Bertazzoni Range Hoods CHARCOAL-FILTER-120H Error: Charcoal filter reminder 120h
What Does CHARCOAL-FILTER-120H Mean? CHARCOAL-FILTER-120H is a scheduled maintenance reminder on Bertazzoni recirculating range hoods. After 120 cumulative hours of fan operation, the speed-2 indicator light (C) flashes to alert you that the activated charcoal filter cartridges need replacing. Charcoal filters cannot be washed or regenerated — once their carbon is saturated after approximately 120 […]
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
No. This is a scheduled maintenance reminder. The hood operates normally while the indicator flashes — replace the charcoal filters at your earliest convenience to restore cooking odour absorption performance.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. Press B and D simultaneously with the fan motor off to reset the 120-hour counter after replacing the charcoal filters. The C indicator will extinguish immediately on a successful reset.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: Strong persistent odours from the hood itself — charcoal filter is heavily saturated and should be replaced immediately, Smoke from the hood body — inspect for grease accumulation in the duct or motor area.
Symptoms You May Notice
Cooking odours are not adequately absorbed and linger in the kitchen
The activated carbon in a saturated charcoal filter can no longer adsorb cooking odours, so smells from frying, roasting, or pungent ingredients circulate back into the kitchen rather than being neutralised.
Speed-2 button indicator light (C) flashes while fan motor is off
The flashing C LED is a scheduled maintenance reminder — the hood continues to function at all speeds and the reminder does not affect airflow or suction performance.
Reminder applies only to recirculating installations without external ducting
Charcoal filters are only installed in recirculating (ductless) mode hoods — ducted installations exhaust air outside and do not use charcoal filters. If your hood is ducted, this reminder does not apply.
Possible Causes
120 cumulative operating hours elapsed since last charcoal filter replacement
The hood's internal hour counter has reached the 120-hour replacement threshold — the designed service interval for activated charcoal filter replacement under normal cooking conditions.
DIY PossibleActivated carbon fully saturated and no longer effective
Activated carbon has a finite odour adsorption capacity — once saturated from 120+ hours of cooking odour exposure, it cannot be cleaned or regenerated and must be replaced.
DIY PossibleSafe Checks You Can Do
-
1
Replace the charcoal filter cartridges
Switch the hood motor off and remove the aluminum mesh grease filters to access the charcoal filter cartridges seated behind them. Remove the old charcoal filters and install the replacement cartridges of the correct model specification, then reinstall the mesh filters.
Bertazzoni charcoal filter part numbers are model-specific — use the model number from the hood label to ensure you order the correct cartridge size. Generic cartridges may not seal correctly in the filter frame.
-
2
Reset the charcoal filter reminder counter
With the hood fan motor off and the new charcoal filters installed, press and hold the B (speed-1) and D (speed-3 or max) buttons simultaneously for 2–3 seconds until the flashing C indicator extinguishes, confirming the 120-hour counter has been reset.
Confirm the exact reset button combination for your hood model in the use and care guide — the B+D combination applies to KG90CONX and similar models, but KIN-series hoods may use a different combination.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Flashing indicator does not extinguish after the B+D reset with fan off and new filters installed
- Hood control board does not acknowledge any button reset combination
Need Professional Help?
Find qualified technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.
Range Hoods Repair Service Schedule Appointment