The answer to the question in the title of today’s article is “maybe.” Whether or not you need a hood fan for your stove depends on a few things including whether or not it is required by your building code. Below, we will discuss why you may or may not want a hood fan.
Building Codes
Your building code, especially if you live in a condo or home governed by a strata council may require a hood fan whether you want one or not. That is the first consideration. First find out if it is required.
Next, let’s look at the advantages of having a hood fan.
Air Quality
If you cook a lot on the stove, then the ambient air quality will be better if you have and use a hood fan. Smoke, grease, and steam are all out in the air and later deposited on your cabinets and counters if you don’t have one. The hood fan vents all of these gases away from your living space.
Smoke Detector
If your smoke detector goes off on a regular basis when you are cooking, then you likely need a hood fan. The hood fan prevents the smoke from cooking from moving out into the ambient air and therefore will prevent setting off the smoke detector.
Style
A nice hood fan looks good, and makes the kitchen look complete. Even if you don’t use a hood fan often, a future buyer would likely appreciate that you had installed an appropriate hood fan. Hood fans also add light to the cooking space.
Other
Aside from when building codes require them, whether or not you have a hood fan is usually up to the homeowner. Keep in mind that a professional kitchen with gas appliances really needs, not just a hood fan, but a powerful one, and the cook will want one and expect to have one.
Han Appliances are trusted appliance installation experts on the Lower Mainland, who work closely with many of the appliance dealers. If you need some appliances installed in the Vancouver area or you have any questions about this article, please call us at (604) 233-9216.
