How to Fix a Drafty Range Vent

In the era of “modern farmhouse” design, the oven range vent has become a shining star. This stylish and functional item does the important job of venting steam, smoke, grease, and fumes out of your kitchen through the wall or roof while also giving your space a “chef’s kitchen” vibe.

Although oven range vents are a smart and stylish kitchen tool, they can also cause frustration and increased heating bills if they allow cold outside air into the home. It is important to ensure that your oven range vent is properly secured, especially during bitterly cold winters. If you are a “DIY-er” and have been noticing cold air coming through your oven range vent, read on to learn how to fix this issue yourself.

Inspect the outside backdraft damper

An oven range vent is connected to a duct that exits either through the roof or an exterior wall.  Towards the end of the duct, close to the exit point, is a backdraft damper. This component functions as a one-way check valve for the contaminants you are trying to vent away from your range. Smoke, grease, and fumes can exit this contraption but cannot reenter; the backdraft damper only opens when pressure is applied from the inside, as the range fan directs pollutants outside.

If the backdraft damper is not closing fully, or is stuck in an open position, it will allow cold outside air to enter your home. In addition, any contaminants you are attempting to vent are at risk of coming back inside. Applying some grease or lubricant to the backdraft damper may help, but if not then this component should be replaced.

Inspect the range-side backdraft damper

Believe it or not, there is actually a second backdraft damper located right behind the screen, directly above your oven range. Even if the outside backdraft damper is working appropriately, air inside the ductwork that cools can still enter your home if the range-side damper is not closing properly. Inspecting this element will likely require you to remove the screen and perhaps the light bulb that rests in front of the damper.

Inspect the damper for signs of obstruction or blockage. If removing these obstructions does not allow the damper to completely close, this item should be replaced to ensure proper functionality. After repairing or replacing, reinstall the screen and light if necessary before using your range again.

Inspect the ductwork

Do you know where your oven range vents to? If the vent duct is straight up and down, there is no place for cold air to “settle.” This is a more common problem in range vents that exit via the roof, as the outside backdraft dampers may not be immediately visible and available for easy inspection  One possible course of action is to adjust the ductwork to include a bend that provides a natural settling point for cold air. Remember: cold air sinks, and will settle at the lowest point possible. For this reason, a range vent that vents to ground level may be ideal in some situations. Although modifying the ductwork may seem to some to be an unnecessary intervention, it is likely that over time the cost savings in the form of reduced utility bills may offset the costs involved in this work. When in doubt, consult a professional before engaging in this DIY repair.

Final considerations

In addition to lowering heating costs, there are other reasons to make sure that your range vent is properly sealed. Pests of all shapes and sizes will be drawn to the warmth that escapes out of these vents. Ensuring proper closure prevents pests from entering your home. In addition, dirt and debris that enter from the outside can obstruct and break the vent fan, a critical component of range vents that propels the contaminated air out and away from your kitchen.

The benefits of proper range venting far outweigh the time and costs involved in remediating the situation. Don’t let a small air leak turn into a major hassle. Inspect the dampers of your range vent regularly to ensure proper functionality and extended lifespan of the unit.

At Diamond Appliance, we help St. Louis, Kansas City, and surrounding communities with expert oven repair, range repair, and appliance repair. We service many major brands including Frigidaire oven repair, JennAir oven repair, KitchenAid wall oven repair, and more. When you need the expert help of an oven repair professional, give Diamond a call today.