Exhaust air ducts: varieties and installation

Any hostess strives to make the kitchen in a house or apartment as comfortable as possible and equipped with all the necessary elements. You cannot do without a high-quality hood with an air duct - this technique ensures a quick outflow of aromas coming from freshly cooked food. Air ducts are recognized as one of the most important components of the ventilation system, which determines their relevance. Today we will take a closer look at such equipment, and also learn how to install it correctly.

Many users are wondering: what are the differences between kitchen exhaust systems and ventilation. Let's try to figure it out.

Nowadays, sanitary standards provide for the installation of appropriate units in different dwellings, which are capable of providing high-quality air exchange of a specific frequency. To comply with this requirement, a ventilation system is installed in structures with several floors, which is a well-thought-out network of channels that are located in the walls and ensure the discharge of emissions to the roof.

The ventilation ducts themselves are necessary to send the exhaust air outside the dwelling. Fresh air is supplied naturally, passing through the joints / cracks in the openings of windows and doors. However, it must be taken into account that this system is not able to eliminate various odors, fumes and other similar things that often appear when cooking in the kitchen.

The air ducts designed for the correct operation of the hood are different. They are made from various materials, which always affects their performance and final cost. Let us consider in detail what types of such units exist, and by what parameters they are divided.

All types of air ducts are mainly classified into rigid and flexible types.

• Flexible air ducts it will turn out to be located at a variety of angles. If required, they can be stretched or squeezed (of course, within the limits of the possible). However, it must be taken into account that a weakly elongated air outlet is distinguished by a stronger resistance to air flow. This does not in the best way affect the entire efficiency of the system as a whole. In most cases, these models are made of aluminum. The main disadvantage of such systems is that it is not recommended to make the corrugated box for them longer than 3 m, since any extra centimeter in this situation will reduce productivity by about 5-10%.

• Hard options features ease of assembly and smooth surface of the inner part. True, such models are more expensive, but their positive qualities justify their high price.

And also all air ducts are divided according to their direct shape. There are several variants of such systems.

Let's consider in detail what kind of air ducts are for hoods.

• Rectangular and square. These types of air ducts are recognized as one of the most popular and are found with enviable regularity. Many owners choose them precisely because of the shape, which makes it possible to place such equipment right behind the kitchen cabinets. Thanks to this feature, it is possible to lay almost any trajectory from the exhaust equipment to the ventilation shaft. Rectangular pieces will be an excellent solution for kitchens with any ceilings (meaning any height parameter). In addition, these models boast good looks.

• Flat. These duct options are one of the varieties of rectangular models. They are very modest in size and seem completely invisible.
• Rounded. Such varieties are more demanding - they can only be installed in rooms with high ceilings. This requirement is due to the large size of the equipment. If the outlet has a rectangular structure, then it will be necessary to additionally use rectangular adapters with the corresponding section for rounded models.
• Oval. These specimens have the same strengths and weaknesses as the rounded specimens.

Of the listed duct options, flat rectangular models should be distinguished.

They are represented by products with the following parameters:

• 110x55 mm - such options are required for hoods with a capacity of no more than 300 m3 / h;
• 120x60 mm - suitable for equipping hoods, the performance level of which does not go beyond 350 m3 / h;
• 204x60 mm - perfect for functioning in conjunction with high-performance units - up to 1000 m3 / h.

Air ducts for exhaust systems are made from different materials. So, plastic copies are rightfully recognized as one of the most popular. As a rule, they are produced with a rectangular or rounded section. So, the former are more aesthetic and neat, but round systems can boast of a faster and easier installation (no adapters are needed here to attach the air duct to the hood itself).

The main advantages of plastic structures are:

• smooth surface in the inner part, due to which grease and any dirt do not accumulate there;
• plastic parts will never rust;
• they have a very modest weight, so it is easier to install them;
• such constructions are assembled quite simply;
• when the plastic air duct works, it does not emit a strong and annoying noise;
• such items are inexpensive.

The disadvantages of plastic systems are:

• in many cases, various adapters and connection parts are required for their installation;
• these models "do not like" exposure to too high temperatures - under such conditions, plastic air ducts can emit harmful substances.

The second most popular are air duct systems made of aluminum. Pipes of these structures are created from the specified raw materials.

The main advantages of such varieties are recognized:

• easy and quick installation;
• aluminum is a versatile and unpretentious material;
• such structures can withstand the influence of high temperature values ​​without problems;
• such ducts are inexpensive.

As for the disadvantages of aluminum air duct systems, here it should be highlighted:

• not the most attractive appearance - as a rule, such equipment is "hidden" in special boxes or hidden inside kitchen cabinets;
• aluminum itself cannot be called a high-strength material - it is easily deformed and does not tolerate significant mechanical stress;
• Since such a material is characterized by high thermal conductivity, condensation often accumulates in the room where the aluminum air vent is installed.

