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What is a range hood and why should I have one in my kitchen?
When cooking, grease, heat, steam, smoke and odors spread through the air. Range
hoods remove these pollutants from the air. With a Sirius range hood, the blower draws
the air into the hood where a high density, dishwasher safe fat filter captures the
grease. The air is then drawn through the ductwork and out of the house. If ducting is
not an option, a ductless re-circulating kit is available which features a charcoal filter
system. (See Question 2). Good ventilation can reduce the symptoms and the
conditions which increase the likelihood of contracting respiratory ailments. The
incidence of asthma and respiratory problems (particularly in children), has jumped by
61% since 1982 - American Lung Association. Indoor pollution (not limited to the
cooking zone only), coupled with poor ventilation was a probable cause for this high
increase in respiratory problems—Mayo Clinic. Why the jump since 1982? In recent
years our homes have become very efficient and air tight, particularly in the snow belt -
the result is a huge reduction in the fresh air circulating through our homes. Our homes
have become air pollution hazards. Approximately 60 lbs of cooking fat and airborne
particles get “dumped” into the fabric of your curtains, furnishings and carpets every
year if you do not have adequate range hood ventilation.
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What is the difference between a ducted and ductless hood?
Ducted hoods are also known as vented hoods. Ductwork draws the pollutants out of
the home. Wherever possible, vent externally. High BTU gas cooking equipment should
always be ducted to the outside of the home. Ductless hoods are also known as recirculating or unvented hoods. All Sirius Range Hoods can be fitted with a carbon filter
kit that attracts and capture odors before the air is expelled back into the room.
However, the carbon filters must be replaced on a regular basis otherwise those
pollutants will invade your home again. Generally, the charcoal filters should be
changed every three to six months under normal use.
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What type of ducting is best for venting a range hood?
Range hoods must be vented using a metal duct. A smooth metal duct is preferable to
a flexible duct as the ridges on the flexible duct create turbulence and will diminish
airflow and increase noise. Never use 4” dryer duct or any plastic duct on a range hood
installation. The minimum duct size allowed on most range hoods is equivalent to 6”
round.
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Can I exhaust my hood into an attic instead of out the roof or wall?
No. You should never exhaust air into confined spaces such as attics, ceilings or
garages. The ductwork transports air born pollutants, moisture, grease and more
importantly, heat out of the building.
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How far can I run my ductwork to exhaust my hood?
For best results and maximum performance, keep the duct straight and as short as
possible, with the number of elbows being kept at a minimum in order not to degrade
the efficiency of clean airflow. 45 degree turns are better than 90 degree turns – sharp
bends disturb the clear flow of air. Use duct tape to seal all joints and do not use
flexible ducting as this not only creates air turbulence, but also provides pockets for
moisture and fat residue to condense. This poses a serious fire and health hazard. Be
sure to use an external roof or wall cap.
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What is SONE?
A Sone is an internationally recognized unit of measurement used to describe the
amount of noise created by air moving appliances such as rangehoods. Establish what
the Sones are for the styles you want. Generally, the lower the number, the quieter the
noise level. Noise is a big factor, so consider it carefully.
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What is CFM?
CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. It is a unit of measurement used to describe the
volume of air ‘sucked’ in by the range hood in one minute. The higher the CFM number,
the greater the amount of air that is exhausted by the range hood. The recommended
minimum hood capacity is 150 CFM to 160 CFM. For high output gas ranges or cook
tops, the rate of 1 CFM of ventilation per 100 BTU is recommended. Always follow
cooking appliance manufacturers guidelines when choosing the appropriate CFM.
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How high should I mount my hood above my stove?
The mounted height of the hood base above the cooking surface should not exceed 32”.
Recommended minimum is 25”. The hood should be centred over the cooking surface.
This will provide the best capture area for cooking impurities. Consult your local
building codes and standards.
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Can I remove the hood controls and mount them remote from the hood?
Altering the appliance will void the manufacturers’ warranty. Sirius offers a number of
hoods with wireless remote capability. The remote control option is ideal for people who
have difficulty reaching up to or under the hood for switches. Sirius remote units are
supplied with a convenient bracket that can be mounted to the most suitable place in
relation to the work area.
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Does Sirius build custom design hoods?
Although Sirius do not build custom hoods, we do provide a blower insert or “Power
Pack” that can be built into a standard kitchen cabinet or custom hood and are ideal for
out-of-sight applications. Power Packs are available in two sizes and can be either
manual or remote controlled.
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What Power Packs are available for custom range hoods?
Sirius has two models of blower inserts or Power Packs. Models SUT900W and
SU900M are range hood power packs that are either wall or island mount canopy
modules. Both models feature wireless remote or touch controls.
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How Can I Clean Grease from my Vent Hood?
The interior of stainless steel hoods should be wiped regularly with a clean damp cloth
and mild household dish detergent or degreasers. The internal components are
sensitive electronic items and should not be exposed to water – use a damp cloth only.
Use a non-abrasive foaming-type stainless steel cleaner for exterior surfaces. Do not
use abrasive cleaners as these will destroy the brushed finish.
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Can I safely clean the filters in a dishwasher?
Yes. The aluminum mesh grease filters in your Sirius range hood should be washed in
your dishwasher approximately every month, depending on the amount of usage and
type of cooking that is performed, ie: if your cooking style generates more grease like
frying foods or wok cooking.
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How can I test my vent to see if it works?
- Turn the stove burners off.
- Cut an 8” x 8” square of paper or newspaper.
- Turn on the vent fan and hold the paper square over the vent filter.
- If the vent holds the paper in place, it’s working well. Otherwise, it may be
clogged or the ductwork to the outside may be too long which can cause poor
ventilation.
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Can the vents get clogged?
Yes they can. Check the fat filters often and clean them as necessary in the
dishwasher. If the unit vents to the outside, check the vent on the outside of the house
to be sure there’s nothing obstructing the airflow.
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If there is a fire on my stove, should I turn the vent on or off?
Turn the vent OFF. Extinguish the fire as quickly as possible and if it’s possible, turn off
the vent fan too. The fan could draw the flames up into the ductwork and create a
bigger fire hazard.
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