The main difference between a ducted range hood and a convertible range hood is their method of venting. A ducted range hood is installed with an external vent that expels all heat, smoke, and steam from the kitchen to the outside of the home.
This external vent will typically be ducted through the roof or wall of the home for proper ventilation. A convertible range hood, on the other hand, does not require an external vent and typically utilizes some form of recirculation filter to trap the air contaminants within the hood.
This type of hood is used when external venting is not possible or not desired, such as during a kitchen remodeling project. The downside to this type of range hood is that the filter will need to be replaced periodically in order to maintain its performance and keep the kitchen air clean.
Is a convertible range hood ducted?
Yes, a convertible range hood can be ducted. Ducted range hoods are the most popular type of range hood and they are designed to vent air outdoors. Convertible range hoods are designed to include the option to be either ducted or non-ducted, depending on the exhaust needs of the kitchen.
When ducted, the range hood pulls the air away from the cooking area, up through a duct to the outside. This setup is beneficial in larger kitchens as it helps to keep the air fresh and reduce kitchen odors.
Non-ducted range hoods filter and recirculate the air back into the kitchen.
What does convertible mean on a range hood?
A convertible range hood is one that can be vented or non-vented. Venting range hoods are designed to remove heat, smoke, and any other odors from the kitchen that are produced from cooking. Non-vented range hoods help to trap these cooking pollutants using a filtering system such as charcoal filters.
Depending on the model, some convertible hoods can be used as both vented and non-vented, meaning you have the option to choose the best option for your particular kitchen needs. This can be extremely helpful for those who don’t have the appropriate venting to their outside wall or don’t have too much height in their kitchen to fit the full hood height.
Additionally, a ventless hood can be beneficial if used with lower BTU burners, as it will help reduce the amount of smoke produced from the burner than an external vent could. A convertible range hood is a great way to have more flexibility with your kitchen ventilation.
How do I know if my range hood is ducted?
The easiest way to determine if your range hood is ducted is to look at the back of the range hood. A ducted range hood will have an exhaust vent that is connected to a duct, which will expand the vent to the outside of the house.
If your range hood does not have an exhaust vent, this means it is not ducted. If there is an exhaust vent, you will either see a flexible metal duct that is connected to a register cover or a rigid metal duct that is venting out of the side of the house.
Additionally, you can also check to see what type of filter your range hood is using. A ducted range hood will have a filter that can be removed and cleaned, whereas a non-ducted range hood will only have a filter that is not removable.
Are ducted range hoods worth it?
Yes, ducted range hoods are definitely worth it. While they may be more expensive to install than a non-ducted range hood, they come with many advantages that can make them well worth the extra cost.
Ducted range hoods help to improve air quality in the kitchen by removing steam, smoke and odors from cooking with a powerful fan. The fan will expel the air outside of the house, eliminating the need to circulate it through the home or have it just recirculate in the kitchen.
Ducted range hoods also tend to be quieter, and this can be a real benefit for busy kitchens. Additionally, ducted range hoods tend to be more efficient than non-ducted hoods, as all of the air moved is expelled outside of the house, as opposed to just recirculating.
Lastly, ducted range hoods look very nice, and can add a nice aesthetic touch to the kitchen.
Can you use a ducted range hood without a vent?
No, a ducted range hood cannot be used without a vent. A ducted range hood is designed to be connected to an exhaust vent through an external wall and vent the air outside. Without a vent, the recirculated air would cause an accumulation of contaminants, build-up of odors, and grease.
It is also unable to effectively draw the air up and away from the cooktop, placing the cooktop occupants in danger of the exhaust, smoke, and odors produced from cooking. Therefore, a ducted range hood must be used with a vent when installed.
How much does it cost to install a ducted range hood?
The cost of installing a ducted range hood depends on several factors, including the type and size of range hood you choose, local labor rates, and the complexity of the installation. In general, installing a ducted range hood can cost anywhere from $250 to $1000 or more, depending on the variables.
If the installation requires modifications to your current ventilation setup, additional costs may be incurred. Additionally, ducting materials may add to the overall cost. Ultimately, the best way to determine an accurate cost estimate is to consult a licensed contractor with experience in range hood installation.
Are all Rangehoods ducted?
No, not all rangehoods are ducted. Rangehoods generally fall into two categories – ducted and ductless. A ducted rangehood connects to an external vent and removes air and odours from the kitchen out of the home.
A ductless rangehood, sometimes referred to as a recirculating rangehood, utilizes filters and fans to clean the air before it is circulated back into the kitchen. Ducted rangehoods are generally more powerful and effective than ductless rangehoods, however ductless rangehoods are often a more viable option for apartments and other homes where installing a duct and exterior vent is not feasible.
Which is better ducted or ductless?
