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...