Range Hood FAQs

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Our range hoods install perfectly in 12" standard cabinets. We do not manufacture any specific model for 15" deep cabinets, however, some of our contemporary arced models look beautiful in the deeper cabinets. If you install the hood back against the wall, be careful to duct the hood to vent outside or if it's being installed to recirculate back into the kitchen, mount the hood forward with some kind of non-flammable panel to cover the 3" gap and protect your cabinet. The hot air discharges into the kitchen from vents at the top and must not be trapped under the front of the cabinet.

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Many people enjoy the brilliance and clarity of LED lighting. It is tempting to want to replace the incandescent or halogen bulbs in your range hood with LEDs. At Broan, we recommend that you use only the type of bulb recommended for your range hood. Please note that using replacement LED bulbs in Broan does not void the warranty of the range hood. However we cannot guarantee the operation of the LED bulbs. There are several reasons for this. The following points relate to replacement situations. LED replacement bulbs found at retail or on-line typically have an ambient air temperature limit of 45 degrees C or less. During cooking, the air under a range hood can be elevated to 70-80 degrees C. This higher temperature will compromise the life of the LED. Eventually it will fail, and this may happen in as little as two weeks. The elevated temperature experienced during cooking will result in a degradation of replacement LED light level. Testing has shown the light will become dimmer and some LED bulbs lose up to 50% of stated output. In some cases, the bulb will not recover even after it cools off and is permanently degraded. Current LED replacement bulbs were not necessarily designed to work properly with the type of controls in many range hoods. Off-the-shelf LED bulbs do not work properly when combined with hoods that have “mechanical” controls (rockers, rotary, pushbutton) with multiple light levels. The result can range from lower light levels to flickering lights or even no light at all. Sometimes the LED replacement may not go off, staying on at a very low level even when the switch is off. For situations when a range hood is listed for use with a halogen or incandescent bulb “up to” or a “Max” wattage, it is okay to use or replace the bulb with the appropriate type at any wattage below the stated maximum. For example, “up to 75 watts” does not mean you need to use 75 watts, but that the replacement should be a bulb up to that rating….it will be okay to use a 60 watt. Keep in mind that Broan range hoods designed with LED lighting do not experience any of these issues. In fact, the cook will enjoy all the benefits of clean, crisp LED lighting and may never have to replace a bulb again! If you desire LED lighting over the cooktop, purchase a Broan range hood that is designed with LEDs. You can find this information on-line, on the carton label, or on signage at retail.

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Stainless steel hoods should be washed regularly with a clean cloth, warm water and mild soap or dish detergent. Clean in the direction of the polish lines. Rinse well with clear water and wipe dry immediately. You may wish to apply light oil used for furniture polishing to emphasize its bright finish. Wiping regularly with mild soap/detergent and warm water should protect painted hood surfaces. Be cautious about using "New and Improved" cleaning agents. Your hood is installed over hot cooking equipment. Most chemicals found in cleaning agents react with heat to loosen paint.

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The aluminum mesh grease filters should be washed in your dishwasher approximately every month depending on the amount of usage. Clean all-metal filters in the dishwasher using a non-phosphate detergent. Discoloration of the filter may occur if using phosphate detergents, or as a result of local water conditions — but this will not affect filter performance. This discoloration is not covered by the warranty. To minimize or prevent discoloration, wash filters separately in the sink with a mild detergent. Wash often if your cooking style generates greater grease like frying foods or wok cooking. You cannot clean/wash the non-ducted carbon filters; they must be replaced.

Baffle filters, which are used in professional style range hood products, are designed to operate longer in high grease conditions without loss of performance. Generally, these need to be cleaned with soap and water whenever the surfaces become unsightly.

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It depends on the frequency and type of cooking that is performed. Normally, every three (3) to six (6) months is recommended for replacing the charcoal filters. Some charcoal filters are designed with an indicator strip that will change from dotted lines to wide solid lines as a signal to replace the filter.

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Yes. Whether your current OTR is non-ducted or ducted, we offer a complete line of range hoods to effectively ventilate your cooking area.

