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Kitchen Fitting
Hob extractor fan yes or no?
Hi, I have inherited my mums home and the electric hob has an extractor fan including light but it isn’t vented anywhere other than the standard vents on top of the unit. I am updating the house and I know that the regs have changed over the years but my question is, if I fit a new extractor does it have to be vented externally? My mum mostly just used it for the light. If it doesn’t have to be vented I can change it but if it does, do we have to have one at all as externally venting it will be an expensive addition?
3 Answers from MyBuilder Kitchen Fitters
Best Answer
My understanding is this.
There was no regulated requirement for external ventilation until 2006. Therefore if the property was built before 2006 then it meets the regulations for the time it was built, and means you can keep it as it is. If the property was built after 2006 then it needs to be changed to meet the regulations that were in force at that time.
Answered 31st Aug 2021
Hello all, as far as I know, as with the new building regulations regarding extractor fans, electric jobs must be minimum of 650mm from hob which can be recycled vented in-house, gas must be 750mm minimum from flames and vented externally, no choice in the matter.
Answered 14th Sep 2021
It all depends on the model. You can get recirculating hoods that don't need to be vented externally. But the old ways are always the best IMO. If you want all the moisture completely gone then external venting is the best possible way.
But I suppose it all comes down to the size of the room as the smaller the room the more condensed the moisture an steam from cooking will be.
In terms if Regs it comes down to manufacturers fitting instructions as long as you stick to them you should be fine.
Also like one of the previous answers said there is a minimum distance that has to be followed.
Hope this helps.
Answered 23rd Sep 2021
