Fixing Range Hood Making Noise When Off | Make It Silence

Jessica Wiest
Last updated: August 22, 2023

Samantha is watching her favorite program on TV and gossiping with friends.

But, suddenly, an awkward noise comes from the kitchen.

She reached the kitchen in a rush thinking if anything happened.

But, she discovered the kitchen range hood made a noise that was still turned off.

Can you relate to Samantha?

You aren’t alone. Many homeowners face the same issues with their range hood. And there are several causes behind it.

However, nothing to worry about. In this blog post, I’ll let you know 5 probable reasons why your range hood still makes noise when it’s off. And explore how to practically diagnose and fix them with DIY skills. Let’s dive deep.

What You will Know show

Troubleshooting Your Range Hood Making Noise When Off

A kitchen range hood is an electrical gadget made with multiple components. If any parts of the hood are misled, malfunctioned, or faulty. Then there’s a high chance of making a beeping, clicking, or humming, or audible acoustic vibrating noise even when it’s off.

However, I design the post with specific noise-making causes and its specific step-by-step solution. So you can easily diagnose the issue and solve it.

Probable Cause 1: Banging Sound For Wind Draft Or Dripping Sound For Rain

In the rainy season, the blowing wind becomes much more powerful than your imagination. If your range hood is installed outdoors with ductwork. Then its flapper can frequently open and close for strong wind and make a banging noise. On the other hand, if rainwater is inserted into the valve, it may create a dripping sound.

How To Diagnose & Solve

Check outside if it rains with heavy wind or not.
If it rains outside and you get the banging or water-dripping sound. Most probably, it’s for wind drafts.
Wait until the rain stops and the wind gently blows .
If you don’t get any more sound, then it’s ok.
Install a wind draft damper to avoid this type of noise in the future.

Probable Cause 2: Louder Noise For Fan Blades

The fan of the hood contains multiple blades. The blades of the fan speed will rotate when the motor runs and create negative air pressure in the kitchen to vent smoked air. Two types of fan-related issues can make noise.

Loose or bent fan blades

The fan blades can be loosened or bent over time and scrape against the hood’s sides. The scraped blade will rub the hood even when the hood is off, making a louder and more annoying noise.

Dirty fan Blades

If the fan blades get clogged or dirty with airborne particles, sticky grease, dirt and debris. In that case, it may create unusual noise.

How To Diagnose & Solve

Remove the mesh filter of the range hood.
Thoroughly observe the fan and its blades.
If you notice the blades are scrapped, replace the fan’s blades.
If the blades of the fan look dirty. Clean the blades of the fan with soft bristle brush or vacuum cleaner.
Finally wipe them down with a dry cloth.

Probable Cause 3: Vibrating Sound For Loose Screws

You have used many screws or nuts-bolts while installing the hood over the wall. These screws hold the hood at the exact height and place. However, the screws can be loosened or wear and tear over time. In that case, your hood can make noise or vibrate.

How To Diagnose & Solve

Turn on all the lights in your kitchen to ensure better visibility.
Closely observe each of the hood’s screws.
Check their tightness, rotating with your fingertips.
If you can rotate any of the screws with your fingertips. It means that the screw is getting loose.
Tighten the screw with a screwdriver or screw-tightening socket.

Probable Cause 4: Bipping Sound For Electrical Issues

The hood works with electricity. So its plug is connected to electricity through electrical wiring and switch. If there are any issues with the wiring system or the switch is faulty. In that case, your hood can make noise even if it’s off.

How To Diagnose & Solve

First, you have to turn off the power system of your hood to suspect electrical issues.
For this, you can unplug the hood from the electrical outlet. Or turn off your house circuit breaker.
Then, check all the electrical wiring systems with an electronic multimeter.
If the multimeter shows you any red light, there is a problem with the system.
You should hire an expert electrician to repair the issues unless you can handle them.

Probable Cause 5: Clicking Sound For Damaged motor

The motor is the powerhouse of the hood. It can be damaged or malfunctioning for a long time use without any maintenance. So it may stop performing as usual and create unpleasant clicking noise when it’s turned off.

How To Diagnose & Solve

Removing the mesh filters of the hood, get access to the motor.
Inspect it with your detective’s eyes.
If you notice any rust, corrosion, or wear and tear.
Maybe the motor of the hood becomes damaged for that reason.
If the damage is a little bit repairable. You can repair it by hiring a professional.
But, if there is severe damage, replacing the old motor with a new one is better.

How To Prevent Further Noise Issues With your range hood

Do you like to go with the same hassles further?

Absolutely not.

So, don’t just fix the noise. Yet follow the below tips to prevent future noise.

Clean the duct and fan regularly to avoid clogging them with dirt and debris.

Tightly secure the screws and other installation components. So they won’t get loose within a short time.

Use lubricant on the motor to keep it slippery. So it can run smoothly and won’t create any noise.

Be mindful of your range hood and the ductwork size. The more appropriate both of their size, the more accurately the hood will be installed. So it won’t make noise for an inappropriate ductwork system.

FAQs

Can I fix a noisy range hood myself?

It depends on two things. The first is the origin of the hood noise, and the other is your essential troubleshooting DIY skill.

If the noise is created for wind drafts, dirty fan blades, and loose screws. You can fix it alone with some DIY tools.

On the other hand, if the hood is noisy for the damaged motor or electrical wiring issues. Here, you should seek help from a professional mechanic. Because both of these problems need professional handling to avoid any risk.

Is it safe to use a range hood that's making noise?

You can use your range hood that’s making noise until it won’t stop functioning. But, you don’t like breaking your home’s peaceful environment. Also, you prefer to avoid turning a simple issue into a serious one, keeping it unfixed that needs costly repairs later. So, you have to fix the nosing hood immediately after addressing it.

Conclusion

It can be a simple or severe issue making noise on your range hood when off. So, there is no way to deal with it carelessly or get panicked. Instead, as soon as you get the noise, you must check the hood according to the descripted methods.

Whatever the reason you diagnose behind the noise. Take action and fix them.

Besides fixing the issues, also follow noise prevention tips. So, your home will remain as peaceful and enjoyable as you desire.