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Range hoods should be ducted to the outside of the home. While non-ducted filters trap some of the grease and odors from normal cooking, the humidity, smoke and heat will all be re-circulated back into the home. If the non-ducted filters are not regularly replaced, eventually the grease and odor catching effect will no longer protect your home from impurities.

High BTU gas cooking equipment should always be ducted to the outside of the home. If this is impossible, high performance convertible hoods and filters are available in some models. Contact the Technical Support Group for more information.

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Range hoods must be vented using metal duct. Given a choice between flexible metal duct and smooth metal duct, go with the smooth. The ridges found in flexible metal duct create turbulence and will diminish airflow.

NEVER use 4" dryer duct or any plastic duct on a range hood installation. The minimum size duct allowed on most range hoods is 3 ¼" by 10" which is equivalent to 6" round. More powerful hoods require even larger duct sizes up to 10" round. Consult the specifications for the model you have chosen.

When remodeling, changing hoods or cooking equipment types do not reduce the ductwork size to less than the size specified for the range hood. Decreasing the duct size restricts the performance of the range hood ventilator.

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CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute of exhausting air flow. The higher the number, the greater the amount of air that is exhausted using the Range Hood.

A sone is a measurement of sound in terms of comfortable hearing level for an average listener. The lower the sone value, the more comfortable the listening environment. Sones are not decibels or volume, but rather how sound is "sensed".

• 1 Sone =  The refrigerator running in your kitchen.
• 2 Sones = The noise level in an office workplace.
• 3 Sones = The level one would have in a face to face conversation.
• 4 Sones = The level that most listen to the TV in their home.
• 5 Sones = Noise level of a busy restaurant at dinner time.
• 6 Sones = Sporting event in an arena or stadium.

Note: Sones are a better measure than decibels because sones are linear (2 sones is twice as loud as 1 sone as opposed to decibels which are logarithmic -  66 decibels is twice as loud as 60 decibels).

Typically, the Sone level is measured at maximum CFM (speed), however, some newer products are also being tested at normal CFM (speed) settings to provide consumers with typical sound level information.

All Broan-NuTone CFM and Sone ratings are HVI certified so you can rely on them!

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For conventional electric and gas ranges or cook tops, we offer a complete line of hoods that can fit your cooking needs with features you desire. For high output gas ranges or cook tops, the minimum rate of 1 CFM of ventilation per 100 BTU is recommended.

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There is no national standard for the measurement of CFM or Sones on a non-ducted hood because the air is not exhausted, it is re-circulated.

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There are several ducting methods, depending on the model. The 3 ¼" X 10" duct may vent from the top vertically or horizontally through the rear of the product. The 7" round duct vents through the top of the range hood. Some hoods are single use ducted and some are convertible, meaning that the hood is designed to be installed using more than one duct method or direction.

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The term convertible refers to a hood that can be installed in different ducting modes. Typically a convertible hood can accommodate: 7" round ducted, 3 ¼" X 10" vertical or horizontal ducted and non-ducted applications available at installation.

A convertible hood has both ducted and non-duct features built-in or the appropriate parts are provided in the box at the time of purchase. Therefore you have the option to install it without the additional purchase of special parts or kits. However, the charcoal filters needed for a non-duct hood may need to be purchased separately.

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A range hood that is designed to be ducted and can also be installed as non-duct with the purchase of a parts kit and charcoal filters is non-duct capable. When a hood is installed as non-duct it re-circulates the air in through the filters and out through vents near the front or top of the hood in a continuous circulating fashion.

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For maximum performance keep the duct straight and short. Use the shortest route with the fewest turns possible. 45° turns are better than 90° turns. Be sure to use an external roof or wall cap. If in doubt, consult a qualified designer/installer knowledgeable in ventilation or contact the Technical Support Group.

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No. You should never exhaust air into spaces within walls, ceilings, attics, crawl spaces or garages. The humidity and grease collect in the space.

