When many homeowners think about potential dangers in the home, they may think about electrical shock associated with the power outlets or slipping and falling in the bathroom. While these are among the most common reasons for injury inside the home, the fact is that the kitchen can be a dangerous place as well. The process of cooking generally releases nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide in the home. and other dangerous elements may also affect indoor air quality. Most kitchens are fairly poorly ventilated, so vent hoods are placed over ranges to remove these dangerous gases from the space. However, using the vent hoods properly and maintaining them regularly plays a critical role in how effective they are.
More Than A Decorative Feature
While vent hoods are commonly viewed as an aesthetic feature in a home, the fact is that these are more than just decorative features. The Department of Energy estimates that as many as 70 percent of homes that do not use range hoods may have dangerous levels of pollutants in the kitchen, and these pollutants can affect the health and well-being of all individuals inside the home. While turning the vent hood on as needed is important to promote good air quality in the kitchen, the ability to filter pollutants out of the air can vary between different vent hood models. The quality of the vent hood is one factor that influences the effectiveness of the vent hood, but maintenance is also important. The best single step that homeowners can take to keep the vent hood functioning well is to replace the air filter regularly.
Why You Should Replace the Air Filter
Replacing the air filter in the vent hood is commonly overlooked as a home maintenance step amongst homeowners, but it is very important. The filter is responsible for capturing air particulates in the air that can make individuals inside the home sick. When it is dirty, the vent hood functions less effectively. It is less powerful at pulling air through it, and fewer particulates can be removed from the air. Replacing the air filter on most models of vent hoods is relatively simple, and it is an effective way to ensure that the vent hood functions with peak performance inside the home regularly.
When to Replace the Air Filter
We talked with HoodFilters.com who explained, “When many homeowners think about replacing air filters, they think about the filters associated with a heating and cooling system. Some may not be aware that the filter in the vent hood requires replacement or how frequently this should be completed.” The frequency recommended varies based on how frequently the vent hood is used. In many homes, the vent hood should be turned on daily at any time when the stove or range is in use. With this level of frequency, some vent hood filters may require replacement approximately every one to two months. If you cook less frequently in your kitchen, you may consider inspecting the air filter from time to time to determine when it is dirty. Because of how affordable and easy it is to replace the air filter in the vent hood, it is always best to err on the side of caution and to replace it frequently even if you do not believe that it is thoroughly dirty.
Indoor air pollution is a dangerous problem inside the home, and it unfortunately is a problem that can go undetected. Levels of nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide can reach dangerous levels without the homeowner being aware of the problem, and these issues can make those inside the home feel sick or worse. In some cases, these gases can lead to serious health problems or even death. Using the vent hood regularly is one of the most important steps you can take to promote good indoor air quality in the kitchen, and replacing air filters regularly keeps the vent hood functioning as well as possible.