But there are also steel air ducts. As a rule, stainless steel or galvanized steel is used for the production of such structures. As for simple home use, galvanized options have proven themselves well here.

The main advantages of such models are:

• a neat, even base, thanks to which the air flow rate does not decrease, and dust and carbon deposits do not accumulate in smooth pipes;
• the steel air duct easily tolerates high temperatures (under their influence, the products not only do not deform, but also do not emit hazardous substances into the environment);
• these models are inexpensive.

Of course, steel options have their drawbacks, which make them not the most popular:

• such parts have a more impressive weight (especially when compared with plastic ones), so it is not always easy and convenient to install them yourself;
• for fixing to walls for steel models, the most reliable fasteners are always needed;
• for high-quality sealing of channels in such models, special tools will be required;
• if you need to assemble an air duct with an unusual structure, you may have to turn to additional cutting of metal pipes;
• when the steel air ducts work, they make loud sounds, so you can forget about the silent operation.

Air ducts should be selected based on several important criteria.

• The first thing to look for when choosing such a model is its manufacturer. It is recommended to give preference to high quality branded models.
• Purchase ventilation systems at trusted retail outlets or company stores.
• Don't trust too low prices for such items. Indeed, high-quality and reliable air removal will not cost too cheap, especially if it is made of good materials.
• These products must come with documents such as a warranty card and manual. If there are none, then it is better to refuse to buy an air duct in favor of another model.
• Choose products with sufficient power level. If the ventilation system turns out to be low-power, then the hood simply will not cope with its main function, and the exhaust air will not leave the room in the proper amount.
• Do not forget about the design of such units - they should flow into the interior.

In addition, when choosing the ideal model, you need to remember what basic functions the hood should perform in the kitchen:

• quickly and in the required amount to eliminate unnecessary odors;
• make little noise;
• look attractive to blend in with the kitchen setting.

It is quite possible to install the duct with your own hands. Corrugated options are considered the simplest in these matters. From it you just need to cut it into pieces of the required dimensions, and then connect it to the corresponding parts of the hood and shaft in the kitchen. It is better to replace a simple ventilation grill with a special one - in which the connecting pipe is built. For fastening in this case, special crimping clamps are usually used. For maximum reliability, the joints are treated with a sealing compound.

PVC air ducts are installed in the same way. The pipe is cut with a hacksaw for metal into separate parts of the desired size, after which it is attached to the parts of the hood using adapters. The pipe should go 50 mm (approx.) Into the nipple. The sections of the fasteners must be coated with a silicone compound.

If you have installed a high-power hood in the kitchen, then the effect of reverse draft can make itself felt. Simply put, there will be odors in the room coming from the ventilation shaft. This applies to especially powerful specimens, the performance level of which ranges from 600 to 700 cubic meters of air per hour. In order not to face this trouble, it is worth fixing the check valve.

These devices are made in two main variations:

• filmy appearance;
• in the form of a plastic disc on the axle.

Plastic parts fit much more easily into various interiors, especially when compared to metal ones. However, they can also spoil the appearance of the kitchen ensemble. That is why most owners prefer to simply close such elements. There are many ways to do it right.

Let's consider the most common ones.

• It is permissible to hide the duct pipes under a stretch or multi-level ceiling. To this end, you need to assemble a box of drywall sheets - it will perfectly hide the entire system. However, this method can be used only if a serious renovation is planned in the kitchen with a complete replacement of the ceiling base. If the hood is installed after the completion of finishing work, then it will hardly be possible to hide it under the indicated structures.
• To disguise the air duct, they often buy a special box made of polyvinyl chloride (sometimes other materials are used). Such structures will play a decorative role, therefore, they are usually selected to match the decoration of the room. And also spotlights can be additionally built into such boxes.
• The hood can be hidden in kitchen furniture if it is custom made. To do this, you need to notify the master of your preferences.

When choosing an air duct, one rule should be taken into account: the diameter of the exhaust pipe must match the diameter of the hole that leads to the shaft. When choosing flexible options, you need to consider that you can do no more than 3 knees and bends.

It is recommended to install the hood in accordance with the direction of air traffic. Otherwise, the service life of the device may be reduced, especially if it is a plastic part. The hood can also be taken outside. For this purpose, a hole of a suitable size must be made in the wall of the house. However, do not forget that before carrying out these operations, you need to obtain permission from the BTI and housing and communal services.

The worst option is a corrugated plastic pipe that performs the function of an air outlet. It is better to give preference to an aluminum copy. It is not recommended to place metal corrugations in the same ensemble with a kitchen set made of natural wood. Such an interior will look disharmonious and even ridiculous.

It is recommended to stretch corrugated pipes to their full length during installation. Thus, it will be possible to avoid contamination in the inner part, which will provoke unnecessary noise during the operation of the system. Today, many users prefer built-in hoods. In these models, the duct must be placed in the inside of the cabinet or fixed on its top.

In the next video, you will find the installation of an air duct for a kitchen hood.