Vent-A-Hood®

Owner Maintenance and Repair Topics

Hood Cleaning

For your kitchen ventilation system to work properly, it is important to clean the blower housing or filters regularly. Please review the procedure you’re your model. Range Hoods will be equipped with the Magic Lung® blower system, the K250 blower system or a remote blower system RM 1000/RM 1500.

Hood Cleaning Models with the Magic Lung®:

 

Hood Canopy

Wipe down the interior and exterior of the hood as needed with a soft cloth and warm soapy water (liquid dish detergent is acceptable). Do not use acids, abrasives, strong detergents, solvents, or scouring pads. Stainless steel should be treated with a quality stainless steel cleaner such as Stainless Steel Magic® (Vent-A-Hood® part number SS64). Follow all label instructions. Do not polish across the grain or in circles.

Real copper, real brass, and hammered copper hoods will oxidize and/or tarnish over time. Use a quality copper or brass cleaner such as Red Bear Copper Polish (Vent-A-Hood part number CP101). Follow all label instructions. Do not polish across the grain or in circles. Do not use acids, abrasives, strong detergents, degreasers, solvents, or scouring pads.

Blower Unit

WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury, be sure the blower is turned off in the hood before removing the shield(s) and blower housing(s).

The Vent-A-Hood® Magic Lung® blower captures grease by-products in the blower housing(s). Cooking habits determine how often the blower housing(s) will need to be cleaned. High fat content foods and heavy cooking may require cleaning after each use.
To remove the blower housing, first remove the blower shield (A). This is accomplished by loosening the two brass screws on the bottom of the shield. The blower housing is removed for cleaning by un-snapping the suitcase latches (B) (one on each side of the housing). Then, pull the housing forward and gently “tip” it downward to clear the blower wheel(s).

Clean the shield(s) and/or blower housing in a sink of warm soapy water (liquid dish detergent) and let soak for a few minutes. Wash with sponge or dishcloth, rinse and let drain. Reinstall blower housing and snap suitcase latches in place. The blower housing and shield(s) alternatively may be placed into a dishwasher.

Blower Wheel
WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury, be sure the blower is turned off in the hood before removing the blower shield(s) and blower housing(s).

Regular cleaning of the blower housing should prevent grease accumulation on the blower wheel. If grease build up should occur, the blower wheel may easily be cleaned in place using a soft bristle toothbrush and a common degreaser such as Formula 409®. Take care not to move or lose the metal balancing clips that may be affixed to the wheel (C).
In instances where the blower wheel may need to be removed, follow the instructions below.
Removing the blower wheel requires a 1/8” hex wrench. A T-handle hex wrench (A) is available from Vent-A-Hood® to accomplish this (Part # AW101). There is a small set screw on the side of the hub of the wheel (B) that tightens up against a “flat” spot on the motor shaft. The set screw must be rotated ½ turn counterclockwise to remove the blower wheel. Insert wrench through the blades of the blower wheel and into the set screw. If the wheel is difficult to remove, the area where the motor shaft makes contact with the blower wheel hub may need to be sprayed with common penetrating oil such as WD-40®.

After allowing the penetrating oil to soak for a few minutes, push the blower wheel forward slightly, then gently pull the blower wheel off the motor shaft. Use caution to avoid bending or distorting the blower wheel and take care not to move or lose the metal balancing clips that may be affixed to the wheel (C).
A soft bristle toothbrush with warm soapy water may be used to clean the blades, or soak the blower wheel in warm soapy water. When reinstalling the wheel onto the motor shaft, make sure the set screw makes direct contact with the “flat spot” on the motor shaft. Slide the blower wheel onto the motor shaft as far as it will go, making sure the back of the blower wheel does not touch the motor mount screws protruding from the motor.
If the blower wheel is too far back, it will rub the motor mount screws, and if it is too far forward, it will rub the inside of the blower housing. Adjust the blower wheel slightly to find the correct front to rear location. Tighten the set screw (clockwise) to lock the blower wheel in the correct position.
NOTE: For hoods that have more than one blower wheel, make sure that white blower wheels are matched up with white motor rings, and black blower wheels are matched up with black motor rings. The hood will not perform properly if blower wheels and motors are mismatched.