They can be broadly divided into ductless and ducted Hoods based on their function. The significant difference between them is evident by the name. Ducted range hoods vent outside your house, whereas the ductless ones do not have vents. Instead, air passes through filters before being redirected back to your kitchen. This is why they are also known under a different name: recirculating range hoods. How does an recirculating range hood work? Image Source If you’re using an electric cooktop, but you are not able to open a window or open when cooking, I recommend that you do not purchase a ductless range hood as carbon monoxide as well as other dangerous gasses (when in large concentrations) require venting from your kitchen, and not just returned to. The grease and charcoal filters found in these range hoods cannot eliminate the harmful gasses.
How Does a Ductless Range Hood Work?
A ductless range hood functions as an exhaust fan for kitchens, and knowing how it operates will allow you to determine whether it’s worth it or not. There are numerous reasons to opt for ductless range hoods instead of ducted hoods. The choice of a kitchen range hood used to be functional and straightforward but as appliances become more sophisticated and sophisticated, so too does the need to be in line with the trends of a modern kitchen. And should you decide to buy a recirculating or ductless range hood and want to install it under cabinet, it’s essential to understand how does ductless range hood work.
The Charcoal Filter
This layer of activated charcoal helps to reduce the smell, and harmful particles are usually discharged to the outside. There is often an enveloping felt or paper layer to help to trap smoke. Most ductless range hood filters are equipped with this charcoal layer, which is coated with an outer and inner sheet of aluminum mesh—the mesh layer of aluminum assists in capturing grease and provides the filter with some stiffness.
Change The Charcoal Filter Frequently
The most critical maintenance task for vent less range hoods is to change the filter.
Cleaning the charcoal ductless filter is recommended at least once each three months. I suggest changing the filter at least once per month if you cook regularly. It’s an individual choice.
Changing your filter every month is also recommended if you’re affected by poor air quality.
The cost of these filters is usually in the range of $10-$20.
When using the ducted range hoods, they only require the filter to be replaced once per year if it is needed since you typically clean the mesh or the baffle filters made of steel. You can clean them by using simple soap and water.
Installing A Recirculating Range Hood
If you are installing the ductless range hood, you will find two square or round cutouts located at the top and the other at the rear. These cutouts are removed based on whether you wish to install vertical ducts for the roof and a rear one connecting to the wall. Of course, if you would like to use the range hood in ductless, you can keep the cutouts intact. The installation process is much easier than connecting an external duct or even connecting the duct. The most basic procedure for installation is to attach the range hood onto the wall studs, then hook the electrical wire or bind it to the electrical wiring. It is unnecessary to worry over the wall ducts, the exterior vent cover, or even putting it on the roof. The most common issue with ducts is that they create an opening in the wall that could let in air from outside and animals. I’ve often found bird nests inside vents, which is why there’s the flapper.
Purpose of Ductless Hood Functions
A range hood aims to remove smoke, odors, steam, grease/oil, steam gasses that cause harm, and heat*. The two items marked with an asterisk are the functions that a ductless hood cannot perform. They lack an air conditioning system, so heat cannot be exchanged or exhausted. Additionally, as mentioned, the harmful gases are not separated. Steam and grease, which rise when you cook, condense onto the filters for oil and are then separated. The process generally involves heated air moving rapidly and repeatedly via the filter’s fine mesh or the baffle filter, causing the grease and steam to condense and then separate. The exact procedure is contingent on the type of grease filter in the first place: baffle or mesh. To find out more about the function of a range hood and the various features and technical terms to search for, such as. I recommend you read my comprehensive and informative buying guide for range hoods. Charcoal filters help keep odors out.
Contrary to grease filters, charcoal filters can’t be cleaned and must be replaced. For most people, the primary reason for installing a range hood in their home is to get rid of cooking smells and to stop them from spreading throughout the house. To avoid this, it is common to have the windows open. It’s therefore important to mention the fact that charcoal filtering is essential to remove the smell, and depending on the usage, they could require replacement every quarter or two. When you cook less, you could need to replace it only once per year, or less. If the ducting cost is the principal reason behind opting for a ductless kitchen hood, consider this.
The Bottom Line
I believe installing the ductless range hood is the best method to enhance your kitchen.
Personally, there’s no way for me to reside in a house without an exhaust hood for the range… for the duration of. If you don’t cook, opening the windows shouldn’t be relied upon. A window that is always open will also reduce energy efficiency in a home.
Although vent less range hoods for stoves aren’t as effective as their duct-like counterparts, they still do the job and keep the air fresh. Now, we hope you understand how does a ductless range hood work.
