Your kitchen is one of your home's most frequently used rooms. You likely spend a lot of time preparing numerous food items and snack options in the kitchen regularly. While preparing your delicious meals, are you thinking about what impact they could have on indoor air quality? Smoke, fumes and cooking sludge are all the byproducts of cooking. If your cooktop lacks adequate ventilation, all of these leftovers end up in the air you breathe.
If you're currently using ventilation over your cooking surface, is it adequate, or do you have to upgrade or replace it? Before you choose a ventilation system or upgrade it, there are several factors to consider: the building codes for your region and the dis, the between an exhaust fan and a downdraft system, and the kind of range hood you own. This will help you understand these concerns when deciding whether to keep, replace, or upgrade your ventilation system.
Check Your Local Code
It's a matter of where you live. Some cities have specific rules for residents about ventilation in the kitchen. Before buying the exhaust or downdraft system, verifying your town or city building code to verify the ventilation regulations have been set is essential. If a local ordinance is in place for kitchen ventilation, it's ideal to choose downdraft or exhaust fans that align with that code's requirements. It can save you a few problems later. Additionally, failure to comply with the rules could adversely impact any insurance claim for homeowners that you file if your kitchen is damaged by fire.
Exhaust Fan Verses Downdraft System
Although a wall exhaust fan over a cooktop and downdraft systems serve the same function, there are some distinctions.
Exhaust Fans Exhaust Fans:
An exhaust fan is the most commonly used ventilation choice. It is installed directly over the cooktop's surface. It is designed to draw smoke, vapors, and grease outside once it passes through the exhaust fan and filter system cover. Some exhaust fans bring the air back into the kitchen after it's cleared through the filter of the exhaust fan. Exhaust fan fans are famous because of their design and user-friendliness. However, installation and repair can be a challenge, and therefore, it is recommended to have it installed by a skilled professional.
Downdraft Systems:
Downdraft systems are integrated into the cooktop counter. They are typically placed behind the burner, but some models give the option of locating them in other locations. Downdraft systems are more obscure than an exhaust fan. This can be beneficial if your cooktop is placed in the kitchen located on an island or peninsula. Many people prefer this style because it's simpler to set up and doesn't require any additional ductwork installation. However, many downdraft systems are less efficient than the conventional exhaust system.
Types of Range Hoods
There are many different types of range hoods you can pick from. A one-way duct system allows outdoor air to be filtered, and a ductless system returns the air filtered inside. Also, some convertible models will enable you to switch between the two. They can be installed as a ductless or ducted system. Hoods for ranges can be installed under cabinets (such as a microwave with an exhaust vent), on an island, or even from an angled ceiling, wall downdraft hood, or chimney hood. Hoods for ranges are available in various designs, colors, and styles (from stainless steel to copper). The type you pick will likely be based on the design and style of your kitchen; however, when you're currently remodeling your kitchen, many choices are available.
