DIY Kitchen Range Hood Cleaning & Inspection Checklist
Standards: NFPA 96 | International Mechanical Code (IMC) Section 505 | International Residential Code (IRC) Section 1503
Section 1
Hood Body & Structural Condition
Inspect the exterior body, mounting, and structural integrity of the unit.
1
Is the hood body free of dents, cracks, or visible structural damage?*
2
Is the hood mounted securely with no loosening at brackets or fasteners?*
3
Is the hood level and evenly aligned above the cooktop?*
4
Is the hood exterior free of grease discolouration or heavy residue buildup?
Section 2
Mounting Height Compliance
Verify that the range hood is installed at the correct and safe distance above the cooktop.
1
Is the clearance between the cooktop surface and the bottom of the hood correctly set for a gas cooktop (24–30 inches)?*
2
Is the clearance between the cooktop surface and the bottom of the hood correctly set for an electric cooktop (20–24 inches)?
3
Is the hood width equal to or wider than the cooking surface below it?*
Section 3
Grease Filter Condition
Inspect and assess the condition of all grease filters.
1
Are grease filters present and properly seated in the hood?*
2
Are aluminium mesh or baffle filters free of heavy grease buildup?*
3
When held up to a light source, does light pass through the filter freely?*
4
Are charcoal filters (ductless hoods only) replaced within the last 3–6 months?
5
Are filter clips, latches, or housing tracks free of damage and operating correctly?
Section 4
Fan, Motor & Airflow Performance
Test fan operation across all speed settings and inspect motor condition.
1
Does the fan operate correctly at all speed settings (Low / Medium / High)?*
2
Is the fan free of unusual noises such as rattling, grinding, or excessive humming?*
3
Are fan blades clean and free of grease accumulation?*
4
Does the hood produce strong, consistent airflow on the highest speed setting?*
5
Is there no visible sign of overheating, burn marks, or cracking on the motor housing?
Section 5
Ductwork & Venting Integrity
Inspect ductwork material, joints, external cap, and venting pathway.
1
Is the ductwork constructed of rigid, smooth metal (galvanised steel or stainless steel)?*
2
Are all duct joints sealed with aluminium foil tape and free of air leaks?*
3
Is the duct venting fully to the outside — not into an attic, ceiling cavity, crawl space, or garage?*
4
Is the exterior wall or roof cap present, undamaged, and free of grease or blockage?*
5
Is the backdraft damper on the exterior cap opening and closing freely?*
6
Is the duct run as short and straight as possible with fewer than two 90-degree elbows?
Section 6
Electrical Safety
Inspect electrical connections, grounding, lighting, and power supply.
1
Is the range hood properly grounded and connected to a dedicated power supply?*
2
Is the electrical wiring free of visible damage, fraying, or exposed conductors?*
3
Are all hood lighting units (LED or incandescent) functioning correctly?
4
Is the control panel (buttons, knobs, or touch controls) fully responsive at all settings?*
Section 7
Exterior Surface Cleanliness
Inspect and clean the exterior body surface of the range hood.
1
Is the exterior stainless steel surface free of grease film, fingerprints, and residue?*
2
Has the exterior been cleaned without use of abrasive pads, steel wool, or harsh chemical cleaners?
3
Is the underside of the hood (the intake area directly above the cooktop) clean and grease-free?*
Section 8
Make-Up Air Compliance
Applicable to range hoods with a rated airflow exceeding 400 CFM.
1
Is the range hood rated at 400 CFM or below? (If Yes, this section does not apply.)
2
If the hood exceeds 400 CFM, is a make-up air system installed and operational?
Final Sign-Off
* Mandatory checkpoint. A "No" response on any mandatory item requires immediate corrective action before the next cooking session.