Range hoods are essential kitchen appliances that help remove smoke, steam, and cooking odors from the air. They're often mounted to the wall, built into cabinetry, or placed on the ceiling above a kitchen island. But one question homeowners frequently ask is, Do range hoods need to be vented outside? The answer to this is not a yes or a no. A range hood vent removes the air outside or recirculates it back into the kitchen through ductwork.
While not all range hoods require being vented outside, it's important to know how do hood vents work and what is the best kitchen ventilation solution for you.
What is a Range Hood Vent?
A range hood vent removes smoke, steam, grease, and odors from a kitchen. There are two common types of kitchen ventilation systems: ducted range hoods, which vent air outside, and ductless range hoods, which recirculate the air and send it back into the kitchen.
How Do Hood Vents Work?
The air around your stove is sucked up by the fan in the kitchen vent hood. It then extracts any contaminants created while cooking. A ducted range hood removes the polluted air into the duct and sends it outside.
Ductless range hoods use filters to trap grease, smoke, and odors. They clean and filter the air, then recirculate it back into the kitchen. Ductless models of range hoods are easier to install, but they aren't as effective as ducted range hoods in removing moisture and odors.
Do All Range Hoods Vent Outside?
The answer to do all range hoods vent outside is no. A range hood vent does not need to be outside. The types of range hoods decide whether kitchen vents need to be outside or not. Outdoor venting is the most effective option to fulfill the purpose of a range hood. However, not always does a range hood's vent outside. This is where range hood duct configurations are important.
Ducted Range Hoods: Vents that are ducted outside the kitchen are the most effective, as they provide the ability to get rid of cooking odors, steam, and grease in a kitchen with an exterior wall or roof access.
Transform your kitchen with the ZLINE Ducted Vent Wall Mount Range Hood in Stainless Steel, which is powerful and operates quietly, and is suitable for large kitchens and heavy cooking.
Ductless Range Hoods: Although they aren't as effective as ducted range hoods, a ductless range hood can still improve air quality. Homeowners who prefer lighter cooking and don't produce heavy smoke or strong odors can opt for this kitchen vent.
Perfect for smaller kitchens, the ZLINE 30" Convertible Vent Wall Mount Range Hood in Stainless Steel & Glass can effortlessly clean the kitchen air and be a centerpiece.
Where Does a Range Hood Vent Go?
Another common question is, where does range hood vent go? Air travels through the vent system to an exterior wall or roof in a ducted range hood. The venting duct travels from the hood, through the wall, and exits the house. As a homeowner, you need to make sure that the ductwork is properly done and sealed to prevent leaks. This ensures air is efficiently vented outside. To maintain optimal airflow, check for obstructions and grease buildup in the ductwork.
Ductless range hoods don't need exterior venting. The air is filtered and sent back into the kitchen. However, these hoods need to be cleaned frequently, and filters need to be replaced to keep the ventilation system working.
Benefits of Vented Range Hoods
When you've decided to install a range hood vent, it’s a decision that's best for your kitchen. It remains free of excess humidity, smoke, and airborne grease. Here are the top benefits of an outside-venting range hood:
-
You'll notice improved air quality.
-
It stops the growth of mold and mildew, as well as steam and humidity in the kitchen.
-
Quick odor and cooking smell removal.
-
Installing a grease air extraction will prevent the formation of grease on walls, cabinets, and ceilings.
Shop the ZLINE 30" Ducted Vent Wooden Convertible Vent Wall Mount Range Hood in Cottage White from HomeComfortsDepot.
Choosing Between Ducted and Ductless Range Hoods
When deciding between the ducted or ductless configurations of a range hood vent, you need to consider the following:
Your Kitchen Size and Layout: For people who have larger kitchens and do heavy cooking, ducted systems are a more suitable option. Smaller kitchens with lighter cooking may benefit from a ductless system.
Your Building Codes: Make sure your ventilation system is aligned with the building codes and local regulations. Some building codes prefer outside ventilation.
Your Installation Costs: Ducted systems are more expensive because they require heavy ductwork. Ductless systems are an affordable option, but they frequently require filters to be replaced.
The ZLINE 30" Convertible Vent Wall Mount Range Hood in Stainless Steel offers top-tier air filtration, removing odors and smoke with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best range hood for a kitchen with no outside vent?
Ductless range hoods are the best kitchen appliances for homeowners who can't vent a range hood outside. Filters in the range hood clean the air and send it back to the kitchen, making them an ideal appliance for apartments or spaces with no exterior walls.
2. Where does a range hood vent go?
A ducted range hood vent forces air to be pushed through ducting that vents outside the building through an exterior wall or roof. This is a ventilation system that removes air outside the building so that there is no collection of odors and moisture.
3. Is a ductless range hood as effective as a ducted one?
Ductless range hoods are easier to install and less expensive, but they are less effective than ducted models.
4. What is an ideal range hood vent for apartments?
For apartments, a range hood vent that vents outside does not work. Ductless range hoods make a great solution with their easy installation and flexibility.
Conclusion
Do range hoods need to be vented outside? No, not every range hood vent needs to be vented outside. Before you make a decision, understanding the range hood ductwork configurations is important. You can either choose ducted range hoods, which vent outside, or ductless range hoods, which recirculate the air back.
HomeComfortsDepot is the supplier of some of the best kitchen range hoods in the US. Shop the best models of FORNO range hoods and ZLINE!
