Kitchen range hood venting?

3/9/2018 at 9:21:49 AM

Hi Jason, The vent should really be exhausted outside, if you ever have a lot of smoke the charcoal filter that comes with the range hood will keep spitting the smoke back out. The building inspector will likely say the same.

3/9/2018 at 9:51:40 AM

Range hood fan doesn't have to be vented. Personal preference. You can put reducers to shrink the pipe size, to run a smaller pipe if you are venting the hood fan.

3/9/2018 at 10:21:24 AM

We always vent outside.

Code requirement aside, there is no substitute for doing the job right.

3/9/2018 at 10:50:10 AM

Hi Jason,

I have seen lots apartments with hood fan with no vent, to install a vent it would very expensive and labor time.

By recycling air, it require good filter and be clean regularly, but still the fan spreads smell and fume in your environment.

If you could have an outside vent (exhaust), the fan push air out and pull fresh air from outside. For the best efficiency, opening a window just to let some air in would make the hood fan working as his best, especially if the exhaust is sized to 6" inches.

3/9/2018 at 4:56:25 PM

If you ever cooked in a home with and without a range hood, you would certainly be able to tell the difference in the interior odours and staining on walls and even though it is not code to vent outside, it should be. Same as a room with a toilet, it doesn't have to have a fan, but they all should...

Follow the instructions by the manufacturer and NEVER use a reducer. All connections and joints should be taped and sealed if vented outside to prevent odours from filling the interior walls of your home (it happens a lot).

If your fan is rated for 250-600-1000 cfm, and started with 4", 5"-6" or even 8" duct, never reduce that starting size throughout the entire run as it will only restrict flow and cause backup of air.

If you decide to not use ducting, make sure you have lots of charcoal filters and replace them every 6 months and put the outer grills in boiling water or the dishwasher to clean them at the same interval.

3/9/2018 at 5:23:16 PM

Hi Jason

Ok no matter what any so called qualified agency claims exhaust fans should always vent to the outdoors code or no code .. Common sense something non of these agencies have .I.E Tarion... The absolute worst of all.

We have seen houses almost catch fire due to Non venting and only recommend you vent.

send pics of your vent and CFM We recommend 8 inch and no smaller unless you are mounting at the exterior wall.

3/10/2018 at 9:29:26 AM

Venting is only required for gas appliances. A charcoal filter kit can be purchased and installed in hood as per manufacturer specs for electric stove top

3/10/2018 at 10:08:25 AM

Hi Jason concerning exhausted your range hood fan to the exterior is highly recommended. However if you bought a unit that has charcoaled ventilation and it states it can be installed without venting that would be good enough for the city inspector as long as it's CSA approved they would have to follow the manufacturer's installation instructions. If you can get it vented I would do so. Hope this helps you

3/11/2018 at 10:24:37 AM

Hello Jason

if the fan is built to be vented or not vented then its ok to do the non vented option.But my advise is to figure out a way to vent it outside if possable. Its always better to get the smell and moisture from the stove out of the house

Allan

1/19/2019 at 4:13:20 AM

If you could have an outside vent (exhaust), the fan push air out and pull fresh air from outside.

1/30/2019 at 8:54:50 PM

Hi Jason!

Have you considered investing in a similar hood vent that allows you to vent out or up just a bit so you can clear the plumbing? maybe that is a viable option.

It's always, always recommended to vent the hood.

However, if it is too late to move the plumbing above and the hood vent can't vent straight out or up just a bit and this particular fan allows for the option of a recirculating charcoal filter then you can do the non vented option.

Thankfully it is not a gas range!

Good luck Jason!

3/26/2019 at 2:07:56 PM

In Winnipeg it is not required by code to vent it to the outside...although the best option.

It can be "room" vented.

Check your local code. If room venting, be sure to wash / clean your charcoal filters regularly.

Hope this helps....

4/12/2019 at 1:26:25 PM

I believe the requirement for kitchen exhausts to vent to the outdoors was first introduced in the 1975 or 1980 editions of the National Building Code; once the Code was adopted (typically within a few months of its release) any new home would be required to have one.

Kitchen exhausts with carbon filters are still available today only because of situations where an existing carbon filter range hood is being replaced with a new one. If you're building a whole new kitchen or adding a new kitchen in the basement a charcoal filter would not be permitted.

Also, if any materials supplier made the incorrect claim that a charcoal filter could be installed in a situation where it is not permitted they are exposing themselves to potential liability both from regulatory officials or the homeowner who is required to meet Code.

A minimum 6" metal vent is also required.

9/28/2019 at 2:03:27 AM

We usually vent outside.

1/1/2020 at 4:24:41 PM

Hi Jason,

As you know, direct (exterior) venting is always ideal, but not always code. In Winnipeg, code does not require direct venting. "Room" venting is allowed, but less than ideal.

Check with your local building authority....only way to be sure.

Best of luck!

4/26/2020 at 3:07:01 PM

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12/27/2020 at 11:35:54 AM

Reach out to your local building inspector pending you already have your permits in line. Any HVAC contractor will advise you the best option is to vent directly outdoors and insulate the exhaust vent 10' back from the exterior wall. If you don't properly vent your range hood you are simply recirculating the air back into the kitchen. This leads to odor and grease issues. Careful planning ahead of time with a properly licensed HVAC contractor may have prevented this oversight with respect to your cabinets.