Exhaust hoods are versatile and indispensable appliances for commercial kitchens. Day-to-day food preparation tasks are unthinkable without the assistance of a proper exhaust hood and ventilation system.

It is thus logical for commercial kitchen operators to put a good deal of thought into exhaust hood purchasing options. Exhaust hoods must not only conform to national and state codes, they also must meet their specific building’s specifications. Here is an explanation of some common exhaust hood specifications:

Exterior discharge is commonly regulated by building codes. Some range hoods recirculate air without sending it outside of the appliance. These ductless hoods have a popular following, and are the only logical fit in many buildings without the capacity for ducting. However, some buildings’ specifications explicitly do not allow ductless hoods. Be sure that you are aware of any such restrictions before purchasing a hood.
Even when buildings do not require kitchens to have ventilation systems, the building may still require those who install them to obtain permits. Some cities require all buildings to enforce such permit rules, so it is good to be aware of your local laws and statutes. When an exhaust hood is required, an exhaust fan is usually required as well.
Be sure that your exhaust hood is not going to disturb your building’s air pressure. Some buildings have strict requirements on the minimum and maximum cubic feet per minute of range hoods’ exhaust capacities. Capacities that are stronger than building limits can, at times, be problematic. Indoor drafts and other annoyances can result from the installation of ventilation systems with improper exhaust capacity.
As a general rule, range hoods work best when located close to the cooking surface. It is quite common for buildings to require range hoods to be placed within a certain distance of the cooking top. Be sure that the range hood you invest in has a logical spot to rest in your kitchen, and be sure that it is properly sized to fit there. When installing or ordering a hood, it is often useful to hire a professional to help find an ideal hood fit for your cooking surface.
Buildings typically have ventilation codes, which establish the minimum rate possible to acceptably ventilate air. These specifications ensure that inhabitants of buildings will not suffer any negative effects from poor indoor air quality.

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