Kitchen Ventilation Fan Information


Kitchen ventilation fan is a mechanical device that is used in controlling and maintaining an ideal kitchen environment. This is done by venting out particulates, vapors, unwanted odors and other pollutants that are generated in the kitchen.

Before you invest in a particular kitchen ventilation solution, it is essential that you gather the necessary kitchen ventilation fan information. This article outlines the essential factors that you have to consider as well as the most important kitchen ventilation fan information that you need to know and understand so that you can make the right choice.

Essential Kitchen Ventilation Fan Information

In order for you to make a more informed choice, you have to consider the following kitchen ventilation fan information when assessing the appropriateness of your choices:

  • Total ventilation capacity
  • Principal ventilation capacity
  • Supplemental ventilation capacity
  • Supply air capacity
  • Size of the kitchen
  • Location

Total Ventilation Capacity

The total ventilation capacity is one of the most important kitchen ventilation fan information that you have to take into account when searching for the “right” ventilation solution for your home or business. Based on the existing building code, modern homes and business establishments need to meet the minimum level of mechanical ventilation. The principal or main ventilation system and the supplemental or complementary ventilation system account for the total ventilation capacity or TVC of the home.

Principal Ventilation Capacity

The principal ventilation capacity is associated to the air flow that is ventilated by the main or principal ventilation system and accounts for 50 to 70 percent of the TVC. This exhaust system is required to operate continuously. However, homeowners can provide for manual shutoff in their kitchen ventilation solution.

Supplemental Ventilation Capacity

The supplemental ventilation system takes up the slack left by the principal ventilation system. The supplemental ventilation capacity must be accounted for by the supplemental ventilation solution and this would include the ventilations fans installed in the kitchen and bathroom. Bathroom and kitchen ventilation fans run independently and operate only when the condition requires it and such operating process is essential to avoid de-pressurization of the home.

Supply Air Capacity

The supply air capacity of your home is one of the important kitchen ventilation fan information that you need to consider. The supply air capacity is the measure of the amount of air that has to be drawn and introduced into the interior living space to preserve the balanced air pressure. This is important as the condition ensures that there is not buildup of moisture and grease on kitchen surfaces, doors, windows, walls and appliances. All of these factors highlight the need to install a kitchen ventilation fan unit with a power rating that matches the supply air capacity of your home.

There are 2 installation options that you can consider in order to maintain a balanced air pressure:

  • Providing a sealed air duct for the exhaust system of the home
  • Installation of an air to air exchanger

Size of the Kitchen

You would choose a kitchen ventilation fan based on efficiency and aesthetics. One of the most important selection parameter is the size of the kitchen. This is one of the set of kitchen ventilation fan information that you have to gather before you start your hunt for the ventilation solution that is most appropriate for your modern kitchen.

Back to Top