Learn more about what goes into a range hood, factors to consider when selecting one, and how this information helps you live healthier at home.
Range hoods are composed of:
- Fan insert or range hood insert
- Cover or Shroud that goes around the insert
The range hood insert is where you get function, while the cover is where you get form, or what makes it beautiful.
Picking the best range hood insert for your home is based on a few factors, and can be advised by remodeling professionals, like the Dana King team and HVAC experts.
Factor to Consider when Selecting a Range Hood Fan Insert
- How many BTUs (British Thermal Units) are emitted from the cooktop range
- The CPU (Central Processing Unit) capacity of the fan insert (make sure the fan is powerful enough for the BTU output
- Type of filter (how easy it is to remove and clean)
- Vented or ventless (is the fan vented to the outside through HVAC ducts, or does it circulate air in your home?)
- Accessibility features (remote control or push-button)
- Lights (how many, integrated LED or ease of replacing bulbs)
Pro Tip:
“Turn your range hood Fan insert on 5-10 minutes before you start cooking, to train the air to circulate properly. This will keep steam, odors, and grease from spreading throughout your home.”
Sometimes, make-up air is needed if the fan insert is very powerful or if it is determined too much air is being drawn out of the home.
Make-up air balances air pressure inside a home.
It is a way to bring in fresh, outside air when inside air is being removed by a fan insert. This air can be heated and is blown in through a vent.
Proper make-up air helps control CO2 levels, humidity levels, and prevents negative pressure from building inside a home.
Specific requirements according to HVAC codes in your municipality is best verified by an HVAC professional.
Why is Home Air Quality Important?
Air quality in your home is influenced by a variety of factors. Ultimately it can impact your comfort and how you feel, which is why we believe it is an important consideration in your home, especially in spaces that we spend much of our home, such as a kitchen. Air quality considerations include:
- Humidity — Humidity levels impact our skin and breathing.
- Cleanliness of air — Particles in the air impact breathing, illness, allergies, and often most noticeably, smells.
- Carbon monoxide & Radon Gas Levels — Negative air pressure creates a ‘vacuum effect’ and can cause back-drafting of exhaust from gas appliances, and radon gas to be pulled from the soil and seep through the foundation. Both of these gases can decrease the levels of oxygen in a home, with can impact overall brain and heart health.
- Temperature — Having a comfortable and even air temperature can save energy costs and foster increased time spent in a space.
- Air Flow — Air movement and ventilation disperses pollutants, particles, and temperature, so that the negative qualities in the indoor air do not accumulate or sit stagnant in your home.
In a kitchen remodeling project that impacts HVAC needs for the range hood insert, considering the air quality early allows incorporation in the plan and budget. We believe this approach prioritizes home air quality and will help you live healthier at home.
To find inspiration on range hood covers, see this post with 7 different examples!
