How long does a range hood last?
Updated August 2026
A range hood lasts 10–15 years. The blower motor is the part that decides it: run the fan for years while grease cakes the fan wheel and clogs the filters, and the motor drags, overheats, and eventually seizes. Ducted hoods that vent outside tend to reach the top of that range, while recirculating (ductless) units that push air back through a charcoal filter work the motor harder and land nearer 10. A quiet, well-cleaned hood over a home cook's two-burner nights can push past 15; a greasy one over a six-burner range rarely sees 8.
Lifespan by type and situation
| Type or situation | Typical lifespan | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ducted (vents outside) | 12–15 years | Grease and moisture leave the kitchen, so the motor stays cleaner |
| Recirculating (ductless) | 10–12 years | Air runs back through a charcoal filter, working the blower harder |
| Under-cabinet or wall-mount | 10–15 years | The common builder hoods; motor and switch are the wear items |
| Downdraft | 8–12 years | A retractable fan and a longer duct run add failure points |
| Pro-style / high-CFM | 12–18 years | Bigger motors last longer, but the blower and lights cost more to fix |
| Grease never cleaned off filters | Cut 3–5 years | A caked fan wheel forces the motor to run hot and drag |
Signs yours is near the end
- Airflow that has faded even with clean filters, a sign the blower wheel is loaded with grease or the motor is tiring
- A grinding, humming, or rattling motor, or a fan that hesitates before it spins up
- Smoke and steam that hang over the cooktop instead of being pulled away
- Lights or fan speeds that flicker or quit while the other functions still work
- A greasy film settling back onto the cooktop and nearby cabinets after every session
- A metal mesh filter that stays greasy no matter how often you run it through the dishwasher
How to add years
Grease is the enemy, so keeping it off the moving parts is most of the battle. Pull the metal mesh filters and degrease them every 2–4 weeks (the dishwasher or a hot-water-and-degreaser soak both work), because a grease-caked filter chokes airflow and makes the motor labor. On a recirculating hood, swap the charcoal filter every 3–6 months so the blower is not fighting a clogged bed of carbon. Wipe the fan housing and blower wheel a couple of times a year, and run the fan for a few minutes after cooking to clear moisture. The full range hood maintenance checklist lays out the schedule. If the hood suddenly stops venting smoke, sort that out fast: a straining motor is a dying motor.
What it costs to replace: plan on $200–800 (pro-style hoods $1,000–3,000). Replacing on your own schedule, before it fails, is almost always cheaper than the emergency version. The home maintenance cost calculator helps you set the money aside before it comes due.
OnOtto tracks your range hood filter cleanings age and service history, and warns you before end of life instead of after the flood.
Track your home's systems, free for 30 daysFrequently asked questions
Can you replace just the motor in a range hood?
Often, yes, and it is usually worth it on a mid-priced or pro-style hood. A replacement blower motor runs $50–200 for the part, plus an hour or so of labor if you hire it out. On a basic $200–300 builder hood, a new motor plus a service call can approach the price of a whole new unit, so replacement wins. Before you buy anything, degrease the fan wheel and filters: a hood that seems weak or noisy is frequently just clogged, not failing.
Ducted vs ductless: does it change how long a hood lasts?
Yes, modestly. A ducted hood sends grease, heat, and moisture outside, so its motor and internals stay cleaner and it tends to reach 12–15 years. A recirculating (ductless) hood pushes that same air back through a charcoal filter and into the kitchen, so the blower works against more resistance and grease settles nearby, pulling life closer to 10–12. Ductless also vents far less effectively overall. If you can add or reuse a duct to the outside, the hood lasts longer and actually clears the air.
How often should I clean a range hood filter?
Degrease the metal mesh filters every 2–4 weeks if you cook most nights, monthly for lighter use; they are dishwasher-safe on most hoods. Charcoal filters on recirculating models are not washable and get replaced every 3–6 months. Letting grease build up is the fastest way to shorten a hood's life: it starves the blower of air, coats the motor, and becomes a genuine fire hazard over a cooktop. A five-minute filter soak beats a $300 hood replacement.
Is a loud or weak range hood a sign it is failing?
Not always. Nine times out of ten a weak, noisy hood is simply clogged: grease on the fan wheel throws it off balance and buries the airflow. Clean the wheel and filters first. If it is still loud, rattling, or barely pulling air after a thorough degrease, or if the motor hums without spinning, the bearings are going and you are near the end. On a hood past 12 years, put the money toward a new one rather than a repair.