We are building a home using Structured Insulated Paneling and radiant floor heat. Most of our choices have been based on “what is the most energy efficient choice?”. Our kitchen design incorporates a range hood vented through the wall. The builder indicates that this is an invitation for cold air as there will just be a flap separating the kitchen from the outdoors.
How much am I compromising the air tight house to have a range hood? How much cold air will come in through a standard range hood? How well does a ductless range hood work?
HELP
The amount of cold air that comes in will perforce equal the amount of smoky smelly air that gets exhausted to the outside. Some range hoods don’t exhaust to the outside — they simply run the air through a filter. But I consider these inferior — the filters aren’t that effective: they can trap some of the smoke, but not much of the smell. Bottom line: vent the thing outside — and use it only when necessary.
Vent hoods usually have a switch above the stove to turn the vent on and off. They close the vent except when you want to exhaust the odors from cooking.
Your SIP home should have a “make-up” air supply to create a light positive pressure in your home. This keeps the air clean and free of contaminents like the out gassing of carpet, paint and even your breath. It also provides combustion air to your furnace or boiler. This positive pressure prevents cold air from entering through your range hood or dryer vent. RScott