When you’re remodeling your kitchen, there are a lot of decisions to make: flooring, countertops and appliances, to name just a few. But one potentially overlooked decision is whether or not to install an exhaust fan. Did you know one essential component of a functional, safe kitchen may be an exhaust fan? Installing an exhaust fan can help reduce moisture levels and keep odors at bay in your new kitchen—that’s why it’s important to consider this often-overlooked feature while remodeling. In this blog post, we will explore how and why it may be necessary for your planned project.
What is the Purpose of a Kitchen Exhaust Fan
A kitchen exhaust fan is an important appliance in maintaining a comfortable kitchen environment. It helps to remove unpleasant odors, smoke, and other airborne particles in the kitchen which can cause discomfort and unhygienic conditions. This essential appliance is also beneficial in providing ventilation to the kitchen by directly removing the hot air and moist air from the kitchen space.
Not only does the kitchen exhaust fan provide comfort, it also helps to keep kitchen appliances functioning properly as excessive humidity and heat can damage kitchen appliances over time. A kitchen exhaust fan is also useful for safely dispersing grease during cooking, preventing buildup that could start a fire. With its range of benefits, a kitchen exhaust fan will provide optimal performance for creating a comfortable kitchen atmosphere.
Kitchen Exhaust Fan Requirements
Kitchen exhaust fans are often a major component of kitchen ventilation. In many states, kitchen exhaust fans are required from a building code perspective in order to ensure kitchen smoke and fumes are fully exhausted into the outdoors rather than allowed to circulate throughout the home.
In some places, kitchen exhaust fans are strictly required for safety reasons, whereas in other places kitchen exhaust fans may be considered merely optional or at the homeowner’s discretion. Whether or not kitchen exhaust fans are mandatory usually depends on what type of appliances the kitchen is equipped with and any existing local building codes.
Generally speaking, kitchen exhaust fans should always be used when deep frying food or using any type of open-flame cooking method due to the heightened risk of fire associated with these methods. It is always best to review your local state or regional building codes to ensure your kitchen fan meets all applicable requirements for kitchen safety and performance.
What Happens if You Don’t Have a Kitchen Exhaust Fan
Not having a kitchen exhaust fan could cause a variety of problems. Without this important component, kitchen air has difficulty being sufficiently circulated, potentially resulting in the buildup of humidity and cooking odors. This situation could potentially cause mold growth, which can exacerbate any existing respiratory issues that members of households may have. Moreover, kitchen grease and oils are much more likely to accumulate without proper kitchen ventilation, degrading painting and wallpapering. Over time, this can cause permanent staining and discoloration. Additionally, the grease and smoke can attract dust and other airborne particles, which can create a fire hazard. Even if natural ventilation via windows or doors is available in your kitchen, an exhaust fan is a valuable addition because it moves air quickly compared to slower natural ventilation methods. These risks are why it is always a good idea to have a kitchen exhaust fan installed in your home to keep both you and your loved ones safe.
Caring for a Kitchen Exhaust Fan
Taking care of your kitchen exhaust fan is an important part of maintaining clean air in your kitchen. To ensure your kitchen exhaust fan runs efficiently, make sure you monitor and check the filter that connects to its vent. The filter should be cleaned regularly to prevent build-up which can cause a blockage. This could result in loss of suction or even fire.
Regular cleaning involves washing the exterior of the fan with a damp cloth, and checking any filters or grilles for contamination buildup. To prevent additional buildup from forming, it is recommended to periodically use a vacuum cleaner to eliminate dust clumps in hard-to-reach places and replace the filters when they become significantly soiled or clogged.
Additionally, inspect the fan itself on a periodic basis to make sure all screws are tight and that there are no gaps where air can escape. Following these maintenance suggestions will ensure a healthy environment in your kitchen, free of pollutants and odors!
Bring Your Dream Kitchen to Life
A kitchen exhaust fan’s purpose is to remove heat, smoke, grease, odors, and moisture from the air in your kitchen. It is important to have a properly sized kitchen exhaust fan to ensure it can do its job efficiently. Without a working kitchen exhaust fan, excessive heat and moisture can lead to mold growth and other damage in your home. Be sure to regularly clean your exhaust fan to keep it functioning properly. If you live near the Greensboro, North Carolina area and are interested in remodeling your kitchen to create the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of, contact us at Kitchen Express! We have over 30 years of experience remodeling kitchens and would be happy to bring your dream kitchen to life.
Contact Kitchen Express Today
