How to Replace & Maintain Wells WVU Ventless Hood Filters
Wells WVU ventless hoods use a multi‑stage filtration system—including a baffle filter, pre‑filter and HEPA‑carbon filter pack—to remove grease, smoke and odors from the air. To help keep your unit performing at its best, this guide walks you through how to replace and maintain Wells WVU ventless hood filters so you can install each type quickly and easily.
These instructions are for WVU48 and WVU96 models.
Preparing the Hood
- Step 1. Shut down the hood - Flip the power switch to the OFF position.
- Step 2. Cover cookware/equipment under the hood - Put lids on any pots and pans sitting on cooktops to prevent contamination from dislodged dust and residue. If the hood is located over a fryer, cover the vat(s) to protect the oil as well.
- Step 3. Allow the unit to cool - Minimize the risk of burns by letting the machine cool before cleaning. Although cooling time can vary, 20 minutes is usually a safe general guideline.
Baffle Filter & Pre-Filters
- Step 1. Locate the baffle filter and pre-filters - Identify the location of the baffle filter and pre-filters at the front of the unit.
- Step 2. Remove the grease filtration components - Take out the baffle filter and pre-filters along with the grease cup(s).
- Step 3. Clean or dispose of the baffle filter - Inspect the baffle filter. If it’s dirty but structurally sound, wash it as part of the standard ventless hood cleaning procedure; if it’s bent or damaged, complete steps 4-7 to replace it.
- Step 4. Throw out the pre-filter - Dispose of the pre-filter.
- Step 5. Install the new filters - Insert the new pre-filter into position, then the new baffle filter. Seat the baffle filter by pushing it up into the top retainer until the bottom edge clears the lower lip of the retainer, then lower it into the bottom retainer.
- Step 6. Reinstall the grease trap - Return the grease trap to the machine.
- Step 7. Check for proper installation - See if the Check Filter light on the control panel is illuminated; if it is, inspect the grease filtration components to make sure they’re installed properly.
Filter Packs
- Step 1. Gain access to the hood filter - Locate the filter packs by opening the service door.
- Step 2. Note installation position - Take note of how the filter packs are situated in the unit, especially the direction in which the airflow arrows are pointing. If desired, take a photo of the current filter packs to document how proper installation looks.
- Step 3. Remove the old filter packs - Take the old HEPA-carbon filter packs out of the unit by pulling them towards you.
- Step 4. Dispose of the old filter packs - Throw out the old HEPA-carbon filter packs. Do not attempt to wash them since doing so may clog them, making them ineffective within the machine.
- Step 5. Install the new filter packs - Slide the new filter packs into the filter packs compartment, making sure that the airflow arrows are pointing in the same direction as the old filter (toward the fan).
- Step 6. Secure the service area - Close the service area door.
- Step 7. Check for proper installation - See if the Check Filter light on the control panel is illuminated; if it is, inspect the filter packs and correct their positioning.
Resuming Normal Operation
- Step 1. Uncover cookware and/or units - Remove lids or protective coverings from pots, pans and any cooktops located under the unit.
- Step 2. Power on the hood - Use the power switch to turn on the machine.
- Step 3. Resume normal operation - You may now use the unit normally.
Replacing & Maintaining Wells WVU Ventless Hood Filters FAQs
Why Is Maintaining the Filters Important?
Replacing and maintaining the filters ensures that the unit can operate effectively and efficiently. Also, the HEPA-carbon filter packs specifically are essential to machine functionality—if they’re removed or clogged, the hood can’t operate at all.
When Do I Replace the Filters?
Look for the following to know if it’s time to replace one or more of the filters in the unit’s multi-stage system:
- Baffle Filter - Replace if they’re bent or damaged.
- Pre-Filter - Change it if the Replace Pre-Filters light on the control panel is illuminated.
- Filter Packs - Plan on changing them in the near future if the Replace Filters light on the control panel is on or immediately if the Service Required light is illuminated. For more information on what Wells WVU ventless hood lights mean, see our detailed guide.
What’s the Difference Between Baffle Filters, Pre-Filters and Filter Packs?
Wells WVU Ventless Hoods have multi-stage filtration systems consisting of 3 types of filters that serve specific functions within the unit:
- Baffle Filters - Capture and drain the grease and moisture from the airflow.
- Pre-Filters - Catch large grease particles before they reach the HEPA-carbon filter packs.
- Filter Packs - Remove smoke and odors from the air.
Can Any of the Filters Be Cleaned and Reinstalled?
Yes. The baffle filter may be cleaned and reinstalled in Wells WVU ventless hood units. Pre-Filters and HEPA-carbon filter packs can’t be cleaned and reinstalled, so be sure to dispose of them and install new ones when the corresponding indicator lights are illuminated. For more information on cleaning Wells WVU ventless hoods, see our full-length article.
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