What usually causes it
- Bulb. Many hoods use halogen or LED bulbs that are easy to overlook. Some LED modules are wired in.
- Light socket or switch. Heat and grease wear out sockets and switches.
- Fan switch. A failed speed switch can leave one or all speeds dead.
- Blower motor. Worn bearings make noise first, then the motor stalls.
- Run capacitor. Some blower motors use a capacitor. A failed one leaves the motor humming without spinning.
- Control board. Hoods with touch controls can fail at the board or keypad.
- Thermal protection. Some hoods turn the fan on automatically, or shut it off, if they sense too much heat.
- Power. A tripped breaker or loose connection in the junction box.
Range hood fan not running
A fan that will not run usually has a failed switch, motor, capacitor or control board.
Check first: Check the breaker and try every speed setting.
Range hood light out
Most hood lights are a bulb or LED module. If a new bulb does not work, the switch or socket may be at fault.
Check first: Try a replacement bulb of the correct type.
Safe checks you can do
- Replace the bulb with the correct type and wattage.
- Check whether the fan works on any speed.
- Check the breaker.
- With power off, see if the blower wheel turns freely by hand.
- Clean the grease filters.
Parts that fail most often
- Blower motors and fan switches are the most common hood repairs.
- Halogen sockets burn out from heat.
How your home affects it
In older homes
Older homes in the Houston area often have smaller kitchens and laundry closets built for smaller appliances, older wiring, and shut-off valves that have not been turned in years. Many older kitchens recirculate air instead of venting outside, so filters do all the work.
In new construction
Newer homes in the Houston area usually come with builder-grade appliances, and many early problems are installation issues rather than failed parts. Ducted hoods and over-the-range microwaves sometimes have a damper that was never opened.
In apartments and condos
In apartments, condos and townhomes around the Houston area, space is tight and the building often has its own rules for access, parking and shut-off valves. An over-the-range microwave or recirculating hood is often the only kitchen ventilation.
In garages
Plenty of homes in the Houston area keep a second fridge, a freezer or the laundry in the garage, where summer heat regularly passes 100°F. Outdoor kitchen hoods need weather-rated parts and regular cleaning.
During storm season
Storm season around the Houston area brings power outages, surges and sometimes flooding, and appliances often show problems right after the lights come back on. Surges can take out hood and microwave control boards; mention any recent outage when you call.
When to call for repair
- The fan hums but does not spin.
- No speed works with the breaker on.
- Lights work but controls do not respond.
Turn off the breaker before removing the filters or light covers if the hood has exposed wiring.
Need help? We do range hood repair across Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties. Call (832) 345-9300, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM. Every repair comes with a 1-year warranty on labor.
Common questions
What usually causes this?
The most common causes are bulb, light socket or switch, fan switch, blower motor, run capacitor, control board, thermal protection and power.
Is it safe to keep using the range hood?
Turn off the breaker before removing the filters or light covers if the hood has exposed wiring.
When should I call for range hood repair?
The fan hums but does not spin. No speed works with the breaker on. Lights work but controls do not respond.
Do you repair this in my area?
We repair range hoods in homes across Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties. Call (832) 345-9300, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM. Every repair comes with a 1-year warranty on labor.