it flaps open and closed,” he says.

To do this, remove the old vinyl or foam and completely clean the surface. Then, add new sticky foam to the back of the vent flap so there’s no metal-on-mental contact.

“This will eliminate the clanging noise that it makes when caught in the wind or during operation,” says Walker. “You can purchase a roll that will last a lifetime for less than $10, and it will solve the problem for a long time before it needs to be reapplied.”

You can also install a spring-loaded backdraft damper, which typically costs between $10 and $30.

Bent Fan Blades or Loose Pieces

Inspect the fan for wear or damage and replace the blade if needed (blades typically cost less than $50). Also, check for loose screws and tighten those.

Squeaky Motor

If the motor is your culprit, apply a few drops of non-detergent oil to the motor. A can should run around $10. Be sure not to use automotive oil, which is too thin and can damage the motor.

Clogged Filter

Remove the filter(s) and clean them to remove grease buildup. Your owner’s manual may include a helpful troubleshooting guide, too.

When to Call a Pro to Fix Your Range Hood Vent

It’s definitely possible that you may be able to fix your noisy vent hood damper.

“This is a super simple DIY job for many people, but for those that can’t reach the vent hood, or for those that aren’t interested in getting a bit dirty in the process, then you might be better off calling a professional to do this for you,” says Walker.

Powers and Wilson agree it’s also a good idea to call a pro if you think you have an electrical issue or need fixes within the ductwork, since damaging the ductwork can add to the cost and complexity of the fix.

Lewis warns that it can also be dangerous to fix the hood yourself. “Not only are there sharp edges past the filters, there are spinning fan blades and electrical power,” he says.

About the Experts

• Geoff Walker is a company superintendent at ASAP Restoration in Tempe, Arizona, and has nearly 50 years of experience in the home repair field.
• Aaron Wilson is a home appliance technician and expert with JustAnswer. He is the lead tech and field manager at Mr. Appliance of Highland Park in Texas and an instructor at Dyer Appliance Repair Academy.
• Glenn Lewis is President of Mr. Appliance, an appliance repair franchise and Neighborly company. He is responsible for the overall leadership and growth of Mr. Appliance throughout the US and Canada.
• Melanie Powers is president at Goodberlet Home Services, a female-owned plumbing, construction, electrical and HVAC repair company, serving parts of Illinois and Indiana since 1982.