Do you have a kitchen range hood? If this is the case, you may wonder if it is possible to vent the hood through the floor.
This article will discuss whether you can safely vent a range hood ductwork through the floor. So whether you are planning for a kitchen on the second floor or just generally curious, this is the post for you.
Yes, you can use the floor to vent your range hood. Assuming that the smoke and grease’s final destination is outside, the venting should be safe.
What is a ducted range hood?
A ducted range hood directs air to the outside of the house via a duct. A ducted hood can be installed through cabinetry, the ceiling, or the wall behind the hood. Ducted range hoods are commonly found in commercial kitchens, homes with gas stovetops, and higher-end residences. They are almost always the preferred cooking ventilation option.
COSMO COS-63190S Wall Mount Range Hood
COSMO COS-63190S Wall Mount Range Hood
Can you duct a range hood through the floor?
Yes. If we assume that the smoke and grease will eventually escape, the venting should be safe. However, this does not imply that you should vent in your basement. This is extremely risky and should never be attempted. Your smoking fumes should always exit the house. Never attempt to exhaust your hood into a basement or attic.
If you choose to vent through the floor rather than the walls, you may encounter several pipes, cables, and other obstructions.
How to install a range hood on the floor
The shortest and straightest ductwork run is best for your vent hood’s power, efficiency, and longevity. Use no more than 30 feet of ductwork. Longer ducting may result in back-drafting. Back-drafting occurs when air remains inside your duct and flows back through your hood and into your cooking space.
When possible, arrange your ductwork so that the shortest run with the fewest elbows is used. This way, the unwanted air encounters the least resistance and easily exits your home. Additionally, you will want to use rigid ducting. This will mitigate restrictions.
This may be a little daunting, so we strongly recommend you contact a contractor if you have a range hood that requires ventilation through a floor.
If you want even more tips and insights, watch this video, “How To Vent Range through Roof Instead of through Wall,” from the Spirit of a Handyman YouTube Channel.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you still have questions? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about ducting a vent hood through a floor.
How far can a range hood be vented?
Your range hood duct should not be longer than 30 feet for a straight run, 25 feet for a run with one elbow, and 20 feet for a run with two elbows. The duct should be as short as possible. Your kitchen’s air cannot reach the outside if your ductwork is too long.
Is it permissible to exhaust the range hood into the attic?
No. Grease, dirt, and chemicals from kitchen air do not need to accumulate in the attic. It is preferable to remove it entirely from your home. If you vent your hood into the attic, the accumulation of dirt and chemicals can be hazardous to your health and damage your home. It is critical that you vent your hood to the outside of your home, not into the attic, walls, or between floors!
Is it possible to vent a range hood through a crawl space?
Range hoods should only vent to the outside using a single-wall duct. The hood’s duct should have a smooth interior surface, be airtight, and have a backdraft damper. Ducts serving range hoods should not be terminated in an attic, crawl space, or interior area.
Conclusion
Now you know the importance of a powerful vent hood. It will also help you maintain your kitchen’s air quality and health. Just make sure to pick one with the right functionality and longevity when it comes down to selecting a range hood for your new kitchen.
This article covered a ducted range hood and whether it can be ducted through the floor. Here are some key takeaways:
Key takeaways
- A ducted range hood directs air to the outside of the house via a duct. A ducted hood can be installed through cabinetry, the ceiling, or the wall behind the hood.
- If the smoke and grease eventually escape, the venting should be safe.
- The shortest and straightest ductwork run is best for your vent hood’s efficiency.
- Downdrafts are becoming more common because they are easily tucked away.
- A duct that connects to a range hood is usually installed on joists (made of wood).
So, do you like to install the range hood through the floor? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? And what do you think of my list? Let me know in the comments section below (I read and reply to every comment). If you found this article helpful, check out my full blog for more tips and tricks in your kitchen. Thanks for reading, and stay safe.
