Commercial range hoods are essential pieces of equipment in any professional kitchen. They help remove smoke, steam, and cooking odors from the kitchen, making it a safer and more comfortable workplace. However, a commercial range hood is only as effective as its ventilation system. This blog post will walk you through the steps to vent a commercial range hood properly.

Step 1: Choose the Right Location for the Range Hood

One key consideration is the distance between the range hood and the cooking surface. The range hood should be close enough to the cooking surface to effectively remove smoke, steam, and odors from the air but not so close that it interferes with cooking activities. A good rule of thumb is to install the range hood no more than 30 inches above the cooking surface. This will ensure that the hood is close enough to capture the airborne pollutants effectively but not so low that it obstructs your view or gets in the way while cooking.

Another critical factor to consider when choosing a location for your range hood is the vent placement. A range hood should be located near an exterior wall or roof to make venting easier. This will allow the air to be vented directly outside rather than recirculated back into the kitchen. If the range hood is not near an exterior wall or roof, you may need to install ductwork to channel the air outside. This can be a more complicated and costly installation process, so choosing a location that makes venting as straightforward as possible is best.

Step 2: Install the Ductwork

Once you have chosen the location for your range hood, you can start installing the ductwork. The ductwork will carry the air and smoke out of your kitchen, so it must be correctly installed. Use high-quality ducting material rated for commercial use with a large enough diameter to handle the air volume your range hood will be moving.

Step 3: Vent to the Outside

One of the most critical steps in venting a commercial range hood is ensuring the ductwork vents to the outside. You should never vent a range hood into an attic or other enclosed space, as this can create a fire hazard. Again, this is why all ductwork should be directed straight up through the roof or an exterior wall.

Step 4: Install a Backdraft Damper

A backdraft damper is a simple yet essential range hood ventilation system component. Its purpose is to prevent outside air from entering the kitchen through the vent when the range hood is unused. This is important because if the damper is not in place, air can flow in the wrong direction through the ductwork, leading to heat loss, increased energy consumption, and reduced indoor air quality.

The backdraft damper should be installed at the point where the ductwork exits the building. This location ensures the damper can prevent outside air from entering the kitchen when the range hood is unused. The damper is designed to allow air to flow in only one direction, so when the range hood is turned on, the air is vented out of the building, and when the range hood is turned off, the damper closes to prevent outside air from flowing back into the kitchen.

Several types of backdraft dampers are available, including gravity dampers, butterfly dampers, and spring-loaded dampers. The kind of damper you choose will depend on factors such as the size and configuration of your ductwork and your specific ventilation needs. Some range hoods may come with a built-in damper, while others may require the installation of a separate damper.

Step 5: Test Your Ventilation System

Once you have installed your ductwork and vented the range hood to the outside, testing your ventilation system is essential. Turn on the range hood and ensure it effectively removes smoke and odors from your kitchen. You can also use a smoke pencil or similar tool to check for leaks in your ductwork.

In conclusion, properly venting a commercial range hood is essential for creating a safe and comfortable working environment in your kitchen. Following these steps and using high-quality ducting materials ensures your range hood operates at peak efficiency. If you have any questions or concerns about venting your commercial range hood, the experts at HoodMart can help - contact us today!