If you’re wondering how to vent a hood outside your home, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll talk about the basics of how to install a vent hood outside your home and how to choose the correct ductwork path for your hood. After that, we’ll discuss which hood features you need, including a blower and backdraft damper.
Choosing a range hood
There are two types of range hoods: those that vent outside and those that recycle exhaust. A venting range hood is more restrictive, because it must append to an outside port. Venting range hoods usually filter more smoke, odors, and oil. The result is better air quality, but they may not be appropriate for certain rooms or spaces, such as lofts. To avoid such issues, consider buying a ductless model.
The first type of venting option is ducted. These exhaust kitchen fumes outside the house. Non-ducted models use filters that remove heat and grease from the air and filter the air back into the kitchen. The downside to ductless range hoods is the higher initial cost, but the benefits outweigh the downsides. Non-ducted range hoods use filters to eliminate grease and odors, but do not eliminate heat.
Choosing a range hood to vent out can be confusing, but there are several factors to consider. Consider the style of your kitchen and the type of venting you need. Most vent hoods have at least two different settings for adjusting fan speed. You might need a different setting if you cook on a lower level. A three-speed hood will be sufficient for most households. Most consumers do not feel that having more than two or three fan speeds will give them greater value.
If your kitchen has a deep countertop, you’ll want a range hood that’s deep enough to fit the countertop. Outdoor kitchen countertops are at least 30 inches deep – six inches deeper than those in a traditional kitchen. A hood that’s too shallow for your countertops will not fit comfortably. However, a 30″ range hood will not fit properly. If you’re unsure, consider a 30-inch hood – which is the most suitable for your space.
Choosing a ductwork path
Whenever you plan to install a vent hood outside your kitchen, you need to follow some rules to get the best performance. The shortest ductwork path is ideal, since it has fewer bends and minimal resistance. This way, you will get maximum power, efficiency, and longevity from your vent hood. Remember that longer ducts have higher resistance and air will have a hard time reaching the outside. Besides, if you don’t plan to use powerless range hoods, you should stick to rigid ductwork, which is recommended for powerless hoods. The flexible plastic duct is not suitable.
If you want to make sure the ductwork path reaches the outdoors, you should run the ductwork vertically. This will help prevent cooking exhaust from building up inside the attic. In addition, you should also make sure that all seams are sealed with duct mastic or foil tape. If you do not have duct mastic, you can use conventional duct tape. However, you should remember to hire a contractor to install the ductwork.
You can choose the shortest ductwork path to your vent hood by considering its distance from the kitchen. However, long duct runs can cause noise and make the unit noisy. Also, ducts with more bends will decrease the efficiency of your vent hood, so if you can, choose a ductwork path that follows a 45-degree curve rather than an L-shaped curve. Remember that the shortest path should also have a termination point on the roof, or an outside wall.
Installing a ducted range hood outside your kitchen is not an easy task. The cost is dependent on the length of ductwork and the cost of new ductwork. The shortest, straightest ductwork path is recommended, since it is easier to install. Also, ductwork that twists and turns is harder to assemble once the walls are installed. Choosing an outside vent hood is important, but the trade-off may be that you lose cabinet space.
Choosing a blower
If you want to vent your hood outside, you will need a fan that can move the air. You can find an in-line blower or a blower that is located outside. In either case, you need to choose the right size. When selecting a hood fan, keep in mind that there are several different types of fans on the market. Choosing the right one is important for two main reasons. First, it will ensure that the air coming from your hood stays outside. Second, an external blower will be quieter.
Lastly, you should choose a vent hood with a CFM of 1,200 or more. Outdoor vent hoods require higher CFM than those for indoor applications. The higher the CFM, the healthier your outdoor living space will be. If you’re looking for a vent hood that is compatible with both indoor and outdoor cooktops, you’ll want to choose one with a minimum of 1,200 CFM.
Choosing a blower for your vent hood is a matter of preference and a personal preference. High-CFM models are ideal for people who love to cook greasy food or Asian dishes. On the other hand, a low-CFM option can work well for a quieter setting. To vent your hood outside, you should also choose a vent hood with dual-blowers, as these provide more airflow and can be quieter when operating on a lower setting.
Choosing a backdraft damper
You have a few options when it comes to choosing a backdraft damper for your vent hood. One option is to choose a metal backdraft damper. The metal ones tend to be lighter than the plastic ones, but they do not perform as well in limiting airflow. These air leaks are uncomfortable and can result in a poor energy productivity. If the backdraft damper you choose is not designed for the space where your vent hood will be installed, you will need to consider another type.
You can also choose a backdraft damper with adjustable counterbalance weights. These are available in many different styles. They are adjustable through holes on the frame and blade assembly. They are not immediately open when they reach their start-open pressure, but they maintain tight closure until 60 percent of the start-open pressure. If you choose a mechanical backdraft damper, you must ensure that it can maintain constant flow control over the entire range of pressure.
Another option for vent hoods is a louver. Louvers and backdraft dampers both have horizontal blades and an exterior frame. They are mounted on a building wall. Both have an exhaust and supply entry point. The physical difference is that the backdraft damper blades are moveable, whereas louvers are usually fixed. The main purpose of each is different, and you should decide what type best fits the space where your vent hood is located.
Manual dampers are best suited for small kitchens and are inexpensive. However, they do need periodic replacement and must be lubricated. You should use an approved lubricant for your backdraft damper. Otherwise, it could damage the seals or attract dust and grit. Choose a vent location that has a wall or roof. An exhaust duct is an ideal location for a backdraft damper.
Installing a ductwork sleeve
When installing a vent hood outside, homeowners should make sure to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Installing a vent hood outside requires cutting a hole in an exterior wall. The hole should connect to a joist-bay where the duct runs. They should also consult a professional before installing this device in their home. If the wall is made of wood, homeowners should consult with an electrician before attempting to install the hood themselves.
First, make sure the duct is at least 6 inches in diameter. Once you’ve made sure everything is sized properly, install the vent hood. Then, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the ductwork sleeve. It will be easier if you have the ductwork sleeve and the vent outside already installed.
Next, mark the location of joists in the ceiling. Once you’ve determined this, use a level to mark where to drill the holes. Make sure that the ceiling joists or additional framing are aligned. Then, use a tape measure to trace a circle that will fit over the hood’s bottom. Finally, mark four corners of the hood where you want to drill the holes.
The hood should be mounted at a height of 28” to 36” above the cooking surface. If it’s mounted too low, it may be susceptible to heat damage. If it’s mounted too high, it will likely be inefficient. Ideally, the hood will be mounted to studs and vent out of the side wall. You can use wall anchors to reinforce the range hood’s mounting location. The type of wall anchors you use depends on the thickness of the walls and the weight of the range hood.
