skip to main content

Problem venting kitchen exhaust fan in a condo

15 years ago

We're remodeling a kitchen in a condo. As typical of such places it's got one of those very inefficient combination microwave/recirculating vent hoods over the cooktop. I hate this thing. It just doesn't work. Since we're remodeling the kitchen anyway, I'd love to install an exhaust type hood.

Unfortunately being a condo development, the HOA will not likely allow me to knock a hole in an exterior wall or through the roof to allow the vented exhaust to exit.

Is there any other way to do this? Maybe we could tie in to an existing vent system of sort sort? I can't just vent it into the attic can I?

Since the place has very high ceilings, I was thinking of running some of that exposed vent ducting that you see in loft developments. Where would I find this kind of ducting?

Comments (3)

mightyanvil
15 years ago
Other unit owners may have had the same problem. Ask if anyone has gotten approval; don't assume anything. Keep the duct short, as horizontal as possible and always take it to the outside of the building.
jzhi
15 years ago
I live in a highrise and have just finished remodeling my kitchen. I, too have to change out the old micro with a new one that comes with the recirculting vent. It was the only option I have because of the house rules and the lack of space in my kitchen.

Not sure if your condo's association would allow you to open up the ceiling to install an exhaust vent. If you live in a condo its likely your kitcen may not even have any ventilation system build in. Check with your resident manager or the association and obtain a floor plan for your unit or building. It will help you see the electrical and piping of your unit and gives you better idea what can or cannot be done.

Hope this helps.
Related Discussions
Exhaust Fan- Strange Problem
Q
Comments (2)
Is their moisture on outside of vent/duct? Because if it's going into attic, water may condense on outside of duct. Or if it goes through the roof, the waterproofing/seal may be allowing water to enter the outside of the duct and trickle down. finally, it's also possible that the fan is sucking air along the ceiling, and exposing it to more of the water vapor than before, leading to collection of dirt.
...See More
Venting exhaust fan
Q
Comments (11)
First of all, don't vent it out the soffit. The moist air will just get pulled right back into the attic thru the soffit vents. Obviously, many here are trying to have you avoid the attic all together, and if you agree, the soffit venting idea mitigates that. Having said that, I'm not a "sky is falling" type when it comes to attic venting and mold. I presently live in a house built in 1954 and my master fan goes straight to the attic. Judging by the fans' construction and the jet plane noise it makes when I turn it on, it's been there since day one. There is not one hint of moisture or mold in that attic. I know the signs of mold, and there are zip, zero, zilch, nada...get the picture :) Here's what I would do. Send the president of the association an email confirming his "...that's what everyone does..." statement. When he responds, print it out and throw it in a file you'll never lose. Now go ahead and vent that puppy straight up to the attic and forget about it. If the you know what ever hits the you know where, you simply pull out your never lose file and smile.
...See More
Venting a bathroom exhaust fan
Q
Comments (14)
"energy_rater, if you vent the humid air from a bathroom to the soffit, what's going to keep that moist air from going right into the attic?" back draft damper attached to bath fan housing. venting attached to back draft damper. venting exits soffit to exterior. fan being on will push air out of venting, venting to exterior of attic will keep moisture out of attic. also, if you ever take off the cover of the bath fan from inside the house..there is an oversized cut in the ceiling that is covered by the cover of the bath fan. sealing this cut is recommended to keep attic air/temps/ insulation particles out of houses. I use Hardcast brand mastic tape #1402. I also use this tape to attach back draft damper to housing of bath fan for air tight seal, and to attach venting to back draft damper. best of luck.
...See More
bath exhaust fan / venting out soffit or roof?
Q
Comments (3)
Fortunately the fan is pretty close to the wall (8' run maximum?). Wall vent is possible although we are a little concerned what it would look like (unexpected to see a wall vent?) Wall is also a concern as the ceiling is cathedral and the steam, etc. is going to want to naturally travel up (away from vent). It would be alcove shower (3x6') with fan outside of the alcove (if ceiling mounted). Alcove does not abut outside wall. I'm not sure about ducting bending the 90 degrees as the duct would puncture the end of roof framing and the top of wall framing (the horizontal pieces). The exterior wall is shorter than average 77" and I am suspecting part of the reason a soffit vent may no longer be allowed for us is the space is very tight, if that makes sense. Duct looks to be around 4" diameter and wall top and end of roof frame is 2x4 (not 6", 40+ year old house). i agree side venting is preferable to going out the roof and having to deal with snow and ice.
...See More
klaire2001
15 years ago
Any way to tie into the bathroom exhaust fans? We know those are not recirculating.

I think the vent can be ducted with any 4" PVC piping you can find - it is easy to paint and not expensive. Ask a "real" plumber for advice.

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

HOUSEKEEPING 10 Problems Your House May Be Trying to Show You

By Mitchell Parker

Ignore some of these signs and you may end up with major issues. We tell you which are normal and which are cause for concern

KITCHEN APPLIANCES Love to Cook? You Need a Fan. Find the Right Kind for You

By The Sky is the Limit Design

Don't send budget dollars up in smoke when you need new kitchen ventilation. Here are 9 top types to consider

KITCHEN DESIGN How to Choose the Right Hood Fan for Your Kitchen

By The Sky is the Limit Design

Keep your kitchen clean and your home's air fresh by understanding all the options for ventilating via a hood fan

KITCHEN OF THE WEEK Kitchen of the Week: Fans of Traditional Style Go For a ‘Mad Men’ Look

By Mitchell Parker

The TV show inspires a couple to turn their back on the style they knew and embrace a more fun and funkier vibe in their kitchen

KITCHEN DESIGN A Cook’s 6 Tips for Buying Kitchen Appliances

By Christine Tusher

An avid home chef answers tricky questions about choosing the right oven, stovetop, vent hood and more

MY HOUZZ My Houzz: Classic Black and White Design in a Chicago Condo

By Kayla Pearson

Traditional design mixed with quirky details and unexpected color gives this graphic designer’s home a dark and glamorous vibe

KITCHEN DESIGN Lightened-Up Midcentury Kitchen Goes With the Flow

By Becky Harris

A ranch’s kitchen, dining area and living room are combined in one beautifully unified space, while a mudroom solves a clutter problem

SMALL KITCHENS The 100-Square-Foot Kitchen: Fully Loaded, No Clutter

By Mitchell Parker

This compact condo kitchen fits in modern appliances, a walk-in pantry, and plenty of storage and countertop space

SMALL KITCHENS More Cabinet and Countertop Space in an 82-Square-Foot Kitchen

By Mitchell Parker

Removing an inefficient pass-through and introducing smaller appliances help open up a tight condo kitchen

KITCHEN DESIGN How to Arrange Open Shelves in the Kitchen

By Becky Harris

Keep items organized, attractive and within easy reach with these tips

Sponsored

Remodel Repair Construction

9 Reviews

Industry Leading General Contractors in Westerville

More Discussions

What's the safest countertop option for giant island overhang?

25

Does MSI Calacatta Izaro or Verona work with my white / grey cabniets?

17

Crown Molding and baseboards

2

so thinking of doing Kraftmaid Canvas White with cinder highlights

4

Looking for opinions on exterior colors

9