Being a homeowner comes with a lot of responsibility and choices. When it comes to the aesthetics of inside your home, you want everything to look nice and matching. This is no different when it comes to selecting a range hood. You will need a range hood above your stove to help remove steam, smells, and smoke from your home. How does a ductless range hood work? Ductless range hoods use a filtration system to suck in the air and recirculate it back into the home.
Let’s take a look below at some more details regarding ductless range hoods.
What Is A Ductless Range Hood
Believe it or not, a ductless range hood is exactly what it sounds like. It is a range hood that does not require any ductwork or vents that lead through your walls and out the exterior of your home. This ventless range hood or ductless model can also be stainless steel. Recirculating range hoods work in the following manner.
- Recirculation of air – the ductless range hood uses an activated charcoal filter to clean the air as it is sucked into the unit and air passes over the filter. Once the unit has cleaned the air it is recirculated back into the home.
- Activated charcoal filter – this mesh filter should be changed at least twice a year. This ensures that your range hood continues to function properly and removes all particles from your air. Consequently, providing you with higher indoor air quality in the home.
What Are Ducted Range Hoods
The opposite of a ductless range hood would be a ducted range hood. Ducted models are very common in most kitchens. Their purpose is to suck in the air in the kitchen and expunge it outside of the home. This allows you to remove the dirty air caused by steam and cooking from the home. This ducted system is wall mounted and has a vent hood and fan power as well as carbon filters.
What Are The Pros and Cons Of Ductless
As with many appliances there are pros and cons as to what they offer the homeowner. In this case, a ductless range hood has many more pros than cons. Let’s take a look:
Pros
- Can be installed anywhere
- No pipe or ductwork is needed.
- No venting through an exterior wall of your home.
- More convenient to install
- More cost-effective
- Possibly have a timing system that can be set to turn on and off as scheduled.
Cons
- Can cause more humidity in the kitchen.
- Is known to be a bit louder than most range hoods.
- Requires filter cleanings.
- Requires filter replacements.
How Much Do They Cost
Ductless range hoods are rather inexpensive. Simply put, you do not need the extra tubing or vents installed to the exterior of your home. A standard ductless range hood will cost you between $100 and $300. Keep in mind, that a ductless range hood is less effective due to the recirculation of air back into the home.
Other Recommended Maintenance
Now that you understand how a ductless range hood works, you can decide whether or not you need a ductless, ducted range hood, or a convertible range hood. Call your local home inspection team if you aren’t sure what makes sense for your home.
Next, be sure to check that the kitchen exhaust is working. Proper maintenance of the kitchen exhaust can prevent house fires. It is imperative to ensure the exhaust is working once you have installed any type of range hood.
Lastly, while you are installing a range hood, it might be a good idea to upgrade your appliances. Getting a new refrigerator can be a nice new energy-efficient addition to your home. Keep in mind that a new refrigerator can take some time to get cold. So, before you go out and buy a lot of groceries, read up on how long it might take a new refrigerator to get cold.
When Do I Call A Professional
Installing a range hood could be rather tricky. It is a great idea to reach out to a professional contractor for help. Not only will you need an electrical connection, but knowing that the ductless range hood is installed properly is key. Although most homeowners love do-it-yourself projects. This one should be left up to the professionals. Reach out to your local home inspection team to determine the best fit for your new ductless range hood. Also, they can recommend a reputable professional contractor to assist in this project.
Conclusion
Being able to select between a ductless or convertible range hood is a great opportunity for a homeowner. However, making sure that what you choose makes sense for your range can be difficult. With so many options available, you might want to consult your local home inspection team. They can look over your current range hood situation and recommend areas that you can improve upon. This ensures a safe installation and protection of your investment. Call Boggs Inspection Services to get a home inspection of your other appliances and electrical setup, completed in Lacey, WA, and surrounding areas.
