I have a new range hood that I want to install and duct outside, but it seems like the only places I can duct it (without serious reno) are not code compliant due to the vent being too close to windows. Max I can get it is about 3 feet away horizontally from about the top of a window; I think code says it needs to be 10 feet away + 3 ft above a window, or <10 feet away + 4 ft below a window. I saw on This Old House that Tom installed a range hood approximately where I’d like to make my hole. Is this code compliant?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9egwOazPJis
Replies
Three feet from the window should be fine.
Exhaust Openings 1504.3
Range hood vents should always be located on the outside and they need to terminate at least 3-feet away from windows, doors, and other vents such as bathroom fans.
If you have a powered air intake such as from a high efficiency furnace, then the range hood vent needs to be at least 10-feet away. The exception to the 10-foot rule is if the range hood vent is at least 3-feet above the intake vent.
I just measured again, and based on stud location, the vent would actually be just 24 in away from edge of the window to edge of vent; it's about 36 inches from center of the window to center of the vent. I'm assuming code is edge to edge...
The other option is to potentially run a pipe down the exterior wall and then out, but that requires two 90 degree bends, which is obviously not in the range hood blower spec...
Check with your local code official, but you might be able to get away with less than 3' if it's a non opening window or the opening pane of a single hung or slider is 3' away. Meaning even if the window frame is not 3' away, they might measure just to the openable part of the window.
Again, I'm not an inspector, nor do I play one on TV so you need to find out if this is legit in your area.