The benefits of a kitchen cooker hood in reducing condensation and mould in your home
Did you know that a kitchen cooker hood can help to prevent condensation and mould from forming in your home?
Kitchen cooker hoods are a great way to remove steam, humidity and moisture from the kitchen. They can also help to remove cooking odours and heat. Not only can this be beneficial for your health, but it can also help to prevent condensation and mould from forming in the kitchen. Choosing the right kitchen cooker hood for your home is important, and our guide will help you to find the perfect one for your needs.
What is a kitchen cooker hood?
A kitchen cooker hood is an exhaust fan that sits above your cooker or hob and helps to remove fumes, odours, heat and condensation from the room. The best kitchen cooker hoods have powerful extractor fans with high flow rates (measured in cubic metres per hour – CMH). This means they are able to effectively filter out condensation and odours in order to keep the air clean.
What is condensation and why is it a problem in homes
Condensation is the formation of moisture droplets on surfaces when warm air condenses. It can cause mould growth and damage to property, which can be costly to repair.
High humidity levels in a home can cause condensation, which is why it is important to manage the moisture and ventilation levels in your home.
In kitchens condensation and mould can form on walls, windows, cupboards and surfaces. Common signs of condensation and mould include damp patches or streaks, musty odours and visible fungal growth. It is important to identify the cause of condensation in order to find the best way to prevent it from forming in your home
How does a kitchen cooker hood help prevent condensation?
A kitchen cooker hood helps to reduce condensation by removing steam, odours and heat from the kitchen. This reduces the levels of humidity in the air and prevents condensation from forming on walls and other surfaces
The extractor flow rate is a key factor when it comes to preventing condensation build up. The higher the flow rate of your kitchen cooker hood, the more efficient it will be at reducing condensation in your home
What factors to consider when choosing a cooker hood
In addition to reducing condensation, kitchen cooker hoods can also help to reduce mould growth by removing excess moisture from the air. Having a kitchen cooker hood that is powerful enough for your needs will ensure that condensation build up and mould growth are kept to a minimum
It’s important to choose the right extractor flow rate for your kitchen cooker hood, as this will determine how efficient it is at reducing condensation build up and mould growth. The higher the extractor flow rate, the more effective your kitchen cooker hood will be at preventing condensation in your home
Should a kitchen cooker hood be vented outside?
Having a kitchen cooker hood that is vented to the outside is beneficial as it helps to remove all moisture, odours and heat from your home. This improves air quality in the kitchen and prevents condensation build up, which can lead to mould growth over time
Venting a kitchen cooker hood outside will ensure that condensation levels stay at a manageable level and prevent any potential damage or health issues caused by condensation and mould.
If you don’t vent your kitchen cooker hood outside, condensation and mould can form faster. The lack of ventilation in the kitchen will cause moisture to build up, which is a perfect environment for condensation and mould growth
The condensation and mould can lead to health issues such as allergies or respiratory problems if left unchecked
Making sure your kitchen cooker hood is vented properly is essential in keeping condensation levels at a minimum and preventing mould growth in your home. Taking these measures will ensure that condensation and mould are kept under control so you can enjoy a comfortable and healthy home environment
For a modern, extensive renovation (e.g. building an extension to house a new kitchen) or complete new builds a kitchen cooker hood is likely to be a requirement to meet current building controls, which require new kitchens to have adequate ventilation.
Are kitchen cooker hoods required by law in UK?
The installation of kitchen cooker hoods in homes is not currently required by law in the UK, however it is recommended for health and safety reasons. Installing a kitchen cooker hood can improve air quality and reduce condensation levels, which helps to prevent mould growth.
Having a kitchen cooker hood can also help to reduce heat levels in the kitchen, making it more comfortable to cook and preventing potential fires. It is recommended that all kitchens should have an effective extraction system installed in order to reduce condensation build up and mould growth
Installing a kitchen cooker hood is important for your health and safety, as condensation and mould can lead to health problems such as allergies or respiratory issues if left unchecked. By taking the necessary measures to ensure condensation levels are kept at a minimum, you can enjoy a healthy home environment with reduced condensation build up and mould growth.
Should kitchen cooker hoods be cleaned and serviced?
