Venting Code Requirements for Gas Stoves

Carbon Monoxide

• Gas stoves burn natural gas to provide heat for their top and oven burners. A byproduct of burning natural gas is carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that is invisible and odorless. A well-maintained stove produces an extremely small amount of carbon monoxide, but a combination of an inefficient stove and a room with poor ventilation can quickly add up to a dangerous problem. Venting the fumes from the stove to outside the home keeps the danger away and the people healthy.

Coding Organizations

• Two major organizations that create code for homes are the International Property Maintenance Code and the International Residential Code. Together, they work to provide countries with a unified safety code that accounts for many types of buildings and materials used. Many states and smaller municipalities have adopted the codes as part of their local requirements. Neither code requires that kitchen gas stoves be vented to the outside, but both say it should be done. Many local codes do require venting with new construction.

Varies Greatly

• If the manufacturer's installation requirements are more stringent than a code requirement, the manufacturer's requirements are what must be followed. Gas stoves come with the recommendation that they be vented outside. The Home Ventilating Institute points out on its website that the recommended ventilation for kitchens varies significantly because of the wide variety of appliances, types of cooking and possible locations of the stove. The website declares what outside venting is optimal, but it notes no requirements.

Maintenance

• Kitchen vents only work as well as they are maintained, regardless of where they vent. A kitchen vent, especially one directly over the stove top, should be inspected each year, and any filters should be changed or washed. A heavy cooking schedule -- as required with a larger family -- might need cleaning more often. Look for any rusted spots where leaks may occur, and for buildups of grease and other material that may catch on fire.