What’s the Deal with Internal and External Venting for Your Home?

When it comes to choosing a range hood for your kitchen, one of the most important factors to consider is the type of venting that the hood offers. Two popular types of venting are internal and external venting, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Here’s what you need to know: External Venting:

Quieter: Range hoods with external venting tend to be quieter, as the noise from the fan is carried outside.

More effective: External venting range hoods are generally considered more effective at removing smoke, steam, and cooking odors from your kitchen.

More expensive: External venting range hoods tend to be more expensive than internal venting options.

Challenging installation: Installation of an external venting range hood can be more challenging, as it requires running ductwork to the outside of your home.

Internal Venting:

Less expensive: Internal venting range hoods tend to be less expensive than external venting options, making them a good choice for those on a budget.

Easier installation: Installation of an internal venting range hood is generally easier, as it doesn’t require ductwork to be run outside of your home.

Less effective: Internal venting range hoods are generally considered less effective at removing cooking odors and smoke from your kitchen. They also tend to be louder.

Ultimately, the choice between internal and external venting comes down to your personal preferences and budget. If cost is a factor or if you don’t want to deal with complex installation, an internal venting range hood may be the right choice for you. However, if you’re willing to pay a bit more for a quieter and more effective option, an external venting range hood may be the way to go.

Understanding Venting in Range Hoods

When it comes to kitchen appliances, one of the most important units is a range hood. It serves to remove smoke, heat, and steam away from the cooking area, making the kitchen a comfortable place to work in. Range hoods come in different types, but one of the crucial aspects to consider when purchasing one is the venting system. There are two types of venting in range hoods: external and internal.

External Venting: Advantages and Disadvantages

External venting range hoods release the air outside, either through the roof or walls of the house. This is made possible through a ventilation duct system. One advantage of external venting is that it is more effective at removing unwanted smoke, grease, and steam from the kitchen. The range hood works by capturing the contaminated air and releasing it outdoors, which prevents it from recirculating in the house. Additionally, external venting range hoods tend to be quieter than internal venting ones, which have a fan that recirculates the air within the kitchen. However, external venting comes with some disadvantages. One is that they are more challenging, and therefore costly to install. This is particularly true for homes that do not have existing ductwork, which could add to the installation fees. Moreover, homeowners have to ensure that the venting system meets code requirements and is appropriately installed to avoid issues like mold and clogging.

The Benefits of Installing an External Vented Range Hood

If you have a kitchen that sees heavy use, it’s worth considering getting an external venting range hood. Here are some benefits that come with this type of venting:

• Efficient Ventilation: The range hood will remove smoke, steam, and other food-related gases from your kitchen efficiently. This keeps the air in your home healthier and safer to breathe.
• Reduces Odors: External venting range hoods push all the contaminated air outside your home effectively. This helps to eliminate any unpleasant smells that may otherwise linger in your kitchen after cooking.
• Quieter Operation: The fan that powers an external vent hood is much quieter than its internal venting counterpart. This is because the motor doesn’t have to work as hard to push the air outside your living space.

Internal Venting: Pros and Cons

Internal venting range hoods recirculate air back into the kitchen through filters. They work by capturing cooking smoke, steam, and other gases, passing them through the filter, and then releasing the clean air back into the kitchen. One advantage of internal venting range hoods is that they are easier to install and do not require any special ductwork. They are also less expensive than external venting hoods. However, the performance of internal venting range hoods is not as efficient as that of external venting hoods. They do not eliminate all the heat, steam, smoke, and gases from the kitchen and can cause a buildup of grease and heat. As a result, they require frequent cleaning to ensure they work optimally.

Why Choose an Internal Vented Range Hood?

Internal venting range hoods come with their benefits, including:

• No External Ductwork: If you don’t want to drill your walls or roof to install external venting, an internal venting range hood is the way to go. These range hoods don’t require any complicated duct systems to function.
• Cheaper Option: An internal venting range hood is less expensive than an external venting range hood. If you’re on a tight budget, this option may suit you better.
• Easier Installation: Since the range hood doesn’t require ductwork, installation is quick and easy. You can have it up and running in no time.

Installing an Internal Vented Range Hood: Considerations

Just because internal venting range hoods are easier to install doesn’t mean that you should be complacent when it comes to installation. There are several things to keep in mind:

• Filter Maintenance: Since internal venting range hoods recirculate air within the kitchen, you’ll need to keep on top of filter maintenance. It’s best to clean the filter at least once every three months to ensure it functions properly.
• Location: Where you install your range hood can determine how well it will function. It’s best to place it directly over the cooktop or stove to help the hood capture as much smoke and steam as possible.
• Materials: The range hood should be made of materials that can withstand heat and high humidity without corroding or degrading over time.

Making the Right Choice: Internal vs External Venting in Range Hoods

When choosing between internal and external venting range hoods, several factors come into play. These include budget, installation requirements, and personal preference. To help you make the best decision, consider the following:

• Budget: External venting hoods tend to be more expensive than internal venting hoods. If you’re working on a tight budget, an internal venting hood could be a better option.
• Installation: While internal venting hoods are easier to install, they may not be the best option for your kitchen layout. If you have an existing duct system, external venting may be more straightforward to install.
• Performance: If you have a busy kitchen that sees lots of smoke and steam, external venting is a more efficient option compared to internal venting. However, if you don’t cook often, internal venting may work just fine for you.

In conclusion, while external venting range hoods offer the best performance, they require more installation work and are more expensive. On the other hand, internal venting hoods are easier to install and are less expensive, making them a great option for kitchens that don’t see as much use. Ultimately, the decision of which type of venting hood to use comes down to personal preference and circumstances.