Range Hood Testing: How to Check If Your Kitchen Vent Is Working Right

When you turn on your range hood, a kitchen exhaust system designed to remove smoke, steam, grease, and odors while cooking. Also known as extractor fan, it’s one of the most ignored but essential parts of your kitchen. If it’s not pulling air the way it should, you’re left with lingering smells, sticky walls, and maybe even mold over time. A weak or broken range hood doesn’t just make cooking unpleasant—it can damage your home.

Most people think if the fan spins and makes noise, it’s working fine. But that’s not true. The motor might be running while the duct is clogged, the filter is packed with grease, or the damper is stuck shut. You can test your range hood in under five minutes with just a tissue or a piece of paper. Hold it up to the vent while the fan is on—if it doesn’t stick firmly, airflow is too weak. That’s your first red flag. If you’ve noticed smoke drifting back into the room or grease building up on cabinets, those aren’t just cleaning issues—they’re signs your range hood testing, the process of checking airflow, filter condition, and duct integrity has been overdue.

Related problems often show up together. A noisy fan could mean worn bearings. A fan that turns on but doesn’t pull air? Probably a blocked duct or a failed motor. If your hood has a light that flickers or won’t turn on, it might be a wiring issue. These aren’t always fixable with a quick clean. Sometimes the motor, switch, or control board needs replacing. And if you’re in an older home with a duct that runs through the attic or roof, lint and grease buildup can be hiding where you can’t see it. That’s why knowing how to test your system matters—it catches small issues before they become expensive repairs.

What you’ll find below are real fixes from people who’ve been there. From how to clean a greasy filter without chemicals, to checking if your duct is properly sealed, to deciding whether to replace the whole unit. These aren’t theory guides—they’re hands-on checks that worked in actual kitchens. Whether you’re dealing with a quiet hood that doesn’t pull air, or one that’s so loud you can’t hear the TV, you’ll find a step-by-step way to figure out what’s wrong—and what to do next.