{"id":1140,"date":"2022-10-08T07:19:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-08T11:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/temp.local\/?p=1140"},"modified":"2023-04-24T21:34:41","modified_gmt":"2023-04-25T01:34:41","slug":"what-are-carbon-filters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rangehoodhomeland.com\/vent-hoods-and-chimneys\/what-are-carbon-filters\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are Carbon Filters? How Do They Work (Answered)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you are in the market for a range hood, you may have heard the term “carbon filter” a few times, but what are carbon filters? And do you need them for your range hood?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, you will learn what carbon filters are, what they are made of, how to replace them, and how to choose a new one, if necessary, for your range hood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carbon filters (also known as charcoal filters) are attachments that fit inside a range hood to filter the recirculated air in the kitchen. They collect impurities while also neutralizing grease and odors caused by your cooking.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a carbon filter? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Carbon filters (also known as charcoal filters)are attachments that fit inside a range hood to filter the recirculated air in the kitchen. Carbon filters are carbon-based substances that collect impurities while neutralizing grease and odors caused by your cooking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are inexpensive, lightweight, and very easy to replace. Unfortunately, carbon filters are not washable and always need to be replaced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A ducted range hood may be converted into a ductless hood with a recirculating kit, usually sold separately. These kits use mesh or carbon filters to filter the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

What are carbon filters made of?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Carbon filters are made with activated carbon. Activated carbon is carbon that has been processed further to improve its ability to trap gas molecules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is first infused with hot air, carbon dioxide, or steam, which forms a lattice of tiny pores in the carbon, greatly increasing its surface area. This increases the number of places for molecules to become trapped, making carbon a far more effective filter medium. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to a paper published by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, a gram of activated carbon could have hundreds of square meters of internal surface area. Most activated carbon is also chemically treated to improve its ability to filter specialized pollutants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do I need a charcoal filter for my hood?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Charcoal filters are required when using the recirculation (not venting) setting on your range hood. However, charcoal filters are unnecessary if the range hood is vented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The purpose of charcoal filters is to neutralize unpleasant odors produced while cooking. The odor-causing fats and oils in the air will be drawn into the cooker hood and filtered out using the charcoal element. After the air passes through the filter, it is cleaned and filtered before recirculating into the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is nothing to absorb these volatile oils and odors except charcoal filters. Since the stale air holding them is recirculated, it will not be useful in masking unpleasant odors in the kitchen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But if your range hood is set up to exhaust outdoors, you may skip the charcoal filter. Odors in this air will not be recirculated. Thus, there is no need to remove them. Instead, a vent carries it outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are carbon filters effective?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While ducted range hoods will always be the best solution, carbon filters are an effective alternative for those who can not vent to the outside. However, carbon filters are also less efficient than metal filters because they create more resistance for the air to pass through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do you clean a carbon filter?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You should never try to clean a carbon filter. Carbon filters must be replaced<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to choose new carbon filters?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you need to purchase new carbon filters, you will want to ensure that you get the right ones for your specific range hood. Use your range hoods and consult your manual to ensure you get the right hood and filters. If you don’t have a user manual for your range hood, try doing a Google search for your model number and see if you can find a PDF digital version of the user manual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don’t know the model number, it’s likely somewhere inside the hood. Many manufacturers will have a sticker inside the range with the model number. Hopefully, once you have a good look around your range hood, you will be able to identify its model number. Then, when you finally have the number, do a quick Google search for the right filters and shop away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

how often should you replace range hood filters?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Depending on how frequently and what you cook, a charcoal filter has to be replaced anywhere from three months to a year. However, I strongly recommend replacing them at least once a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want even more tips and insights, watch this video called How to replace Carbon filters in your cooker hood<\/em> from the Hotpoint Customer Service UK YouTube Channel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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