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Revealed: The Simple Trick to Identify Ducted and Non-Ducted Range Hoods

Chef Sasha Moreno is the Reviews Editor for CookGearMag.com. With over 15 years of experience working as a chef in restaurants across Southern California, Sasha brings an expert's perspective to her product reviews and kitchen tips. When she's not testing out the latest cookware and appliances, Sasha loves to experiment...

What To Know

  • This vent is typically located on the top or back of the range hood and connects to a ductwork system that leads outside your home.
  • A damper is a device that opens and closes to allow or block the flow of air through a duct.
  • If the owner’s manual states that the range hood is ducted, then it is indeed a ducted range hood.

Range hoods are essential kitchen appliances that help keep the air clean and free from cooking odors and fumes. They come in two main types: ducted and non-ducted. Ducted range hoods exhaust the air outside your home, while non-ducted range hoods simply recirculate the air within the kitchen. If you’re wondering how to tell if your range hood is ducted, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you determine its type:

1. Check for an Exhaust Vent

The most obvious sign of a ducted range hood is an exhaust vent. This vent is typically located on the top or back of the range hood and connects to a ductwork system that leads outside your home. If you see an exhaust vent, it’s a clear indication that your range hood is ducted.

2. Inspect the Ductwork

If you don’t see an exhaust vent, you can check for ductwork. Ducted range hoods require ductwork to exhaust the air outside. This ductwork is usually made of metal or plastic and runs from the range hood to the outside of your home. If you can locate the ductwork, it’s a good indication that your range hood is ducted.

3. Look for a Damper

A damper is a device that opens and closes to allow or block the flow of air through a duct. Ducted range hoods typically have a damper that closes when the range hood is not in use. This helps prevent cold air from entering your home through the ductwork. If you see a damper on your range hood, it’s a sign that it’s ducted.

4. Check the Owner’s Manual

If you’re still not sure whether your range hood is ducted, refer to the owner’s manual. The owner’s manual will provide detailed information about the range hood, including its type and installation instructions. If the owner’s manual states that the range hood is ducted, then it is indeed a ducted range hood.

5. Contact the Manufacturer

If you can’t find any clear indications that your range hood is ducted, you can contact the manufacturer. The manufacturer will be able to provide you with detailed information about the range hood, including its type and installation instructions.

6. Hire a Professional

If you’re still having trouble determining whether your range hood is ducted, you can hire a professional to inspect it. A qualified technician will be able to quickly determine the type of range hood you have and provide you with a detailed report.

7. Benefits of Ducted Range Hoods

If you’re considering installing a new range hood, it’s important to understand the benefits of ducted range hoods. Ducted range hoods are more effective at removing cooking odors and fumes from your home than non-ducted range hoods. They also help to improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of respiratory problems.

Top Questions Asked

Q: How do I know if my range hood is vented outside?
A: Check for an exhaust vent on the top or back of the range hood. If you see an exhaust vent, it’s a clear indication that your range hood is vented outside.

Q: What are the benefits of a ducted range hood?
A: Ducted range hoods are more effective at removing cooking odors and fumes from your home than non-ducted range hoods. They also help to improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of respiratory problems.

Q: How do I install a ducted range hood?
A: Installing a ducted range hood is a complex task that requires specialized knowledge and tools. It’s recommended to hire a qualified technician to ensure proper installation.

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Chef Sasha Moreno

Chef Sasha Moreno is the Reviews Editor for CookGearMag.com. With over 15 years of experience working as a chef in restaurants across Southern California, Sasha brings an expert's perspective to her product reviews and kitchen tips. When she's not testing out the latest cookware and appliances, Sasha loves to experiment with new recipes and techniques in her home kitchen. She shares photos of her culinary creations on her Instagram account @sashasrecipebox. Sasha is also the author of "Weeknight Cooking for Busy Home Cooks", a cookbook filled with easy and healthy family meals. Readers come to Sasha for her practical, no-nonsense reviews and advice on all things related to cooking.
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