It is highly recommended that kitchen cooker hoods are cleaned and serviced regularly, in order to ensure their efficient operation. As kitchen cooker hoods are used to extract condensation, grease and odours from the air, they can become clogged up with dirt and grime if not maintained properly
Regular cleaning and servicing of your kitchen cooker hood will help to maintain its performance levels and prevent condensation build up. Servicing your kitchen cooker hood also helps to keep it running efficiently. Regular maintenance checks such as cleaning or replacement of filters will ensure that it runs smoothly and effectively
What steps to take in cleaning a cooker hood?
In order to maintain a kitchen cooker hood, it is important to regularly clean the filters and fan. This will help to prevent condensation build up and keep your kitchen cooker hood running efficiently
First, make sure all power has been turned off, then remove the filters from the cooker hood. Clean each filter with warm, soapy water and rinse them thoroughly before putting them back in place. To get rid of any grease or dirt, use a degreasing cleaner on all surfaces of the filter
Once you’ve cleaned the filters, use a vacuum cleaner with an appropriate attachment to clean out any dust or debris from within the fan housing. A damp cloth can also be used to wipe down any surfaces inside. If filters are extremely greasy, clogged or damaged they should be replaced. Replacement filters are relatively cheap and readily available.
Is it best to have a cooker hood or extractor fan in a kitchen?
The decision to install either a cooker hood or an extractor fan in your kitchen may come down to the lay out of the kitchen and budget. There is no doubt that cooker hoods are more effective at removing condensation, grease and odours from the air than an extractor fan, as they have greater extraction rates. This makes them better suited for larger kitchens where condensation levels are higher. Also a cooker hood is installed directly above the cooker or hob and is more effective as it can capture unwanted moisture and odour at the source.
Extractor fans can still be beneficial in smaller kitchens, providing adequate ventilation and condensation removal. Most homes in the UK now have fitted extractor fans, with some even opting for a combination of both. Presence of both means that the cooker hood can be utilised during cooking but the extractor fan can also play a role in removing other moisture and odours created by the taps, kettles etc.
How should kitchen cooker hoods be tested?
It is essential that all kitchen cooker hoods undergo regular Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) in order to ensure that they are safe and up to date with the latest safety regulations. PAT testing helps to identify any potential risks with the appliance, such as frayed wiring or exposed components, which can be dangerous and must be rectified. In addition to this, PAT testing will also check for correct servicing and maintenance of the appliance, ensuring that it is operating at peak performance and condensation levels are kept under control. A qualified technician should carry out the tests at least once a year to ensure your kitchen cooker hood remains compliant with current legislation
The flow rate of a kitchen cooker hood is an important factor when it comes to condensation removal. To get an accurate reading of your cooker hood’s flow rate, you need to have it tested by an experienced technician. The technician will measure the amount of air that passes through the extractor fan in cubic metres per hour (m3/h). They’ll then compare this figure against what is recommended by manufacturers for each size of unit. If there is not enough airflow from your cooker hood, condensation build up can occur and result in mould growth or damp issues inside your home. To avoid these issues, make sure you have a flow rate test done if you have any doubt on the correct functionality of your cooker hood. These concerns may be initiated if you discover during cooking, the steam created or the smells are not being correctly pulled by the cooker hood and they are lingering in the kitchen.
What is the best way to monitor condensation and moisture levels in a kitchen?
Cheap modern hygrometers (humidity meters)can be placed in kitchens to monitor humidity, which can help to prevent condensation and mould growth
In order to make sure your kitchen extractor is working at its best, it is important to monitor the humidity levels in your kitchen. This can be done using a cheap modern hygrometer which can be easily installed in your kitchen
A hygrometer measures the amount of water vapour in the air and will give you an accurate reading of the humidity level in your kitchen. By monitoring the humidity level, you can adjust your cooking habits or use a dehumidifier if necessary to keep condensation levels under control. Mould growth can be prevented by keeping the humidity level below 60%
If you are having problems with excessive condensation or mould growth in your kitchen, consider purchasing a cheap modern hygrometer to get an accurate reading of the humidity level. This will allow you to take steps to reduce condensation and mould growth, as well as ensuring your kitchen extractor is functioning properly
What are the different types of cooker hoods available in UK
There are various types of cooker hoods available in the UK:
Chimney cooker Hood:
The first type is the most popular and widely used option: the traditional chimney cooker hood. This type typically features a motorised fan that draws air through ducting, usually placed directly above the hob and over the cooking area. The fan then deposits this air outside via an external outlet. Traditional chimney cooker hoods are usually quite large, so they require plenty of space both above and beneath them for installation.
