In the heart of every kitchen is an appliance you may not have given much thought to beyond the occasional grumble about it’s noise. But this essential appliance performs a crucial task - keeping your Melbourne kitchen clean, comfortable and healthy.
It’s the humble rangehood.
So let’s dive into why rangehoods are so important to have in your kitchen! In this guide, we'll explore the benefits of rangehoods, the differences between ducted and recirculating models, and how to ensure your rangehood is working optimally for years to come.
Do Ducted Rangehoods or Recirculating Rangehoods Work Better?
When it comes to ventilation, ducted rangehoods operate much more effectively than recirculating rangehoods. Ducted rangehoods vent air outside the home through ductwork, effectively removing smoke, steam, and odors from the kitchen.
Some old ducted rangehoods just vent the air into the wall or roof space, but this can present a fire risk. It also won’t perform as well as a rangehood that is properly ducted to the outside atmosphere, because the smells and steam will stay inside the building envelope of your home!
Current building standards require most new homes to be vented to the outdoors via ducting. But even if you’re replacing a rangehood in an existing home, ducted is the way to go.
They are also a much better option if you have a gas cooktop.This is because gas cooktops emit particulate matter into the air inside your home. This has been linked to increased childhood asthma and respiratory illnesses. Ducted rangehoods remove the contaminants from the indoor environment when used consistently (rather than just blowing them back in).
With efficient grease removal and quiet operation, ducted rangehoods are ideal for heavy cooking and kitchens where ventilation is a top priority.
On the other hand, recirculating rangehoods can be a more practical choice for apartments or rental properties if the installation of ducting in the walls/roof space is unfeasible.
While they can improve air quality by filtering and recirculating air, they may be less effective for heavy cooking tasks that produce significant smoke, steam, and odours. In Melbourne’s climate, moisture control is a high priority, and recirculating rangehoods do not remove steam from the indoor environment. They also require regular replacement of carbon filters, which is an ongoing cost that should be considered.
Why Do I Need A Rangehood In My Kitchen, And Not Just A Normal Exhaust Fan?
A normal exhaust fan ventilates your bathroom, right? So why don’t we just install exhaust fans to do the ventilation work in Melbourne kitchens?
Well, normal exhaust fans are not designed or rated to have greasy air running through them regularly. Their efficiency will decrease over time as they get clogged with grease and they won’t last long.
The installation of a normal exhaust fan on your kitchen ceiling would also be too far away to effectively vent the steam and greasy air from your cooktop. The hot, moist air would just escape into your kitchen and throughout your home before it had the chance to be vented away.
Rangehoods, on the other hand, are designed to offer superior ventilation alongside better grease filtration and air circulation. Because they are installed much closer to the cooktop, an adequately sized rangehood will capture and vent the steam BEFORE it has the chance to escape into your home.
Rangehoods are also specifically designed to handle grease. They typically have filters that trap oil particles to prevent them from getting in to and damaging the fan motor.
Additionally, rangehoods come in a variety of designs and styles, allowing you to choose one that complements your kitchen decor and adds aesthetic appeal to the space. Are you looking to buy a new rangehood, but you’re wondering what type? Click through to our “Ultimate Guide to Choosing A Rangehood: Expert Tips".
How Do I Make Sure My Rangehood Is Working Optimally?
Whether you’ve got a ducted or recirculating rangehood, regular maintenance is key for ensuring your rangehood is working optimally.
- Clean the grease filters regularly to maintain airflow and grease removal performance.
- Wipe down surfaces and clean filters according to manufacturer recommendations.
- Replace worn or damaged filters as needed to ensure effective ventilation and grease filtration.
- Inspect the rangehood periodically for any signs of wear or damage, addressing any issues promptly to prevent further damage and maintain optimal performance.
Choosing the right rangehood for your kitchen is just the first step towards creating a clean and comfortable cooking environment. When it comes to installation, it's crucial to entrust the job to experts who understand the intricacies of rangehood installation and can ensure a hassle-free experience.
That's where Kenner Electrics comes in. With years of experience in installing rangehoods across Melbourne, our team of skilled electricians is well-equipped to handle the job with precision and professionalism. We understand that installing a rangehood can be a fiddly task but with Kenner Electrics, you can rest assured that your rangehood will be installed correctly the first time, allowing you to enjoy all the benefits of improved ventilation and air quality in your kitchen without any hassle.
Plus, if additional power points are required for your installation, our team can take care of that too, providing you with a comprehensive solution for all your rangehood installation needs. So why take chances with DIY installations or inexperienced contractors when you can trust the experts at Kenner Electrics to get the job done right? Contact us today to schedule your rangehood installation and take the first step towards a cleaner, healthier kitchen environment.
