How to Replace a Charcoal Filter in a Range Hood

On this page (11 sections)

1. What do you need before you replace a charcoal filter?
2. How do you know the charcoal filter is due?
3. How to replace a charcoal filter in a range hood, step by step
4. Do you replace the grease filter at the same time?
5. Is a swap different from converting a hood to ductless?
6. What mistakes should you avoid when replacing a charcoal filter?
7. Does an over-the-range microwave have a charcoal filter too?
8. Which replacement charcoal filter should you buy?
9. How often should you replace the charcoal filter?
10. What should you do with the old filter and the spares?
11. Replace the charcoal filter in your range hood on schedule

Here's how to replace a charcoal filter in a range hood: switch off the power, pull the metal grease filter, swap the old charcoal filter for a matching new one and refit the grease filter.

Many replacement filters need no tools, though some hoods use a twist lock or clips, so your manual has the final say on order and parts.

The job only applies to hoods that recirculate air, since a hood that vents outside has no charcoal filter to change. For how the parts fit together, see the ductless range hoods guide.

What do you need before you replace a charcoal filter?

A matching replacement filter, your hood's model number and a clear spot to set the grease filter down. Check the model number first, because charcoal filters fit by model.

The numbers to match look like this: CIARRA's CAS75918A takes the CACF006, SNDOAS's US0475B takes the CF-0475, and the COMFEE' CVU30W4AST takes the CVU30-F49.

Keep the old filter or its part number handy, and have a towel nearby for grease drips. If you can't tell which filter your hood takes, your manual lists the part number.

Count how many filters your hood holds, too. Broan-NuTone's HPF30 is made for dual-filter hoods and ships as a 2-count pack, so one swap can use a pair.

How do you know the charcoal filter is due?

Cooking smells that linger after the hood has run, even though the grease filter is clean, are the clearest sign. Being past your maker's interval is the other.

Check the smell before you check the calendar. A filter past its date may still catch some odor, but you'll notice cooking smells lingering longer.

How to replace a charcoal filter in a range hood, step by step

Five steps cover it: power off, grease filter out, old charcoal filter out, new one in and locked, grease filter back. Turn the power off first and refit the grease filter last.

Step 1: Turn off the hood and its power

Switch the hood off at its control. If it's a plug-in model, unplug it before you reach inside.

If the hood is hard-wired, follow the manual and use a qualified electrician if you're unsure.

Step 2: Take out the metal grease filter

Unclip or slide out the grease filter, which sits in front of the charcoal filter. Hold it over the sink or a towel, since grease can drip as you lift it.

Bagean says a metal grease filter has to sit ahead of its charcoal filter to stop tough grease from reaching the charcoal. While the filter is out, clean it using the steps for washing the metal grease filter.

Step 3: Replace the charcoal filter in your range hood

Note how the old filter sits before you pull it, because charcoal filters attach in a few different ways.

• Twist lock: CIARRA's CACF006 twists and locks onto the motor, and SNDOAS's round CF-0475 turns clockwise to lock.
• Clip-on pad: Bagean's charcoal pad clips onto the aluminum grease filter, and Omaeon's 4-pack comes with 8 clips.
• Flat panel: Broan-NuTone's 41F goes in place of, or together with, the hood's aluminum filter.

Step 4: Fit the new filter and lock it

Fit the new filter into the same spot, then snap, twist or clip it until it's secure. SNDOAS warns that a filter that isn't locked can loosen and cause abnormal noise.

SNDOAS also notes that using a carbon filter reduces the hood's airflow, so expect a little less pull than before.

Step 5: Refit the grease filter and test

Slide the grease filter back in, restore power and run the fan on low for a minute. Listen for rattles, and if you hear one, switch the hood off and recheck that the charcoal filter is locked.

Cook something simple afterward and check that the smells clear.

Do you replace the grease filter at the same time?

Usually not. The metal grease filter is the washable part, and Cosmo calls its stainless ARC-FLOW filters permanent, so clean yours at each swap instead.

Replace a grease filter only if it's damaged or no longer fits, and match it to your hood by size and model like the charcoal one.

Is a swap different from converting a hood to ductless?

