Journal
How can kitchen extraction and log fires work simultaneously?
The juxtaposition of a roaring log fire and the rush of air from a nearby kitchen extractor might seem contradictory at first glance. In our role as designers of kitchens for largely period country houses, we are often having to advise clients on how the two can co-exist. It is certainly something which requires careful planning. Without it, clients risk filling their house with smoke whenever they turn their extraction on. There are solutions.
THE FUNCTIONALITY OF KITCHEN EXTRACTORS
Kitchen extractors, also known as range hoods, play a vital role in maintaining air quality and removing odours, grease, and moisture generated during cooking.
This large extractor in this country house kitchen is both practical as well as creating a focal point in this large kitchen extension. Extractors typically consist of a fan or blower, a filtration system, and a duct system that vents the air outside the building. In an ideal work, the motor will be located elsewehere to reduce noise.
When cooking, especially with methods which involve high heat or produce smoke and steam, kitchen extractors whisk away these by-products, preventing them from lingering in the kitchen and spreading to other areas of the house. The power a decent extractor produces at the higher level will be stronger than the updraft of a log fire. Here in lies the potential issue.
LOG FIRES – ADDING WARMTH & AMBIANCE
Log fires evoke a sense of nostalgia and cosiness, providing both warmth and ambiance to a living space.
Whether it’s a traditional fireplace or a modern wood-burning stove, the crackling of logs and the dancing flames create a focal point that invites relaxation and contemplation.
However, along with the comforting glow of the fire comes the release of smoke, particulate matter, and potentially harmful gases like carbon monoxide.
Extractor fans create negative pressure, which can cause problems for a wood burning stove or conventional flue gas appliance as these need positive chimney pressure to remove combustion gases from your home. Without positive pressure, the gases created during combustion can linger in your chimney.
HARMONISING KITCHEN EXTRACTORS WITH LOG FIRES
To ensure that kitchen extractors and log fires can work simultaneously without interfering with each other, several considerations come into play:
1. Proper Ventilation System Design: When designing or renovating a home, it’s essential to consider the layout and placement of both the kitchen extractor and the fireplace. Ideally, they should have separate ventilation systems with dedicated ductwork to prevent cross-contamination of airflows. Installing an additional air vent in the room, between the stove and the extractor fan should supply sufficient air for each appliance, rather than one drawing air from the other.
2. Effective Filtration: High-quality filters in kitchen extractors trap grease and particulate matter, preventing them from accumulating in ducts or spreading to other areas. Regular maintenance, including filter cleaning or replacement, is crucial to ensure optimal performance.
3. Adequate Room Ventilation: Rooms with log fires should have adequate ventilation to allow for the efficient exchange of indoor and outdoor air. This helps prevent the buildup of smoke and gases, promoting a healthier indoor environment.
4. Consideration of Air Pressure: Balancing air pressure within the home is crucial to prevent issues such as backdrafting, where smoke from the fireplace is drawn back into the living space instead of being expelled through the chimney. Properly sized and positioned kitchen extractors help maintain balanced air pressure.
5. Professional Installation and Maintenance: Consulting with HVAC professionals for the installation and maintenance of both kitchen extractors and fireplace ventilation systems ensures safety, efficiency, and compliance with building codes and regulations.
VENTILATION IS KEY
The synergy between Kitchen Extraction and Log Fires demonstrates how modern comfort and traditional warmth can coexist seamlessly in today’s homes.
By prioritising proper ventilation design, effective filtration, and professional installation, homeowners can enjoy the ambiance of a log fire while ensuring clean air and a comfortable living environment throughout their home.
So, whether you’re simmering a stew on the stove or lounging by the fireplace with a book, rest assured that these elements can work in tandem to enhance your overall living experience.
