Among the main aspects most homeowners consider during home improvements is the upgrade of a range hood.
In addition to bolstering the aesthetic appeal of a kitchen and the house at large, offering convenience and improved functionality, the allure of a great range hood is unmatched.
Contrary to the opinion of most homeowners, DIY range hood is not as daunting as it sounds and seems.
With the detailed process steps, you can easily design your custom-made range hood.
Determine the Purpose
The process of designing a range hood begins with effective planning.
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The planning entails you determining the purpose of the equipment. If you often do lots of cooking characterized by frequent deep-frying, boiling and grilling, you should buy a range hood that has a much higher rating. For less complicated cooking, you can opt for an equipment that has a common ventilation rate.
The size of your kitchen also comes into play during a DIY process of your equipment. For a very big kitchen, you should buy an equipment that has a higher rating of CFM. You can opt for a smaller range hood that has a common rating for a small kitchen. The equipment should be as wide as the size of the cooktop.
Choose the Style
Having identified the extraction rate your equipment, you then determine the style you want in the kitchen. Coming down to style, you will choose your style amongst downdraft, wall mounted, under-cabinet and island styles. Downdraft refers to the range hoods located beside or behind a cooktop and only rise when the stove is in use. The style of your choice will also be advised by the layout plan of your kitchen.
Select Ventilation Type
Ventilation refers to the mechanism used by range hoods in cleaning kitchen odors. In terms of ventilation type, extraction hoods are categorized into two types namely; ducted and ductless. Ductless hoods are those that capture kitchen odors, clean and recirculate the clean air into the area. Ducted hoods, on the other hand, capture cooktop odors and push them outside through an insulated pipework known as a duct.
Calculate Ventilation Capacity
Ventilation capacity of a range hood is calculated in cubic feet per minute, abbreviated as CFM. For common home cooking, a 100 CFM rating should cover every linear foot of the width of the cooktop area.
Determine the Look
When it comes down to the look of an equipment, you will explore amongst stainless steel, and copper. Whichever look you choose, it has to complement and match your overall kitchen style and color theme. Factors such as individual tastes and preferences will play a critical role when choosing the look of the equipment.
Consider Smart Features
Smart features and digital controls improve aesthetic appeal of the range hood and the kitchen, as whole while at the same time improving functionality for a great cooking experience. Smart features such as an underside LED or halogen lighting illuminate the cooking area for a more enhanced cooking experience and energy efficiency. These digital controls such as blower rate settings improve functionality and energy efficiency through customizing ventilation capacity according to the type of cooking.
Design the Ducting System
For a ducted hood, you have to effectively plan for the ductwork. Determine where it will start, pass and where it exit through to the exterior. Installation of the ductwork will entail some digging in the walls, cutting the drywall and roof to pave way for the pipes, and sealing the channels. As you do this, be sure to reduce the length, bends and curves of the pipework to achieve a seamless airflow.
Check Building Codes
Last but not least, consult with the local building authorities to determine if your design complies with the set local ordinances that regulate safety and health aspects in homes. Your equipment design must be inspected and permits issued for the same. Failure to comply accordingly can attract cancellation of the permits, hefty fines and possible legal battles.
With a design of your choice in hands, you then finish the process by inviting a professional certified in handling and maintaining range hoods. A professional will help you to fine-tune the details you may have omitted. They can also help you design an equipment that not only meets the safety and fire standards, but also one that meets your ventilation needs in the kitchen. Moreover, they will help you navigate the daunting process of obtaining the necessary permits from the standardization authorities.