CEILING HEIGHT

A chimney style hood is generally installed naturally to a 9ft ceiling. In areas where the customer has a vaulted ceiling or ceiling that is closer to 10ft a duct cover extension would be required. Not all hoods have an extension available. This must be addressed early in the buying process.   

TYPE OF COOKING

If burning a fossil fuel (Gas) the customer should consider baffle type filters as mesh filters may not be suitable given the heat exchange, etc. Further, we need to consider the required CFM (power) of the ventilation piece in order to provide sufficient ventilation.

DUCT SIZE

You need to match the current duct size with the duct size of the ventilation piece you are purchasing. For example, some older homes still have a 4" duct. Ventilation today is manufactured with generally a 6", 8", or 10" duct requirement. If you are to purchase a ventilation piece that requires a 6" duct but you only have a 4" duct  - then reducing the duct from 6" to 4" will significantly reduce efficiency, diminish required CFM and increase sound or (sones).

CFM

Many customers mistakenly believe higher CFM (cubic feet per minute) is better based on their cooking style. However, most ventilation pieces come standard with 400 to 600 CFM. Be aware that there may be issues purchasing a hood that has more than 600 CFM. A new renovation or home purchase will require an inspection.  Many municipalities may require a makeup air return in the home if the CFM rating surpasses 600 CFM. This can be a costly addition and an unexpected requirement.  To power your range hood, you need at least 100 CFM for every 10,000 BTUs of your stovetop. For example, a 100,000 BTU stove needs at least a 1000 CFM range hood. For electric stoves, multiply the stove width by 10. So, for a 42” electric stove you want a range hood with at least 420 CFM.

DUCT LENGTH

In order for a hood to offer the customer the indicated CFM the customer wants to have the shorts distance from where the duct begins on the hood and vents to the exterior wall. As an example, if the customer has 10ft to terminate but has an 90-degree elbow required in the process, the elbow adds 5 additional feet to the actual 10 ft.  It is now 15ft in terms of performance. The hood is no longer the true CFM they purchased and efficiency is  reduced accordingly. 

SIZE

The hood should cover the cooking surface in its entire depth  (if possible and  gas cooking surface)  The width and depth of the cooking product should match the minimum width of the hood they selected.

VENTILATION HEIGHT

A Professional Installer or expert should thoroughly review and advise of the height to mount the hood above the cooking surface. They need to consider the cooking type and the specifications in order to  recommended the appropriate mounting height to use. Generally mounting height can be anywhere from 24 inch to a max of 32inches.  The Installer may also suggest a wall-mount backguard should the wall not be properly equipped to prevent fire damage.

HOOD STYLE

It's important identify what style of ventilation you would prefer. Would you prefer a chimney hood?   Under cabinet hood? Custom liner? OTR (Over the range microwave)?   Or, a downdraft style hood?  The power of a gas range top may present an issue if your preference is a downdraft option.  Although this discreet option is the look and feel you seek, it is not practical in terms of performance and efficiency.   In short, understanding the design style in conjunction with knowing the cooking style will help guide the Sales Professional to allow you to purchase the best product. 

NO RETURNS

Most retailers do not return hoods.   As a result, you want to ensure that you cover your bases with your Installer.   We have made an Installer check sheet form below.   Feel free to fill it out.  We will send you your own copy and get it approved by your Installer before you finalize your purchase.