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Do not install in-line or external fans to boost a hood that has its own power unit. In general, attempting that type of "boost" will not be effective. Also, most cooking ventilation products are designed with fan switches matched to the original motor amp ratings and would not support the increased amp draw from additional motor installations. This type of tampering voids the original manufacturer's warranty. If you want a remote/extended fan, there are hood products made for that type of installation.

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In order to maximize performance, Broan-NuTone recommends a distance of 24"-30" between the cook top and the bottom of the hood. Some models may vary, so please check the Instruction Guide of your unit to verify the actual recommendation.

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Some hood models are designed for mounting to the wall and do not require cabinet for mounting. Hoods designed for under cabinet applications need a cabinet or soffit above it, or a Model 35 wall mount kit.

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Broan-NuTone has LoSone Select ventilators available that are approved for kitchen applications.
Drop-in cooking equipment can be vented with one of Broan-NuTone's Downdraft systems.

Custom chimney extensions are available for Island hoods for up to 10' ceilings.

Contact Technical Support Group if your ceiling is higher than 10'. Contact your local Retailer/Distributor or call the Technical Support Group.

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Altering the product voids manufacturer's warranty. Check for models that already offer remote switch options.

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Broan-NuTone has several power pack options for custom-built kitchen hoods. You will find them under range hoods/power packs. Each series offers readymade liners that can be used in conjunction with the power pack. If our liners do not work for your custom hood application, a custom liner would be appropriate to work with the power pack you select.

Broan-NuTone does sell a complete custom kit that includes an integrated liner in specific sizes and 30"-42" widths. See Model 103023.

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While we do not build custom hoods, Broan provides a number of blower inserts designed to accommodate the ventilation needs of most cooking equipment.

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We provide electrical connections for hard-wiring the product through a wall. Cord kits are available as UL Listed accessories for the hood. (Check your local building codes for acceptability.) Do not use any other cord kit.

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Currently, there are several choices of power modules offered by Broan-NuTone. The RMP1, RMPE, RMIP, PM250, PM390, 103023, and – with an ENERGY STAR Rating, the PME300. Depending on the model, CFMs range from 250 to 460 with internal blowers and higher when using exterior blowers. Each power module insert has unique features and a design to work with your choice of custom hood enclosure or cabinetry.

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No. They are between 1/8" & 1/4" smaller than listed so that they fit properly into an opening of that nominal size.

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Certain hoods contain the Heat Sentry™ feature. This feature automatically turns on the fan blower speed to high when excessive heat is detected. This prolongs the life of the hood by reducing damaging effects of high temperatures. Once the temperature has been reduced, the hood will turn off or to the last setting used.

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Certain hoods contain the Heat Sentry™ feature. This feature automatically turns on the fan blower speed to high when excessive heat is detected. This prolongs the life of the hood by reducing damaging effects of high temperatures. Once the temperature has been reduced, the hood will turn off or to the last setting used.

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Depending upon your hood, you may have a model that features Advanced Heat Sentry™ or Heat Sentry™. This feature in your range hood detects excessive heat and automatically turns on the fan blower speed to the next highest setting or the highest setting. This prolongs the life of the hood by reducing damaging effects of high temperatures. Once the temperature has been reduced, the hood will turn off or return to the last setting used.

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When you select a hood you are interested in, you can click on "ADA Wiring Instructions" under RESOURCES for an instruction sheet that explains how to wire a wall switch for hood operation.

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This video will show you how to clean your aluminum range hood filter

How to clean a range hood filter.
 

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Regarding requirements for kitchen exhaust make-up air, the International Residential Code (IRC) section 1503 and the International Mechanical Code (IMC) section 505 state that “systems capable of exhausting in excess of 400 cfm shall be mechanically or passively provided with make-up air at a rate approximately equal to the exhaust air rate” (some states or cities amend this level at which make-up air is required). The code language is not clear on which rating should be used to determine the range hood’s capability.

Broan recommends that the HVI-certified, standard 0.1” static pressure cfm rating should be used to determine if make-up air is required.

Customers/installers should always check with their local jurisdiction for specific make-up air requirements and code amendments that are applicable in their area.