Elite Upkeep - March 2025 Pro-Active Approach to Home Care - Oven, Stove & Range Hood -

Proper maintenance of your kitchen appliances is key to avoiding costly repairs, improving efficiency, and extending their lifespan, especially in Curaçao’s warm, humid, and salty climate. Excess heat and moisture can lead to faster wear and tear, while grease and dirt buildup can reduce performance and increase energy costs. Here’s how to keep your oven, stove and range hood in optimal condition while saving money in the long run.

Oven & Stove Maintenance

• Clean Spills Promptly - Burnt-on food and grease reduces heating efficiency. A clean oven will heat up faster and more evenly, reducing energy use by up to 10% per cooking session.  The potential cost of neglect can damage heating elements, requiring costly repairs or even full replacement.

• Clean Burner Elements - Dirty or damaged burners waste energy and could result in gas leaks or electrical shorts. A burner with poor ignition or heat distribution will us use 10-15% more energy.  

• Inspect Oven Door Seals - A loose or damaged oven door seal lets heat escape, making the oven work harder and increases cooking times. A tight seal reduces energy consumption by up to 20%. The potential cost of neglect could force the oven to overcompensate, resulting in higher electricity bills and potential overheating damage to internal components.

• Keep Gas Lines Clear - A weak flame or uneven cooking could be a sign of a line blockage or gas leak.  Call a professional immediately if you suspect either.

• Use Ventilation Wisely - Running your oven or stove in your Curaçao kitchen makes your indoor temperature unpleasant to say the least.  It also makes your air conditioning work harder if you’re running it.  Ensuring your overhead fan is drawing that heat out could lower your cooling costs by 10-15%.  The potential cost of neglect on your appliances, a direct result of overheating, is premature wear and years of unnecessary strain.   

Range Hood Maintenance

• Clean Filters Regularly - Grease and dust clogs filters easily, reducing airflow, making the fan work harder. Clean filters improve efficiency and will reduce energy consumption by up to 30%.  The potential cost of neglect could be the replacement of a clogged or seized motor costing hundreds. 

• Wipe Down Stainless Steel Components - The island’s salty air will corrode stainless steel, leading to rust and deterioration. Regular cleaning preserves the range hood’s lifespan, avoiding expensive part replacements or even a full replacement.  

• Check fan operation - A weak fan results in poor ventilation and grease buildup potentially leading to a burnt out fan that could cost hundreds to repair. 

• Clear vent openings - A blocked vent will reduce airflow, causing heat and moisture buildup that could damage both surrounding cabinets and walls. Keeping vents clear improves kitchen air quality and prevents moisture-related damage. 

• Schedule deep cleanings - Over time, grease and grime accumulate inside the range hood, leading to unpleasant odors and an increased risk of fire.  An annual deep clean will prevent expensive part replacements and extend the hood’s lifespan by 3-5 years.

Taking a few minutes each month to clean and inspect your oven, stove, and range hood can save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs. More importantly, it ensures your kitchen appliances operate safely and efficiently.