Range Hood Dripping Grease; Ducted vs. Recirculating

What usually causes it

• Saturated grease filters. Once full, filters drip and pass grease into the blower and duct.
• Condensation in the duct. Warm, greasy air cools in a cold or long duct and runs back down.
• Duct slope and joints. Ducts that slope back toward the hood, or are not sealed, let grease and water drain back.
• Ducted hoods. Send air outside through a duct. They remove heat, moisture and odors best. Ducts need a damper and should be smooth metal.
• Recirculating hoods. Pass air through grease filters and a charcoal filter, then back into the kitchen. They capture grease and some odor but not heat or moisture. Charcoal filters need regular replacement.
• Over-the-range microwaves. Many are set up to recirculate unless they were converted to vent outside.

Range hood dripping grease

Grease drips when filters are saturated or condensation forms in the duct.

Check first: Clean the filters and wipe the hood interior.

Recirculating vs. ducted range hoods

A ducted hood sends air outside; a recirculating hood filters it and blows it back into the kitchen. They need different filters and expectations.

Check first: Check whether your hood has a duct going up or out, or charcoal filters.

Safe checks you can do

• Clean or replace the grease filters.
• Run the fan for 10 to 15 minutes after cooking to clear the duct.
• Find out whether your hood is ducted or recirculating: look for a duct on top of the hood and a vent cap outside.
• On recirculating hoods, replace the charcoal filter on schedule.

Parts that fail most often

• Grease buildup in blowers on hoods with neglected filters.
• Condensation in long attic duct runs.

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

• Grease drips with clean filters.
• The blower is coated with grease.
• You are not sure how your hood is vented.

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