That depends on your individual needs. Ducted systems typically provide more efficient heating and cooling, and can cover a large area with one system. They are also generally fix installed, so are not so easily moved or adapted.
Ductless systems, on the other hand, are more easily moved and adapted to different areas, and can also be set to provide more individualized heating and cooling. They are typically less efficient than ducted systems, however, and may be best used in smaller living spaces.
Ultimately, the best system for your home will depend on the size of the area you need to heat and cool, your budget, and the customization you desire from the system.
What are the three types of ventilation hood?
The three main types of ventilation hoods are Island, Wall-Mounted Range, and Down-Draft. Island hoods are typically longer and wider and are designed to fit over a stovetop or other surface. They are usually mounted at ceiling level and usually come with multiple fan speeds and lighting options.
Wall-Mounted Range Hoods are typically smaller and can fit below or above cabinets. They are designed to be placed directly above the cooking surface or range and are capable of removing contaminated air from the area.
Down-Draft hoods are designed to fit in between kitchen cabinets and draw air downwards towards the cooking surface and away from the kitchen. They are the most common type of hood available and are typically used in residential installations.
Which is better a vented or unvented range hood?
It really depends on your needs and preferences. A vented range hood is ideal for cooking areas where a lot of heat and moisture is generated, as it vents the air directly to the outdoors. They are generally more efficient and quieter when compared to their unvented counterparts.
On the other hand, unvented range hoods do not vent directly to the outdoors, but instead filter and recirculate the air in the kitchen, which is beneficial for households in apartments or other enclosed spaces.
Unvented range hoods are also significantly easier to install, since they do not require any additional ducting or ventilation systems to be installed. So, it ultimately comes down to cost, installation complexity, and overall performance – if you don’t need an overly powerful system, an unvented range hood can provide an effective solution, while a vented range hood is ideal for more demanding cooking tasks.
Are All range hoods vented to the outside?
No, not all range hoods are vented to the outside. Some range hoods are designed to be ductless, meaning that they don’t require external venting. Instead, these hoods are typically equipped with a filter that is responsible for trapping grease and other contaminants in the air while circulating the air back into the kitchen.
This type of hood typically requires more frequent filter changes than one that is vented to the outside, however, it can be a great option for a kitchen that cannot be vented externally, such as one located in the basement.
Is it OK to use flexible duct for range hood?
Yes, it is generally acceptable to use flexible duct for range hood installation in a residential kitchen. Flexible duct is easy to install, cost-effective and can be used in a variety of applications, including venting a range hood.
However, it is important to note that although flexible duct is widely used for residential range hood installations, it may not be the best option in certain cases.
Flexible duct is not an ideal choice when it needs to be run around corners, as air flow becomes more restricted when rounded curves are present. When sharp turns are required, such as in many scenarios with recirculating range hoods, rigid metal ducting is preferable.
As well, homes with more than two elbows in the run may need a larger diameter rigid pipe to ensure proper airflow.
It is also advisable to check local building codes as they may dictate what type of ducting is acceptable. If your range hood requires a longer run or more bends, you may need to hire a licensed contractor in order to work around the codes.
Ultimately, determining whether flexible duct is OK for a range hood installation depends on the specific style, model and distance of the unit, making individual assessment on a case-by-case basis the best approach.
How do I know what cooker hood I have?
To determine what type of cooker hood you have, start by examining the hood itself. Look for brand logos, model numbers, and other identifying information. If the hood is concealed by cabinetry, open up the cabinet and take a look at the actual hood.
Then, look for any identifying markings inside the hood. This can include labels, manufacturer symbols, or even serial numbers that can help you determine a more specific model number.
If the labels inside the hood have worn off, then try inspecting the filters. Many cooker hoods have a mesh filter designed to capture and reduce smoke, odor, and grease. This can often provide you with clues to the make and model of the hood, depending on its design.
For example, many cooker hoods require cylindrical-shaped filters, so the shape of the filter can give you a good indication of the type of hood you have.
If you’re still having difficulty, take some good quality photos of your cooker hood and consult a local home appliance store. A salesperson should be able to help you identify your cooker hood, or you can visit the manufacturer’s website.
They may have a section where you can search based on the model number or characteristics of the cooker hood.
How do I know if my cooker hood is extraction or recirculation?
The best way to determine if your cooker hood is extraction or recirculation is to check your product manual. The manual should specify if your cooker hood is equipped to be an extraction or recirculation fan.
If your product manual does not specify, then you can look for physical signs of ventilation. If your hood has a removable mesh filter, chances are it is an extraction hood as this is a necessary part of an extraction system.
If there is no filter, it could be a recirculation hood. In a recirculation system, air is filtered, heated and returned directly into the kitchen space and no filters are used.