Gas Stove Venting Requirements

When To Use The Vent

Usually, we only turn on the vent in situations where something is burning – in short, we only think it should be used when something has gone wrong. That is not the case. Whenever we cook food, particles of smoke, grease, water, and food are sent into the air. These particles are capable of landing anywhere and will start to accumulate on floors, fabrics, and furniture. Undoubtedly, once it has accumulated the grime damages the surfaces and finishes of your home.

The particles, once they have been dispersed, tend to produce an odor over time. That is why it is important to vent whenever you use a gas range. Healthwise, it is also significant. Venting is crucial because anytime you sear or cook, even smaller, ultra-fine particles enter into the atmosphere. These particles are not just standard food particles but they mesh with other chemicals present in the air and can produce a heavily induced chemical atmosphere that is unsafe to breathe.

Venting With Gas Ranges

Nitrogen dioxide is a product of most gas flames. In total combustion, we just get carbon dioxide and water – most of the time, however, the combustion is incomplete. Elevated concentration of nitrogen dioxide is a major cause of respiratory issues including asthma. This is a big concern especially if you have kids in the home. Gas ranges usually do not need quite as much venting as electric ranges as they are relatively clean burning. It is important to remember the purpose of ventilation is to remove heat, steam, grease, and smoke – plus the byproducts of burning gas. Conversely, if you often fry with high heat when cooking kinds of bacon, meats and so on, these products create smoke that in turn create grease on your cabinets and steam up windows, resulting in odors that can linger for days. Venting is by far the most effective way to prevent the above from happening.

Gas Ranges And Carbon Monoxide

Any appliance that burns a natural gas product can be harmful to your overall health. Carbon monoxide can be absorbed into the bloodstream and can overcome a person who is not aware of the presence of carbon monoxide fumes. The symptoms include the following:

• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Chest pain
• Confusion

It is another reason why it is so important to use the vent whenever you cook. People with Asthma can even suffer when there are just minimal toxic fumes in a room. As well as using the vent, is you suspect carbon monoxide in the room open the windows slightly to allow fresh air ventilation. You can also have carbon monoxide alarms installed in your home to alert you to any fume issues.

Best Ways To Vent

The best way to vent a stove is to have it vent to the outside. If there is no built-in ventilation in your home, install one about 30 inches above the top of the stove. It needs to match the width of the stove and at least a depth of the front burners. Range hoods are rated by the cubic feet of air they remove in sixty seconds. It is also very important to replace the filter once every three months. They cost from $40 upwards and can be purchased online or at appliance stores. Whatever model of vent you decide on, be sure you turn it on as soon as you start to cook when using gas ranges.