In most multi-storey buildings there is a stationary system of air vents and ventilation. It has access to each apartment in the bathroom and in the kitchen. Therefore, residents can connect to it and provide their homes with clean air and additional comfort.
The main vent is located in the kitchen. This room is especially actively saturated with harmful, humid air generated during cooking, and fats splashed from frying. It is especially necessary to maintain a favorable microclimate in it, to eliminate unpleasant odors. This role is assigned to a kitchen hood connected to the general ventilation system of the house or operating autonomously.
Manufacturers produce different hoods that are mounted above stoves and hobs and have access to the ventilation system. By purchasing this device, the consumer gets the opportunity to provide installation services by professionals. However, the device can be connected to centralized ventilation with your own hands, knowing the features of these works.
How the hood works
A kitchen hood is a simple construction. It consists of the following parts:
- engine;
- fan;
- cleaning filters.
The principle of operation of the device is to create air draft. It facilitates the passage of "dirty" air through the filtration system and cleans it from impurities.
According to the functional features, these devices are of two types.
- Circulating hoods absorb the kitchen air, saturated with harmful components, thanks to the draft generated by the operation of the fans. Passing through the purification system, the air masses return back to the room absolutely clean. Two filters work in the circulation type device: one traps grease and soot, the other odors. The first is made from non-woven or synthetic winterizer fabric. In some models, it is replaced by a metal version. For long-term operation of the device, the filters are periodically changed. This entails additional maintenance costs for the circulation hood and makes it less popular.
- A flow device is considered more practical and efficient. During his work, "dirty" air from the kitchen goes outside without returning to the room. It does not use a carbon filter. It is replaced by a special grease trapping element and a layer that protects system parts from dirt and grease. Models where it is not present require special care conditions: they must be cleaned periodically. A household appliance with such an air purification system is the best option for home cooking.
Features of installation of kitchen hoods
The process of installing a kitchen hood with a do-it-yourself connection to the ventilation system depends on the type of device. Manufacturers produce different models:
- suspended;
- wall;
- corner;
- embedded;
- island.
Each of them can be circulating or flowing.
Installation of a household air purifier for professionals is not very difficult. If you want to connect it with your own hands, the owners of the apartment must take into account important points.
- The easiest way to connect the hood to the ventilation outlet is to use a corrugated pipe. It is not suitable for aesthetes, as it spoils the appearance of the kitchen. During operation, the corrugation makes a lot of noise, which causes discomfort.
- Sometimes it is necessary to make changes to the design of the exhaust device on site, taking into account the structural features of stationary ventilation. It may be clogged or damaged due to prolonged inactivity. In this case, you will need the skills of reconstructing household appliances and certain tools.
- When installing the kitchen hood on your own, it is necessary to take measurements correctly, take into account the height of the ceilings and the dimensions of the room, the location of the electrical outlet for connecting the air cleaner power supply. This will allow you to bring the cone to the vent as accurately as possible.
- When installing the air cleaner with your own hands, the owner should be aware that a large number of connections and bends will lead to disruption of the system. An angle of pipe connection over 90 degrees will create additional loads on the device. It may not work properly and fail quickly.
Installation and connection of a kitchen hood to ventilation
Wall hood
The most common option for an air purification device is to purchase and install a wall-mounted device.
- On the surface of the wall above the cooking surface of the stove, the attachment points of the box are measured.
It is important to take into account the generally accepted norms for the location of the device: the distance from the lower level of the exhaust device to the gas stove should be 75 cm, for the electric one - 65 cm.
- According to this marking, holes are drilled into which dowel-nails are inserted.
- Self-tapping screws are screwed into them through the mounting holes in the box itself, fixing the main device.
- Next, an air outlet pipe is installed, combining the hole in the box with the ventilation outlet in the wall. To do this, use a fixing clamp.
- All joints are filled with a hermetic composition.
During installation, you must follow the instructions that accompany the device, and take into account the location of the electrical outlet. You may need to equip an additional power supply.
Built-in hood
To prevent the air cleaner from spoiling the interior design of the kitchen, use the built-in installation method. In this case, the device is mounted in a furniture cabinet equipped with doors in accordance with the general design of the facades.
- First, a wooden box with holes drilled in it for fasteners and the exit of the ventilation pipe (corrugated hose or PVC channel) is attached to the wall at a standard height.
- The device itself is inserted into it.
- A pipe is attached to it and taken out through a hole in the furniture into the ventilation outlet.
- A special clamp is usually sold with the hood, which helps to fix the parts. If it's not there, you need to buy it. It is important to take into account the diameter of both elements.
- After carrying out and checking the operation of the device, the doors are mounted on the cabinet. They will completely hide the air cleaner and the dirty air outlet system.
Do-it-yourself connection of a kitchen hood to ventilation requires attention and compliance with the requirements of the instructions. These nuances will allow you to create an effective air purification system in a residential area.
