Notice a Cold Draft From Your Stove Vent? Explore 3 Causes and Solutions
Cold air blowing through your kitchen vent in the middle of winter can be both surprising and uncomfortable. This often signals a malfunction in the damper or a fault in the duct system. Luckily, these are common issues that can usually be repaired without much trouble, so you won’t have to deal with the draft for long.
1. You Don’t Have a Backdraft Damper
A backdraft damper is a component installed within the kitchen vent system that controls airflow. While the range hood is running, it allows cooking exhaust, like smoke and steam, to exit the building. Once the hood is off, the damper closes to block outdoor air, dirt, or even pests from reentering the duct and contaminating the kitchen.
How to Fix It
Not all range hoods include a backdraft damper by default. If you’re unsure whether yours has one, it’s a good idea to contact an SD Appliance Repair professional who specializes in kitchen ventilation. They can inspect your setup, let you know if a damper is necessary, and handle the installation if needed.
2. Bent, Dirty, or Damaged Damper
Even if your system includes a backdraft damper, there are still cases where chilly air might make its way through the vent. Buildup from grease or residue can stop the damper from sealing fully, allowing outdoor air to slip inside. Physical damage—like bent flaps—can cause similar problems. If the installation was done recently, a misaligned screw or an incorrectly positioned damper might be the reason cold air is entering your kitchen.
How to Fix It
To start, you’ll need to find and check the damper inside your range hood system. Follow these steps:
- Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself.
- Cut power to the range hood to avoid any electrical risks.
- Use your hood’s manual to help locate the damper—this might require removing a few components, depending on the model.
- Once you can see the damper, inspect it carefully:
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- Make sure the flap moves in the direction the air should flow.
- If there’s buildup from grease or grime, take the damper out and clean it. This is also a good opportunity to wipe down the rest of the hood.
- Tighten any screws that may have come loose.
If you notice serious wear—like broken or bent parts—it’s best to replace the damper entirely. You can find replacements in hardware stores or online and follow the product’s guide to install it. If you’d rather not handle it yourself, a technician who deals with range hoods can help.
3. Leaky Ductwork
If the damper appears to be working properly, the source of the draft might be somewhere else. In some cases, cold air seeps in through gaps or cracks in the ductwork connected to the range hood, rather than coming from outdoors.
How to Fix It
Take a look at the visible sections of ductwork near the range hood and in the attic to check for any signs of air leaks. If you spot any, use foil tape to seal them—it’s designed to handle heat and resist grease buildup. Just remember, some duct areas might be out of reach. In that case, it’s best to bring in an HVAC professional to handle the inspection and repairs.
When to Call a Pro
If you’re confident handling minor home repairs, take a closer look inside your range hood to spot any issues with the damper or duct system. Depending on what you discover, you might be able to apply a few simple fixes to stop unwanted cold air from entering your kitchen. But if you’re unsure where the problem lies or prefer not to tackle it yourself, an SD Appliance Repair technician can help. They’ll be able to diagnose the issue—whether it’s with the damper, ducts, or another component—and take care of the repair efficiently.
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