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Range Hood Venting Options

Range Hood Venting Options — Which is the Best Option for Your Kitchen?

Range Hood Venting Options


If you've ever suffocated in the kitchen because of heat, you will value kitchen vent hoods. While these products may sound like a waste of money, studies show that cooking without adequate ventilation can affect your health negatively. Hoods expel fumes from gas stoves, but choosing the right option is where the issue lies. 

Find out some amazing options here, as revealed by our experts. 

Vented vs. Unvented Range Hoods

If you've finally decided to install a vent hood to filter out that dangerous CO after much consideration, you'll likely face another hurdle between choosing the vented or unvented range hoods. So, what are these in detail? 

According to our kitchen technicians, a vented hood, sometimes called a ducted hood, is a venting option that expels moisture and air outside the house through the wall or roof. On the other hand, unvented hoods or ductless hoods filter the air through charcoal or activated carbon filters and then recirculate it because they can't expel the air they take in. 

While unvented hoods are a viable option, they are less superior to their vented counterparts. First, many homeowners will discard the idea of having air recirculated, and this is what ductless hoods do. Should you need more power from your range hood to filter the toxic air in the kitchen, unvented hoods aren't the best options because of their low CFMs. 

 

Vented vs. Unvented Range Hoods

 

Ductless hoods don't remove smoke and fumes because of the carbon filters. However, they can be installed anywhere within the home and save you time and effort. They also use less energy since they don't require much power to move air through the ducts. 

Vented hoods, though more expensive, are the ideal option for removing a large quantity of heat. Typically, gas stoves generate lots of heat, and unvented hoods may be inadequate to handle it. Venting your ducted range hoods outside will always make the kitchen air clean. 

In a nutshell, vented range hoods are a better option. They are more versatile, powerful, durable, and easier to maintain. If you are low on budget, you might want to opt for the ductless option. It's still better than not having anyone. Otherwise, the ducted range hood is a better investment that will improve the quality of air in your environment. 

Venting Options For Range Hoods

Under-Cabinet Range Hood

An under-cabinet range hood is a nice option because it takes less space than other types of vent hoods. This type of hood sits flush below the cabinet and slides out when needed. They are less potent than other range hood venting options. 

Wall-Mount Range Hood

Wall-Mount range hoods are the most common type. This option comes in a variety of shapes and materials to suit the kitchen's outlook. 

 

Wall-Mount Range Hood

 

Ceiling-Mount Range Hood

Ceiling-Mount range hoods are usually mounted above or close to the roof. This option is pricey because installing it is quite difficult. However, they can be noisy because they are powerful. 

Downdraft Vent Hood

Downdraft Vent Hood

Downdraft vent hood has slim vent retracts. Like the under-cabinet hood, downdraft is less powerful. Our team of experts doesn't recommend it for high-BTU gas burners [1]

 

Tips in Installing a Ducted Range Hood

When installing a ducted range hood, our technicians recommend the following tips:

 

  • Avoid terminating the vent system into an attic. You should vent your hood outside the home, whether through the wall or ceiling. 
  • Avoid using more than two elbows in your ductwork. It could make it harder for air to pass through to the outside. 
  • Before installing, check the location. The ductwork must be installed on a path with fewer obstructions. 
  • To maximize durability, our team advises that you use rigid galvanized steel instead of plastic flexible duct systems. Rigid duct systems will experience less air resistance. 
  • The duct system can accumulate dirt and debris. Ensure you caulk the end with a roof cap. 

FAQ

1. Do range hoods have to be vented outside?

No, you don't have to vent range hoods outside. That's why there are ductless hoods - hoods without ductwork. You can install these, as ducted range hoods are normally recommended to be vented outside. Note that the ducted ones are more preferred because they are more powerful and versatile. 

2. Can a range hood be vented through the wall?

You can vent the range hood through the wall, but you may never know the condition of the walls.

3. Is it OK to vent the range hood into the attic?

Our experts don't recommend venting your hood into the attic because moisture, contaminants, and smoke can build up in it, resulting in mold growth that could damage the hood itself. 

Conclusion 

These range hood venting options are necessary for the kitchen. Apart from keeping the air clean, they are convenient, improve the overall quality of life. Ducted range hoods are worth the investment, but ductless isn't a bad option if you are low on budget. 

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