Installation Tips for a Vent in a Hood

Vent to the Exterior of the Home

• Venting range hoods, required with gas-burning appliances, must be properly vented through the exterior of the house. Typical installation includes the insulation of the duct, which is usually 4 to 6 inches in diameter, from the exterior all the way to the ceiling. The duct attaches directly to the vent, which is secured either below the ceiling as part of the vent hood or in the ceiling as a separate piece to the vent hood.

Energy Star Ventilation Standards

• Kitchen vent fans must comply with Energy Star standards and be able to transfer 2.8 cubic feet per minute per watt. Energy star-compliant fans are up to 70 percent more efficient, according to Energy Star Fan product specifications and guidelines. This level will not only save energy, but also will be quiet. Energy Star fans are required to meet a certain level of noise that is measured in sones (maximum allowable sound level).

Position of the vent

• Positioning the vent correctly under the vent hood is important. If the vent is placed in a corner, it will never properly ventilate air to the exterior of the house. This problem can be avoided easily by running the ductwork down far enough that the fan is literally only a few inches from the bottom of the vent. Many range hoods and decorative hoods have optional mounting hardware for the fan that allows it to be installed directly above the stove, which makes it a much more efficient system.