Hello everyone! I’m am in the process of taking the InterNACHI courses toward CPI certified. I am taking the HVAC System course. I have been trying to determine if a range hood is “required” over a gas range and I am having difficulty finding that determination. I have a Whirlpool gas range installed in a new construction home with a recirculating fan. I believe this to be an incorrect installation but, can’t seem to find information to support my claim. It just make sense to me that it should be vented in order to remove combustion gases of CO2, NOX, water vapor, heat, and smoke. South Carolina Residential Code instructs how a range hood should be installed but, gives an exception stating; “Where installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and where mechanical or natural ventilation is otherwise provided, listed and labeled, ductless range hoods shall not be required to discharge to the outdoors.” I have called Whirlpool and was informed that a hood in not required but, didn’t have a warm fuzzy the individual knew either because it took time to look up the answer. I asked them to send me the installation instructions. There is a safety warning on what to do if you smell gas but, nowhere does it state a hood is required.
I welcome to hear your thoughts and advice… Thank you.
Basically, there are a lot of different requirements by state, adopted code etc…
It looks like your inspecting new construction;
Or are you?
Don’t ask these questions here. There are inspectors from all over the world here with different requirements.
Call the Building Codes Dpt. where the house is located. Just because it is a National, State, or local Code does not mean they adopted the code. Code enforcement is not set in stone. And it’s not your job to enforce them. So if your wrong after someone else calls the Code’s Office, you end up just looking like a dum-bass.
Since you did reference the South Carolina code I recommend you look at M1503.3 (Exceptions) of the 2018 South Carolina residential code. This will have the answer to your question.
Not discounting anything others have already explained to you, generally speaking…
if the kitchen has an openable window, (rare it doesn’t), you are good to go!
Thank you all! I believe you are correct David. There are so many different National, State, and local requirements which, may or may not be enforced, that it is not advisable to make any recommendation. I did read the exception to South Carolina code (sorry for not listing the article number in my opening statement) which basically refers back to the manufacturers recommendation or, if some other form of ventilation is available (i.e. window).
In my state of Oregon the rule changed a few years ago and an outside vent is now required with gas ranges. I believe it was just a state rule though. It creates a tough situation since old installs should be grandfathered in. I basically say that in the report and recommend they contact the building department for clarification. And, consider updating to a modern setup for safety.
Exterior ventilation is not required around here either. If a gas range is located on an exterior wall, installation of a ventilation system to the outdoors is pretty straight forward and not difficult. You may consider making a recommendation to vent the hood outdoors in this situation, but keep in mind, if it meets current and local standards, it’s a non issue. Note what you see and move on… Good luck to you.
The gas range is in the middle of the house so, it would not be easy to install a hood vent, if it was required. I agree with your approach Jeff; make a note and move on.
We may be looking beyond the reason for these requirements on ventilation/non-ventilation. It is about weatherization.
There are other building codes that interfere with the ventilation abilities of a house primarily based upon its geographical location. I.e. if they require blower door testing to prove low air infiltration, you’re probably going to find vented hoods and make up air components in the house.
When your community requires construction practices to improve energy efficiency, you may find new construction requires a vented range hood where older homes are grandfathered in because they leak like a sieve.
If you’re following programs like Building Performance Institute (BPI), vented range hoods are a requirement for all gas ranges.
I have a good friend that’s the head of the local building code department. We sat around the campfire one night and discussed this specific subject until I had a migraine headache! The complexity of the local building code is unbelievable. This is a good reason to keep away from building code enforcement as a home inspector!
