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Vent stove fan to outdoors
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More from Homes StoriesQUESTION: Several years ago I had a hood installed over the stove. Recently, I removed the screen to clean it and discovered that the fan runs whenever the air conditioner is operating. It also runs when the heat is on, even though the switch on the fan is off. Is this operating correctly?
— J. Smith, Evansville, Ind.
ANSWER: Obviously, the range fan is vented to the exterior, because the blades are turning as warm air enters the fan's ducting system. The fan motor is not actually on, but the blades turn as warm air passes over the curved shape of the blades. It's likely the fan blades are not turning when the filter is in place, because the filter will restrict and reduce the flow of air.
The range fan serves to reduce the amount of heat at the stovetop and to vent the moisture that is generated by cooking.
The range hood and most under-counter microwave ovens have a built-in thermostat to turn the fan on when the heat from the stove reaches a set temperature. The fan also can be turned on manually.
A vented range hood requires a duct or vent pipe to vent the heat and moisture to the exterior of the home, where there should be a vent covering to prevent air leakage and pest entry.
If you suspect the fan, the vent covering or the duct are not operating properly or have been installed improperly, you should contact a trained service technician to inspect the unit.
With energy costs taking a bigger share of your hard-earned dollar, you need to ensure that all of your appliances are working properly, safely and efficiently.
Ask the technician to make sure the venting system does not terminate in an attic or crawl space, where a kitchen fire could quickly spread through the home.
Also, make sure the vent pipe or the ducting is made of metal to resist or contain accidental fires.
I've seen too many installations where flammable plastic pipe or an aluminum foil pipe were improperly used for vent ducting or the ducts ended short of the exterior of the home.
(Dwight Barnett is a certified master inspector with the American Society of Home Inspectors.)
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