07 Oct Kitchen Exhaust Fans: The Do’s and Don’ts
Whether you like to whip up a five-course meal each night for dinner or you consider making boxed macaroni and cheese, there is one kitchen tool everyone needs: an exhaust fan. From steam and smoke to oil fumes, there’s a lot that needs to be expelled from your home every time you cook.
However, in order to help your fan work properly, there are a few do’s and don’ts you need to follow.
Do Have It Installed Properly
Certain exhaust fans (such as a range hood) use ductwork to remove steam, smoke, and fumes from your kitchen. Since you should never try to install ductwork on your own, it’s important to contact a trusted HVAC team to do the job for you. Otherwise, you risk the entire system not working properly.
Don’t Ignore the Filter
Like a regular HVAC system, your kitchen exhaust fan will use a filter to track any particles before they have a chance to go through the duct. This being the case, the filter can get dirty very easily, especially if you have a tendency to cook with oil.
You need to remove and clean the filter, ideally once a month, in order to keep it clean and allow air to flow through it properly. All you really need to do is soak the filter in some warm water and soap, wipe away any excess grime, and dry it before replacing it back into your fan.
Additionally, you should also aim to replace the filter entirely after about a year or so. Even with regular cleaning, no filter lasts forever.
For help installing and caring for your kitchen exhaust fan, trust the HVAC experts at Wahl Family Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing. Contact us today to schedule a service!