Author Archives: webtechs

We all know kitchen range hoods that vent to the outside are fantastic at removing odors, moisture, heat and smoke from your home when you are in the kitchen. Range hood fans are measured by the cubic feet they move per minute, otherwise known as CFM. Therefore, it is vital to have a range hood that moves air sufficiently enough to be effective. Read on to learn more about the different ways you can work out the CFM for a range hood.

Determining Fan Size

The professsionals say the fan size of a range hood should be enough to move at least 100 CFM of air for every 12 inches (30 centimeters) of stove width. For a 30 inch wide stove, your range hood fan will need to move at least 250 CFM of air.

Kitchen Size

You also need to consider your kitchen size measured in cubic feet when you need to calculate the saizre of the fan you need. Obviously, a larger kitchen needs more venting to clear the air than a room that is smaller. To calculate cubic feet you multiply the length of the room by the width of the room by the height of the room.

A good range hoos will exchange the air in the kitchen at least 15 times per hour, working out at every four minutes, so the next equation would be to take the cubic feet of the room and divide it by 4 equalling the CFM of the range hood fan: Here is an example: 2,000 cubic foot room ÷ 4 minutes = 512 CFM range hood fan or higher.

Gas Stoves

Gas burners on a stove provide considerably more heat than electric stove burners, therefore a gas stove obviously needs a range hood vent fan with a larger capacity.

When calculating the fan size you will need if you have a gas stove, combine the BTU (British Thermal Units) ratings for all the burners on the stove andthen divide by a total of 100 and you will be able to work out the minimum CFM you will need. For example: The average gas burner gives off 10,000 BTU and there are four on stove, so, 40,000 ÷ 100 = 400 CFM.

Ductwork

The cap, turns, length, size and shape on the range hood ductwork adds resistance which reduces the amount of air the vent fan can move, requiring additional CFM for the fan, itself. If you are using a metal pipe with a diameter of 8 inches, add one CFM for every one foot of pope plus 25 CFM for each elbow and 40 CFM for a roof cap.

Final Calculation

To make the final calculation, take the larger of the CFM rating for stove width, room size, and stove burner. Add the additional CFMs needed for the ductwork to arrive at the minimum CFM range hood to buy.

A quality kitchen range hood can really enhance your enjoyment of cooking, and improve the air quality in your home and kitchen. Range hoods come in two kinds, ductless and ducted. Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of each kitchen range hood type.

Ducted Range Hoods Pro’s And Cons

• Pro: Ducted hoods are very common although there can be limitations on where they can be installed in a kitchen because the duct has to be able to remove air from the kitchen environment.
• Pro: Ducted hoods are often found in commercial kitchens and homes with larger ranges producing a great amount of fumes, smoke and unclean air that needs to be cented to the outside.
• Pro: Highly efficent at removing humidity and steam from the kitchen and as they are not recircualting or filtering air but are actually venting the air from the kitchen.
• Pro: They are often quieter and more efficent. Some argue this can be debatable as it is dependent on the brand, model, size and the maintenance of the range hood.
• Con: Space can be greatly limited where the cooking range and hood can be located so the duct system has to be positioned where one has already been installed to force air from the kitchen.

What Are Ductless Range Hoods?

Able to be installed in just about any location, ductless hoods do not need to vent to the exterior of the home and do not need to be installed where a duct is already located.

Ductless Range Hoods Pro’s And Cons

• Pro: A ductless range hood has greater versatility and instalaltion is simple in just about anywhere in your kitchen. Because these types of hoods filter and recirculate the air of your kitchen, it is not mandatory to install them near duct or pipe that reaches the outside.
• Pro: As well as the simplicity of installation, many ductless models have programmable timers that turn on or off automatically when they detect odors or smoke.
• Con: Ductless hoods recirculate air after filtering as opposed to pulling in fresh air or pushing out unclean air. So your kitchen may become fairly humid. They are also sometimes noisier than ducted models.
• Con:  Filters are required to be cleaned and replaced on a frequent basis so the performance of the ductless range hood is optimized. This may mean result in greater out of pocket expenses.

To Duct or Not To Duct, That is The Question

You have a choice of a ductless range hood or a traditional ducted range hood. Certainly ducted range hoods are in the long run more cost-effective and efficent in their performance but lack the adaptibility of ductless hoods. Commercial kitchens are far more likely to choose ducted range hoods but both options are reasonable propositions for residential kitchens.

Remodeling a kitchen often involves updating older appliances and a new kitchen range hood may be near the top of the list. Read on to learn more about the many materials, designs, styles and types. The style you choose may be dictated to some degree by the layout of your kitchen as well as cabinetry and other appliances. By reading this, you should have some idea of the kitchen range hood best suited for you.

Wall Mounted Range Hoods

A great space saver as the hood attaches to the wall! A choice of many modern kitchen designs instead of going the traditional route of utilizing the space for cabinets. If cabinets are already in place they may have to be moved so the range hood can fit. Sometimes, these hoods come with a chimney. This assists with ventilation and it is normal for them to vent through an exterior wall positioned behind them. Another feature is a wall mounted range hood can become an integral part of your kitchen design by giving an individualized look depending on the style of your hood you choose. It may cost slightly more because of this but it does add more than just stand alone function to your cooking.

