Gas range venting - InspectionNews

Michael Vasquez · #1 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008, 07:33 PM

Can someone tell me if gas ranges have to vent to the exterior? The over-the-range microwave does not vent to the exterior.

Thank You

David Banks · #2 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008, 07:41 PM

Do not believe it is a requirement. Check your local codes. But You can always recommend it be done. I do.

Michael Vasquez · #3 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008, 07:45 PM

Thanks David

Gunnar Alquist · #4 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008, 07:49 PM

As far as I know it is not a code requirement. However, you might well find it in the manufacturer's installation instructions, particularly with the commercial style ranges.

Brandon Whitmore · #5 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008, 07:56 PM

I believe it is a new requirement in the 2006 IRC from what I read. I don't have the reference number on me, and OR is still using the 2003 version..... so you would need to check to be sure. For older homes, I don't believe there is a requirement

Jerry Peck · #6 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008, 09:39 PM

Not to my knowledge.

Matt Fellman · #7 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008, 10:23 PM

I think the theory is if you pass out while cooking dinner, somebody will eventually get hungry and come find you. Hopefully, before you're dead.

Michael P. O'Handley · #8 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 04:56 AM

Hi,

I lived 17 years of my life in a home with a gas stove in the kitchen with a pilot light on 24/7/365. Nobody in my family ever got ill or even got a head ache from the gas stove. When they're adjusted right, just like properly adjusted furnaces, they don't produce dangerous amounts of CO.

The thing you need to ensure your cilents understand is that if an over-the-stove exhaust fan doesn't vent to the exterior that they read the instructions and installed the proper baffles and the charcoal filters or the fan will be completely useless.

ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!

Mike

Richard Stanley · #9 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 11:48 AM

Texas requires absence of range exhaust vent to be reported as in need of repair.

Jerry McCarthy · #10 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 04:10 PM

Commercial range, I think yes. Folks are installing monster 8 burner 5 mill BTU ranges in their trophy kitchens. But what for I can't guess because the trophy wife doesn't know how to cook anyway?

Jerry Peck · #11 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry McCarthy

Commercial range, I think yes.

Commercial ranges are not allowed to be installed in residential kitchens.

"Commercial type", yes - those which 'look like' commercial ones ... just not true "commercial" ones.

From the 2006 IRC (and it has been in older editions). (underlining is mine)
- G2447.2 (623.2) Prohibited location.

Cooking appliances designed, tested, listed and labeled for use in commercial occupancies shall not be installed within dwelling units or within any area where domestic cooking operations occur.

Markus Keller · #12 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 06:49 PM

Not required that I know of.
It sounds like it's a combo micro/vent unit (GE etc) I would check to make sure that the motor is properly rotated.
On the micro/vent units the motor on the top can be rotated to exhaust up into ductwork or forward to come out of the vents (usually at the top front ot the unit). If the motor isn't rotated properly the unit will be louder and motor usually burns out prematurely.

Bob Harper · #13 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 04:11 PM

No requirement under the IRC. FYI, ANSI Stds. allow up to 800ppm carbon monoxide from ranges. And you just thought it was the tryptophan in the turkey making you sleepy.

As previously stated, "when installed and operating properly"..... Tell me when you find that. These things have a horrible track record for CO production.

Failure to ventilate the kitchen can lead to what appears to be black soot all over the house. I'm gotten lab reports back that the black stuff is charred food particles stuck to soybean cooking oil. All because of no ventilation.

If they ventilate, then it should comply with ASHRAE 62.2 for MUA. Whoever sucks air out of a home is responsible for providing MUA to replace it. Otherwise, uncompensated exhaust fans can depressurize the home and backdraft atmospherically vented appliances. These fans don't always capture all the aerosolized byproducts of cooking but they are pretty good at backdrafting open fireplaces.

Bob

Vince Santos · #14 (**permalink**) 04-09-2008, 02:30 PM

Like the others I don't believe it's a requirement but I would certainly mention it to my clients. Some cultures in fact consider a vent to the exterior a must because of the types of food they typically cook. For example I do a good number of inspections for Indian clients, my community has a large Indian population, and without exception they want that done right away because of the spices used in cooking.

But I wouldn't call it out as something that SHOULD be done but rather an option your client might be interested in.

Randy Clayton · #15 (**permalink**) 04-16-2008, 08:56 PM

I agree I think I've dealt with this before. I thuoght it was code but after doing some researce the code books diferit back to the mfg.

mathew stouffer · #16 (**permalink**) 04-16-2008, 09:07 PM

They are not required to vent to the exterior unless equipped with a grill.

Gene South · #17 (**permalink**) 09-17-2008, 06:15 AM

In Section 1504 of the 2003 IRC, (bottom of page 305), it refers to open "broilers". I am assuming "broiler" does not mean an range cook-top ? because if it did, a range exhaust would be required ? Maybe "broiler" means one of those kitchen BBQ attachments that are sometimes seen on a range.

Vern Heiler · #18 (**permalink**) 09-17-2008, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Markus KellerNot required that I know of.
It sounds like it's a combo micro/vent unit (GE etc) I would check to make sure that the motor is properly rotated.
On the micro/vent units the motor on the top can be rotated to exhaust up into ductwork or forward to come out of the vents (usually at the top front ot the unit). If the motor isn't rotated properly the unit will be louder and motor usually burns out prematurely.03-28-2008 06:17 PM

Just an added note: I have been caught identifying this type as "internally vented" and the motor or diverter installed incorrectly because the air did not blow out the front of the unit. No visible duct from above, in the wall cabinet. Some of these are able to be ducted out the back of the unit to the exterior. Keep and eye out for the additional vent in the attic or on the exterior wall if you see this condition.

Jerry Peck · #19 (**permalink**) 09-17-2008, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gene South

In Section 1504 of the 2003 IRC, (bottom of page 305), it refers to open "broilers". I am assuming "broiler" does not mean an range cook-top ? because if it did, a range exhaust would be required ? Maybe "broiler" means one of those kitchen BBQ attachments that are sometimes seen on a range.

Gene,

"Maybe "broiler" means one of those kitchen BBQ attachments that are sometimes seen on a range."

Basically correct.

Here is an example: http://www.electroluxusa.com/files/u...install_en.pdf

See warning in section 4 Safety, second bullet down.

Then, in section 9, see figure 5, the left hand unit in that appliance would be an "open-top broiler".

If it has one of those, it should have a range hood above it.

Jim Zborowski · #20 (**permalink**) 09-17-2008, 08:44 AM

Don't know how you would vent ( direct vent ) as they are not built with a means to duct.

Jerry Peck · #21 (**permalink**) 09-17-2008, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Zborowski

Don't know how you would vent ( direct vent ) as they are not built with a means to duct.

Jim,

Not understanding what you are referring to.