Wall mounted extractor hood:
The next type of cooker hood is the wall-mounted extractor hood. This type is ideal for those who have limited space or prefer a more discreet look. Wall-mounted extractors are easily installed on a wall near your hob or cooking area, and they work by drawing in hot air through an intake vent before pushing it out through an exhaust vent. Although these types of cooker hoods tend to be smaller than traditional chimney models, they can still be effective at extracting condensation and unpleasant cooking smells from your kitchen environment
Canopy Extractor Hood
Another type is a canopy extractor hood which features two panels located above your hob and cooking area that draw hot air away from your kitchen surroundings and deposit it outside. Canopy extractor hoods are also beneficial as they help to contain condensation levels near the food preparation areas and direct steam upwards, meaning clean work surfaces are maintained while you cook! They are often used in professional kitchens due to their superior condensation removal capabilities
Island Extractor Hood
Last of the common types of cooker hoods is the island extractor hood which combines all elements of traditional chimney, wall-mounted extractors and canopy designs into one unit that sits on top of an island unit or countertop in your kitchen environment. Island extractors feature multiple vents that draw air up from below the unit before pushing it out through ducting – making them perfect for drawing condensation away from food preparation areas without taking up too much space in your kitchen surroundings!
Downdraft Cooker Hood:
Whilst not currently very common, downdraft cooker hoods are an increasingly popular choice for those looking for an effective condensation removal system in their kitchen. Unlike traditional chimney and wall-mounted extractors, downdraft cooker hoods are installed at the base of a kitchen cabinet or island unit, drawing condensation and steam downwards before releasing it outside through ducting
The advantage of a downdraft cooker hood is that they are able to capture condensation and steam more effectively than other types of extractor hoods, as they draw the air directly from the source. This means that condensation is less likely to reach food preparation areas, keeping work surfaces clean and minimising any unpleasant odours in your kitchen environment
In addition to condensation control, down draught cooker hoods can also be used to improve air quality by sucking up smoke particles from cooking, as well as grease particles produced when frying. This helps to keep your kitchen smelling fresher for longer, increasing the wellbeing of you and your family
Downdraft cooker hoods come in various sizes and designs so there is something suitable for everyone’s needs. When choosing one for your home it is important to take into account the size of your hob or island unit as well as how powerful the motor needs to be – this will determine the extraction flow rate . It is also worth considering whether you want a built-in or freestanding model as this can make installation easier depending on where you intend to position it within your kitchen layout
What factor to consider when choosing my kitchen cooker hood.
Consider the following factors when choosing a kitchen cooker hood:
Size:
Your kitchen’s size and the size of your hob or cooking appliance should be taken into consideration when choosing the size of the kitchen cooker hood. As a general rule the cooker hood should be the same width or larger than the appliance, eg. Choosing a 600mm wide for a 900 mm wide cooker will not be adequate.
Style and budget:
Cooker hoods like most electrical appliances are supplied by a variety of manufacturers at varying prices. Pick a cooker hood for your kitchen that matches the style of your kitchen and your budget.
Noise level:
Some kitchen cooker hoods can be rather loud, so if your kitchen is open-concept or is next to a living space take this into consideration.
Ventilation type:
Consider whether you want a vented or just filtered kitchen cooker hood when choosing the kind of ventilation. While ductless hoods use a filter to purify the air and don’t need a vent, ducted hoods need a vent or duct installed externally but are more efficient and effective.
Choose the right professional:
A professional installation of a kitchen cooker hood is recommended. Installing a kitchen cooker hood requires the use of electrical wiring and ductwork, which can be complicated and potentially dangerous if not done correctly.
In some cases, a kitchen cooker hood can start a fire if it is not properly installed or used. It is critical to follow the manufacturer’s installation and use instructions, as well as to have correct knowledge and qualifications.
in addition to dangers and hazards, an incorrectly installed cooker hood will not operate as intended.
Final thoughts
Cooker hoods are an essential part of any kitchen, and they come in a variety of different shapes and sizes to suit everyone’s needs. The main purpose of a cooker hood is to extract condensation and unpleasant cooking smells from your kitchen environment, but they can also be used to improve air quality by sucking up smoke particles and grease. . When choosing one for your home it is important to consider your requirements and intentions. If unsure use our Free Discovery Call Service to get free advice and help in making the right choice.