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Range Hood 101: Things to Know Before You Start
Make sure you choose the right range hood for your kitchen. The right size and configuration make a big difference in keeping your home smoke and odor free while you’re cooking. Here’s everything you need to know to help you choose the best range hood.
Ductless Range Hood
A ductless range hood does not vent to the outside of your home. It pulls air in and forces it through a filter to trap odors and grease. A ductless range hood is easier to install but won’t be able to completely remove smoke and odor since it has no exterior ventilation. If you have a small kitchen, you can get an over the range microwave that has a built-in vent.
Vented Range Hood
A vented range hood, aka a ducted range hood, pulls in air and leads it outside either through the exterior wall or the roof. Going through the exterior wall of your house requires less waterproofing. If you decide to vent through the roof, make sure the vent goes all the way outside and not just into the attic. When venting the range hood through an outside wall, make sure you’re not going into a soffit or any other obstruction. While the installation is more extensive, and they can be more expensive (ranging from $65 - $6,000) but added venting for your range hood is more effective at eliminating odors and smoke.
Range Hood Size
The most important factor to consider when selecting the right kitchen hood vent is its width. Select a hood that meets or exceeds the width of your current range. A vent hood is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), which is how much air moves from the unit to outside in one minute. As a general guideline, take the square footage of your kitchen and double that amount to determine the CFM you’ll need.
Installing a Vented Range Hood
This is a project many experienced DIYers should be able to handle as long as you have the right tools and supplies. Mounted hoods vary by manufacturer. Before you begin, read your range hood manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t feel comfortable cutting through the wall of your home or doing electrical work, it may be best to hire a professional.
Instructions
Maintaining Your Vented Range Hood
Keep your range hood looking and operating like new with a little maintenance. Since the purpose of your range hood is to trap grease and odors, give it a quick wipe every time you clean your kitchen. If you do a lot of cooking, clean the filters on a regular basis.
Remove the filters and scrub with hot water and dish soap. Some filters are also dishwasher safe. Just be sure to check the owner’s manual first. If the filters get too dirty, they won’t work properly, so add this step to your deep cleaning routine.