Is Range Hood Required By Code In Alberta? Uncover The Truth!

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and a range hood is an essential appliance that helps keep the air clean and free of harmful fumes, smoke, and grease. But is a range hood required by code in Alberta? The answer is yes. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the regulations surrounding range hoods in Alberta, their importance, and the various factors to consider when choosing the right one for your kitchen.

Alberta Building Code Requirements

According to the Alberta Building Code, all residential kitchens must have a range hood that meets specific requirements. These requirements include:

• The range hood must be installed over the cooking surface and extend at least 6 inches beyond the front and sides of the cooking surface.
• The range hood must be vented to the outside of the building through a duct that is at least 6 inches in diameter.
• The range hood must have a minimum CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating that is appropriate for the size of the kitchen.

Why Are Range Hoods Required?

Range hoods are required by code in Alberta for several reasons:

• To remove harmful fumes and smoke: Cooking produces harmful fumes and smoke that can contain toxic chemicals, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. A range hood helps to remove these fumes and smoke from the air, reducing the risk of exposure to these harmful substances.
• To reduce grease buildup: Cooking also produces grease that can accumulate on surfaces in the kitchen, including walls, cabinets, and appliances. A range hood helps to reduce grease buildup by capturing grease particles and preventing them from spreading throughout the kitchen.
• To improve air quality: A range hood helps to improve air quality in the kitchen by removing harmful fumes, smoke, and grease. This can help to reduce the risk of respiratory problems, such as asthma and allergies.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Range Hood

When choosing a range hood for your kitchen, there are several factors to consider:

• Size: The size of the range hood should be appropriate for the size of your kitchen. A larger kitchen will require a larger range hood to effectively remove fumes, smoke, and grease.
• CFM rating: The CFM rating of a range hood indicates how much air it can move in a minute. A higher CFM rating indicates a more powerful range hood. The CFM rating you need will depend on the size of your kitchen and the type of cooking you do.
• Type of ducting: There are two main types of ducting for range hoods: vented and non-vented. Vented range hoods are connected to a duct that vents the fumes, smoke, and grease to the outside of the building. Non-vented range hoods recirculate the air back into the kitchen after filtering it.
• Features: Some range hoods come with additional features, such as lights, timers, and remote controls. Consider the features that are important to you when choosing a range hood.

Installation and Maintenance

Range hoods must be installed by a qualified electrician or contractor. Improper installation can lead to safety hazards, such as fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Once installed, range hoods should be cleaned and maintained regularly to ensure they are working properly. This includes cleaning the filters and wiping down the surface of the range hood.

Questions We Hear a Lot

• Q: Why is a range hood required by code in Alberta?

A: Range hoods are required by code in Alberta to remove harmful fumes, smoke, and grease from the air, reduce grease buildup, and improve air quality.

• Q: What are the minimum requirements for a range hood in Alberta?

A: The range hood must be installed over the cooking surface and extend at least 6 inches beyond the front and sides of the cooking surface. It must be vented to the outside of the building through a duct that is at least 6 inches in diameter and have a minimum CFM rating that is appropriate for the size of the kitchen.

• Q: What are the different types of range hoods available?

A: There are two main types of range hoods: vented and non-vented. Vented range hoods are connected to a duct that vents the fumes, smoke, and grease to the outside of the building. Non-vented range hoods recirculate the air back into the kitchen after filtering it.