Under Cabinet Range Hoods

A very popular choice because of its compact dimensions. It is mounted below the cabinets that are positioned directly over the top of your stove. The venting system for this style is simple and can go with almost any style of kitchen. The ventilation is provided by duct work for the hood that is positioned either behind the hood and then connected to an exterior wall or going up through the cabinet placed directly over the hood. This way you can save a small amount of wall space but it can take away from any ideas you had for storage in that particular cabinet.

Wall Ventilation Fans

A different option to a range hood prefered by some homeowners is the wall ventialtion fan. Fan systems are hugely helpful when ventilation is of poor quality but the downside is it may not work a swell when odors or fumes have to be removed from your kitchen efficently and quickly, especially when cooking with powerful ingredients.

Island Or Ceiling Mounted Range Hoods

When you have a range that is not located against any wall, for example, an island range, you require an island or ceiling mounted hood. If you have a larger professional style stove top, a ceiling mounted hood will be able to cope with the additional output from cooking burners and tools. One advantage of this style is it offers a unique look to your kitchen. Many modern designs use copper, ceramic or even glass, making it ideal for differently themed kitchens. Some contractors will install the hood a little higher than normal so sight-lines throughout the kitchen can be readily maintained. Because you may have a greater stove capacity, you will have to consider a larger capacity island range hood.

Ventilation Power Pack Hoods

If you want a true alternative consider a style known as the ventilator powr back. Although space age sounding it has the great benefit that it can be added to already installed cabinetry without taking up all the available storage space. The powerpack is compact aand continuous within the parts already installed in your kitchen. Once you have chosen a power pack, you can work with your contractor ro have it custom fitted into your kitchen layout.

Downdraft Ventilation Hoods

Not often seen, a downdraft ventilation hoods works as an exhaust product that is maintained within the cooking arena until it is time to get to work. Once you need the fan, it pops up along the back of the range making it ideal when space is an issue. It can also be used for stoves as part of a kitchen island set-up or against a wall. They suit the look of almost any home and are unobtrusive as well.

Final Thoughts

Deciding on an effective range hood is a crucial part of upgrading a kitchenas a system that keeps the atmosphere clean and fresh and free from lingering odors or smoke helps to keep a comfortable and healthy atmosphere in your entire home. It is astounding how this decision can make a big difference to the comfort of your living conditions at home as well as enhancing the functionality of your kitchen.

We all have set off our smoke alarm in your kitchen a time or two, so you already know how indispensable having a range hood is. So how do you decide on which type of range hood is right for you and your kitchen? As you explore your options, keep these considerations in mind.

The Layout & Design of Your Kitchen

The design and layout of your kitchen is a big factor in how much space you can work with and how to install your range hood. In addition, there are various types of range hoods you can choose from. It is recommended to mount the hood around 25-30 inches above the range.

Depending on your kitchen’s design, vent hoods can be mounted on a wall, integrated into your existing cabinets, or hung over an island range. There are telescoping hoods that can be expanded when they are being used or retracted and concealed when they are not. One other alternative is a downdraft kitchen hood, that rises from the back of the range.

Kitchen Range Hood Exhaust System

Ducted exhaust systems use ducts to drive air out of the home. “Out” being key. This means is you can’t vent the air into another part of the home, such as an attic. If you have a ducted system, its best to mount the hood to an exterior wall. When mounted in this fashion the ducting is more efficient and there won’t be a lot of it. The more you get away from an exterior wall, the more involved and costly the hood and ducting installation will be.

Using duct-free exhaust systems, the dirty air is filtered, cleaned and then returned into the kitchen rather than it being forced outside of the home. These systems are commonly less efficient than ducted systems, they require more maintenance with routine cleanings and filer replacement.

Range Hood Fan Power

The size of your kitchen affects how strong the exhaust hood fan needs to be to clear the air and help impede cooking odors. To find out how powerful your fan needs to be, multiply the kitchen ceilings height by the length and width of the room. This will dictate the volume of your kitchen.

Kitchen Ceiling Height X Width of the Room = Volume of the Kitchen

Basically, you should choose on a range hood that can clean or replace the air in that area in no less than 8 times an hour.

Types & Styles of Range Hoods

Clearly, you will want a vent hood that coordinates with the look and feel of your kitchen and expresses your own personal taste. This allows you to consider the different finishes available and the maintenance needed to keep them looking fresh and clean. Different things such as a polished or brushed finish, the choice of material like stainless steel, copper or metal, etc. Finally, you may want to think about how you want it to be included into your kitchen. If you’re looking to make a gutsy statement, you may want to decide on something that distinguishes itself from the rest of the décor and pick a bold color or appealing placement.

Noisy Range Hoods

You can purchase an incredibly powerful oven hood, but if it sounds like a personal aircraft taking off, it’s probably not worth the money. Instead, professionals suggest purchasing one that works by drawing air towards the edges of the hood instead of moving it over the whole kitchen. It makes the hood more efficient and keeps noise levels to a minimum.

Range Hood Costs

Just like almost everything else you purchase for your home costs can be from the inexpensive to extravagant. Power, size, materials and special hood additions such as automatic shut off, heat sensors, and built-in lighting will all influence the cost of the range hood. Also, don’t overlook range hood installation costs. This may be a job best left to the professionals. Just remember that the labor and materials, can quickly add up, and possibly cost more than the cost of the range hood itself.