Yes. A swap puts a new filter where the old one sat, while a first-time conversion adds a filter and can change other parts of the hood.

On Broan's F403004, you remove the convert plate from the front of the hood before the non-ducted filter goes in. On CIARRA's CAS75918A, you also fit the outlet cover and turn the adjuster on the motor housing to the ductless position.

COMFEE' says its CVP/CVG-CF charcoal filters are required for ductless installation on the CVP30W6AST, CVP36W6AST, CVP30W7AST and CVP36W7AST. For the whole job, how to install a ductless range hood covers it from the top.

What mistakes should you avoid when replacing a charcoal filter?

Most swap problems come from skipping a step or buying the wrong part.

Skipping the power-off step

Reaching into a hood that's still switched on is a risk, since the fan can start while your hands are inside. Switch it off and unplug it, or cut its power, before you start.

Buying by size alone

The same size can still be the wrong part. SNDOAS says its CF-0475 isn't compatible with other brands or models, and Bagean tells buyers to contact it if they're unsure a filter fits.

Leaving out the grease filter

A hood with no grease filter lets grease reach the charcoal. Bagean says a metal grease filter has to sit ahead of its charcoal filter, so refit it before you cook.

Does an over-the-range microwave have a charcoal filter too?

Some do. GE's 30 inch over-the-range microwave has a 300 CFM recirculating ventilation system with a replaceable charcoal filter.

That filter belongs to the microwave, so match it to the microwave's model number and manual, not to a range hood filter from this guide.

Which replacement charcoal filter should you buy?

The one made for your hood's model number, since the same size can still fail to fit. If you own a Broan-NuTone hood, its series number picks the filter, and Broan-NuTone's site is where to look up a model.

beaufan's CFK4 two-pack is made for Cosmo COS-5MU30 and COS-5MU36 hoods, and it also fits some SNDOAS models. beaufan says no tools are needed.

COMFEE' sells its CVU30-F49 as a two-pack for the CVU30W4AST hood.

Can you use another brand's filter?

Only when its compatible-model list names your hood. beaufan's CFK4 covers Cosmo COS-5MU30 and COS-5MU36 and SNDOAS US0475BPB, while SNDOAS's own CF-0475 says it isn't compatible with other brands or models.

Read the list, then match the number on your hood to it.

If you still need a match, the best charcoal filters for range hoods roundup compares replacements by the hood each one fits.

How often should you replace the charcoal filter?

Every few months, and sooner if you cook often. SNDOAS suggests 3 to 6 months depending on how often you cook, and beaufan suggests 6 months or by how often you use the hood.

CIARRA is shorter at 2 to 4 months. The how long charcoal range hood filters last guide lines up more makers.

What should you do with the old filter and the spares?

Bag the old filter and put it in the trash, after a look at your local rules. Keep spares sealed and dry, since Bagean describes activated charcoal as a moisture absorber.

Write the purchase date on the spare's box so you know which filter is in the hood.

Replace the charcoal filter in your range hood on schedule

Match the model number first, follow the manual's steps and refit the grease filter last. A filter that matches your hood goes in right the first time.

Then set a reminder for the next swap, so the filter doesn't outlast its useful life by months.

Frequently asked questions

How do you replace a charcoal filter in a range hood?

Turn off the power, take out the metal grease filter, pull the old charcoal filter and fit the new one by snapping, twisting or clipping it as your hood requires. Then refit the grease filter, restore power and run the fan briefly to listen for rattles.

Do I need tools to replace a range hood charcoal filter?

Often not, since beaufan and SNDOAS both say their replacement filters need no tools and CIARRA's twists and locks onto the motor. Check your manual first, because some hoods use clips or a conversion plate, and a quick look beforehand saves time during the swap.

How often should you replace a charcoal filter in a range hood?

Makers give figures between 2 and 6 months, with SNDOAS suggesting 3 to 6 depending on how often you cook and beaufan suggesting 6 or by how often you use the hood. Treat those as starting points, and swap sooner if cooking smells linger.

What if the new charcoal filter won't fit?

Stop and check the model number before you force it, since a filter that looks right can still be the wrong part. Compare the filter's compatible-model list with your hood's number, and check the manual for the replacement part number before you order again.