Kitchen Hood
I’m in BC. I’m trying to figure out if a kitchen range hood is compulsory as I have been led to believe. I tried reading some of the government building code docs but they are not written in plain English and I really couldn’t figure out what they were burbling on about.
It’s a small, single-storey manufactured home in a mild climate. In the existing kitchen that has just been removed there was a ductless hood, you know, the sort integral to a microwave installed above the cooker. I got rid of the microwave altogether – don’t like them, never use them, and it was ugly. I can’t afford, or want, holes ripped in my wall to the outside. Kitchen has been renovated and a smaller apartment size range installed.
Basically, all I want to know, is do I have to put in another ugly range hood? The code also talks about a mechanical ventilation system being on all the time, I can only assume the relevant enforcement body has shares in BCHydro. What the hell are my windows for if I want fresh air?
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Replies
Calling Malcolm Taylor...
Tracy,
Both range hoods and full-time mechanical ventilation are required in all new homes in BC. However there is a lot of leeway as to how far you have to go to meet current codes when renovating existing buildings. That discretion is exercised by your local building inspector. That's where I'd start. Talk to them and see what they want.
Good luck!
Thanks, Malcolm.
Tracy: As long as your local code official agrees, it's your house, and you can do as you please. That said, a vented range hood is desirable. Researchers have found that stoves and cooking food emit substances into the air that can endanger your health.
Moreover, your house needs ventilation, even on days when the weather is too cold to open a window.
That said -- it's your house.