How often do you need to change the carbon filter in your kitchen hood?

In order for the hood to work efficiently and not become overgrown with dirt, you need to change the carbon filter quite often. Let's figure out how often replacement is carried out and how to choose the right filter cartridge.

What is a filter for?

Filters with activated carbon filler are installed on exhaust devices operating on the recirculation principle. These hoods collect polluted air above the stove, pass it through a cascade of filters and return it back to the kitchen.

As a rule, air goes through two stages of purification:

Mechanical cleaning. Here, large solid particles are removed - dust, soot, etc. To capture them, a mesh with small cells is used - usually made of metal.
Absorption by activated carbon. This substance has many small pores, which, like a sponge, absorb water vapor, particles of fat, and molecules of unpleasant odors.

In many respects, recirculating hoods are superior to direct-flow models connected to the ventilation system of the house. They are more compact, easily fit into the interior and are built into furniture. But the benefits come at the price of having to periodically change the cartridge. The carbon filler in the cartridge becomes clogged over time and stops purifying the air.

Filter replacement time

The maintenance schedule for the hood, including the timing of filter replacement, is determined by the manufacturer.The operating instructions supplied with the exhaust device indicate the type of filter unit, the maintenance algorithm and the service life of one filter.

Here are some examples:

Bosch recommends replacing the filter once a year.
Krona's maintenance standard is to change filters every six months.
The most budget cartridges last no more than 2 months.

To extend the life of the filter, let the hood run for another 5-8 minutes after turning off the stove. During this time, the moisture absorbed by the coal will quickly evaporate. Thanks to this drying, the coal powder will not quickly cake.

Of course, the times given in the article are average and are designed for average hood load conditions. If the hood is operated in extreme conditions, the cartridges will have to be replaced more often.

Signs that it's time to change the filter

Indirect signs help to judge the degree of filter wear:

the appearance of a sticky fatty coating on the body;
reduction in operating efficiency (for example, if the hood is working, but unpleasant odors are still felt);
the appearance of extraneous noises, knocks;
reduction of traction.

The most advanced models of hoods are equipped with sensors for monitoring the condition of the filter element. But in most cases you have to rely only on the calendar and indirect signs.

Do not delay servicing the exhaust device. A clogged cartridge places a significant load on the electric motor, which leads to increased electricity consumption and creates a risk of hood failure.

Popular filter cartridge manufacturers

Today, hoods operating on the recycling principle are produced by many companies from the USA, Germany, Czech Republic, France, Russia and other countries. Many manufacturers produce filter cartridges for their devices themselves. However, there are many manufacturers that produce universal filter units. They fit many models.

If your hood is still under warranty, you should only use the cartridges specified in the instruction manual. If service does not comply with the requirements of the instructions, the right to repair under warranty may be lost!

We invite you to familiarize yourself with the products of brands that have earned the trust of customers.

Bosch

This German company is considered a recognized leader in the production of household appliances. Its universal filter units are expensive, but are of high quality and have a long service life.

The range of products manufactured by the company includes filters with round and rectangular cross-sections of various sizes.

Gorenje

The company produces high-quality filters that are quite capable of providing high quality cleaning. The range includes models for hoods from different manufacturers. According to consumer reviews, when replaced in a timely manner, filters from Gorenje are not inferior to products from Bosch.

Jet Air

This Italian manufacturer offers a wide range of filter cartridges. The model range includes round and rectangular filters of different thicknesses. Jet Air filters last approximately 4 months and have a reputation for being inexpensive and of average quality.

Krona

The filters of this company belong to the upper price category.The kit comes with 2 cassettes, so it lasts for a year (it is recommended to replace the cartridge once every 6 months).

In addition to the manufacturers described above, many companies produce filter units: Elikor, Shindo, Titan. They are less universal, but they serve quite successfully in hoods of “their” type.

How to replace the cartridge?

Many buyers of hoods, not wanting to deal with the process of replacing filters, prefer to periodically invite specialists. This is convenient, but comes with financial costs. At the same time, there is nothing complicated in servicing the hood.

Before you begin servicing, carefully read the instructions supplied with the device. Most manufacturers also produce videos that illustrate the filter replacement process. The better you understand what to do and how to do it, the easier and faster you will get the job done.

Before starting work, disconnect the hood from the mains. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in injury from electric shock!

Further maintenance is performed according to the following algorithm:

Removing the grille for rough air cleaning. As a rule, it is secured with latches and can be easily removed. The grille must be washed from dust and dirt.
Replacing the carbon cartridge. Usually its dismantling and installation does not cause difficulties either.
Putting the grille in place.

Do not put the grill back in place until it is completely dry. Otherwise, moisture will clog the cartridge and create favorable conditions for corrosion.

All that remains is to turn on the hood and make sure that everything is working properly: there are no extraneous noises or knocks, and a normal level of draft is ensured.

Save on replacement

Filter units are quite expensive (unless, of course, you use low-quality products).Therefore, users of recirculating hoods periodically face the question: is it possible to make the replacement process cheaper? For some models, such a reduction in price is quite possible. Just be sure not to throw away the used filter.

Once removed, inspect the filter for latches or other evidence that it can be disassembled.

If the body is collapsible, it is carefully opened and the caked carbon filler is removed.
Then new activated carbon is poured inside the cleaned body.

Buying granular carbon filler in large volume containers is much cheaper than paying for a new cartridge every time.

Timely replacement of the carbon filter will extend the life of the hood and provide a favorable environment in the kitchen. And this will allow the housewife to be less tired when preparing food. It’s worth working hard for such a result!