{"id":829,"date":"2021-09-06T09:36:26","date_gmt":"2021-09-06T09:36:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/?p=829"},"modified":"2021-09-06T09:36:27","modified_gmt":"2021-09-06T09:36:27","slug":"kitchen-exhause-fans-legal-requirement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/kitchen-exhause-fans-legal-requirement","title":{"rendered":"Are Kitchen Exhaust Fans a Legal Requirement?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Indoor air quality is a significant concern and just about every building. Whether you are thinking about your home or a commercial establishment, you need to make sure your indoor air quality remains high. When you are cooking, you need to make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated. Otherwise, you could create health problems for yourself and other people who are in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With this in mind, are kitchen exhaust fans a legal requirement? It is critical to take a closer look at current kitchen ventilation codes so you can figure out what you need to do to keep your kitchen safe. What should you know?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Simple Answer…<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

United States building codes do not require the installation of a ventilation system in the kitchen, but state codes might.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, understand that there is no national ventilation code that requires you to install an exhaust fan in your kitchen. On the other hand, if you do decide to install a ventilation system in your kitchen, then there could be codes that apply to that specific system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, you do not have to install an advanced ventilation system, but if you have one, you are required<\/a> to make sure it is functioning properly and safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though there is no national code stating that you must have an exhaust fan in your kitchen, there could be state or local regulations that require you to do so. Therefore, depending on the location of your kitchen, you need to make sure you abide by all local building restrictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An example of this is Washington State<\/a>, which has various ventilation requirements that you will need to adhere to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Making sure that you double check state codes ensures that you do not end up facing any regulatory issues. If you are curious about whether you are required to install an exhaust fan in your kitchen, you may want to reach out to a professional contractor who can help you. That way, you understand exactly what you have to do to make sure your kitchen is in compliance with all rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Does a Kitchen Need Proper Ventilation?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A
A kitchen with a cooker extraction hood and ceiling exhaust fan<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

After covering a few basics about kitchen ventilation, you might be wondering why some states require kitchen ventilation exhaust fans. Every time you cook food in your kitchen, you release fats, oils, and greases into the air. Even though you may not see them at first, they will eventually settle on the individual surfaces of your kitchen<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you do not clean your kitchen regularly, you may start to see these particles on your cabinets, walls, counters, and backsplashes. This can create a layer of grunge that can be incredibly unsightly and dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to these annoying oils, there are other substances that are released into the air. This includes gases and ultra fine particles. As they circulate throughout the house, they could be inhaled by people in the kitchen, including yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These persistent odors can lead to health problems. They are an even bigger issue for individuals who suffer from chronic respiratory conditions. Examples include seasonal allergies, asthma, and even chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Fortunately, adequate kitchen exhaust<\/a> can make this problem easier to deal with. A strong exhaust fan can remove these toxins from the air, protecting the health and safety of everyone who is present<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, cooking also produces a significant amount of excess heat. If you do not have a ventilation hood or an exhaust fan, this heat is going to sit in the kitchen. It makes it easier for the air to hold moisture. When the air cools down, the moisture condenses. You may start to see wet spots on your cabinets, counters, and walls<\/strong>. This can damage the finishes on your cabinets and counters, creating significant functional issues for your kitchen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Lots
Lots of mold condensation on a drywall with wallpaper<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, this moisture can also lead to the growth of mold and mildew. This is another significant health problem that can impact people in the building. Therefore, if you want to reduce the growth of mold and mildew in your kitchen, you may want to use a ventilation system or an exhaust fan to help you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, you may think you can ventilate your kitchen relatively easily by opening a window. Sure, this is better than nothing; however, it is not going to be effective in a modern home. Modern homes have been sealed for energy efficiency. Therefore, even if you crack open a window, the rest of your kitchen is going to trap air conditioning and heat inside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, you need to find a more efficient way to remove these toxins, gases, and layers of heat from your kitchen. Investing in an exhaust fan or a ventilation system is the best way to do exactly that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ducted or Ductless Range Hood<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"An
An range\/cooker hood in a kitchen<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Now, if you are thinking about installing a range hood in your kitchen, it is important to make sure you pick the right one. You might be deciding between a ducted range hood and a ductless range hood<\/a>. How do you figure out which one is right for you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, a range hood is also called a vent hood or an exhaust hood. This is an enclosure that is directly over your stove that collects the fumes, smoke, and steam. The ventilation this range hood offers can filter what is coming off the stove away from your home<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both of these range hoods also come with a mechanical fan you can turn on or off. That way, you can prevent particles from collecting on your ceilings, walls, counters, and cabinets. This can significantly reduce the grimy buildup that would otherwise take place in your kitchen. Therefore, this is a great way to keep your kitchen clean and reduce the amount of cleaning you have to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With all of this in mind, how do you decide if a ducted range hood or a ductless range hood is right for you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is a Ducted Range Hood?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First, let’s take a look at a ducted range hood. These are relatively common, but they do have some restrictions regarding where they can be placed in your kitchen. A ducted range hood has to connect to ductwork that can carry airborne particles away from the kitchen and deposit them in the outside world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead of simply recirculating air through a filter and putting it back in the kitchen, you will need to have the proper ductwork to carry dirty air away from the kitchen:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The
The outside vent showing the houses ventilation ductwork<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Even though ducted range hoods are relatively common in commercial kitchens, they are less common and residential settings. If you are interested in this type of range hood, you have to make sure you have enough space to install it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important to take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of a ducted range hood. A few benefits include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n