Almost all modern kitchen range hoods come with a lighting system. Therefore, Broan Allure is not an exception. The lighting system is a combination of several bulbs that light up the entire unit.
Normally, Broan Allure range hood light bulbs have a lifespan, depending on the type used. Once in a while, you will be required to replace a burnt-out bulb from your allure range of hood. In this guide, we shall explain how to replace a Broan Allure range hood light bulb, select the best light bulb for your range hood, and some more tips.
Before starting the installation process, let us look at what may cause this problem.
Why Do Broan Allure Range Hood Light Bulbs Fail?
Apart from the normal wear and tear, other factors can trigger the rapid wear of the hood lights. One of such factors is moisture from the burning gas and cooking pot. The moisture will corrode the exposed conductors and end up making the bulb fail prematurely.
Another factor that may fail the hood light bulb is continuous usage. The modern range hoods that come with lighting systems are not made for long usage periods. Normally, such hoods get hot when in use if you willingly or accidentally touch them. The modern types of hood light bulbs have circuit boards and a wiring system. Therefore, when the hood light bulbs get too hot, the wires may short-circuit, or the bulb’s filament blows out, making the whole lighting system fail.
Bulb Selection
Choosing the right light bulb helps ensure that there are no contradictions in specifications. The two common bulbs are halogen (12V) and candle-type bulbs. Modern LED bulbs have more advanced features and are a better alternative to halogen.
Although halogen bulbs project light better, they cannot match LED bulbs when it comes to the energy economy. LED bulbs also start instantly without any warm-up lag like in CFL lamps.
In addition, LED bulbs have a long lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, while halogen can last slightly over 800 hours. Apart from situations where the range hood has a dimmer, halogens are fairly inferior to LEDs. However, since halogen bulbs are dimmable, they are a better choice if your Broan Allure range hood has a dimmer.
When it comes to the working mechanism, halogen bulbs convert a portion of the energy they spend into heat. This is why after a few working hours, the halogen bulb becomes very hot, unlike the LED bulbs.
To sum up, ensure you purchase the correct bulb size for your hood. This is because LED bulbs are usually oversized on halogen bulb holders.
Once you have the right bulb, you can remove the burnt-out bulb and then install a new one.
Broan Allure Range Hood Light Bulb Replacement
1. Remove the Burnt-Out Bulb
Follow these 7 simple steps to help you remove your old bulb.
Step 1: Switch off the hood lights and turn off the vent hood system.
Step 2: Wear your safety gloves, especially leather ones. This is most important if the bulb has just blown out and requires immediate replacement, or if the hood didn’t have enough time to cool off.
Step 3: If you don’t have gloves, give the hood enough time to cool off, and then using a piece of masking tape, form a loop by attaching its two ends on the bulb, as the sticky side of the masking tape faces outwards. This will form a simple handle you can hold as you remove the bulb. A bulb suction cup can work best though you don’t have to purchase it only for the range hood lights.
Step 4: Hold the tape and push the bulb upwards. You should experience some resisting force trying to push the bulb back. Rotate the bulb about a sixth of a complete rotation in a clockwise direction. This will allow the contact hooks to release the bulb.
Step 5: Pull it gently out of the bulb holder and the hood when the bulb is freed. Dispose of it at a place where it may not cause injuries to anyone.
Step 6: Some range hoods come with a plastic fixture over the bulbs. In such a situation, you will have to remove the fixture first, and then move on and remove the bulb.
Step 7: Some other vent hood lighting systems come with starters. If the starter fails, it is necessary to remove it. You rotate the starter counter-clockwise, and it will come off the same way a bulb would. Make sure you fix a compatible one. You can consult your user manual to get more insights on this.
2. Install the New Bulb
Step 1: Using the same process you had used when removing the spoilt bulb, slide the new light bulb into the bulb holder.
Step 2: Using the same masking tape you had used to remove the spoilt bulb, push in the new light bulb, and rotate it counter-clockwise. Turn it until you feel it rest with some grip.
Step 3: Once the bulb is in place, switch on the vent hood power system and the lighting system. The new light bulb should light up. Fix back the plastic fixture holding the bulb.
Step 4: If the new bulb does not light up, it is time to check if your wiring system is still in place. You can use an electrical tester to do it.
Troubleshooting
First, you should check if the power is reaching the terminals. This is how you check:
Step 1: Switch off the range hood system.
Step 2: Remove the new bulb the same way you removed the burnt-out one.
Step 3: Power on the hood system and ensure the blower or the fan is off.
Step 4: Turn on the lights.
Step 5: Test the two bulb holder terminals carefully to check if they are working. If none are working, then the bulb holder could be faulty. Get in touch with your supplier to get a replacement if the device is still under warranty, or contact an electrician to repair it for you.
Tips
All LED bulbs are rated at 50 degrees celsius ambient air temperature. However, the temperatures under the hood range lie between 70-80 degrees celsius, meaning that the lifespan of a LED bulb will be shortened. Therefore, choose LED bulbs rated to withstand such temperatures.
There is a modern range of hoods designed to accommodate LED lighting fixtures. If you are using an old system that can only work with halogen bulbs and want to replace it, buy a vent hood with LED lights, and the lifespan is overwhelming.
Final Words
Replacing your Broan Allure range hood light bulb should not take much of your time. If there are no other parts that require repair, it should take you about a minute or less. Knowing the right way to do it is what makes the difference. Follow the above steps discussed in this guide for the best experience.
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Robert Syengo is an experienced web writer with a home improvement history that includes toilet remodeling and appliance installation. He enjoys writing and learning about electronics, gardens, design, remodeling and repair.