He really asked that? Is he licensed? I can't think of a better way to spend $200. Venting into the attic will all but guarantee mold. Are your bathroom fans vented outside or into the attic? If they're vented into the attic, you should have them changed immediately.

I suggest having a roofer handle, or at least check, the vent's roof penetration. From what you've told us about your heat and air guy, I wouldn't trust him to do the flashing, etc. properly.

Agree with Chipshot! Have some recheck all the work this guy is doing! I don't even think venting into an attic space is up to code in many areas.

Good luck!

What a doofus. I can't believe he would consider venting to attic.

Yeah...outside, and be sure someone doublechecks his work!

Vent it outside!!!

It's illegal and dangerous to vent into the attic. Don't even think about it!

I would call someone else to do this. If he seriously suggested venting into the attic, he's probably not licensed and won't do the best quality job. Not only is it against code everywhere, the reason it's against code is it creates a huge mold problem with the moisture, and no, the filters don't capture all of the grease, so it also creates a fire hazard as well. If he's done this in the past, then he's got a real screw loose.

An actual HVAC guy said this? Total idiot. Never vent anything into the attic. In addition to smells, the vented air is full of moisture.

Get rid of that guy! I wouldn't trust anyone who would suggest such a thing to come anywhere near my house!

Your responses were too vague!!!!! :-) Sooooo, what you're saying is, bad idea? :-) I guarantee this man is liscensed, but now I'm questioning what he's liscensed FOR!

I'll definately vent this to the outside - only $200 more for it to be done correctly. Not a doubt about it. But I do have a question. If you have a 'ventless' fan or one that simply recirculates air, how effective is that fan? Is is a fire hazard and grime depositor?

I appreciate you wonderful people allerting me to my potentially disastrous situation! You have my gratitude!

Aside from the fact that this guy is total idiot... you really should look into a more powerful ventilation system. A 6 burner gas unit usually requires more than 600 cfm. Did you check Dacor's recommendation?

A ventless recirculation fan employs an activated carbon filter to remove odors. However, this is NOT suitable for use with a gas appliance because it does not remove combustion by-products.

Ditto what everyone else said. Also, don't choose a recirculating fan. The only people who buy those are those who are in the unfortunate situation of having no other option due to building configuration, or living in an older apartment building, or something like that. If you have the opportunity to vent outside, do it. And while you're at it, a couple more tips: make sure your ductwork is at LEAST 8" diameter. I am stuck with 6", but I WISH I could have 10". Please don't skimp on this! Also, don't get the mesh filter hood. Get a baffle filter hood. The mesh filters are less efficient, as the mesh quickly gets filled with the grease from cooking, and if you don't clean them right away, your exhaust efficiency will be severely hampered. Baffle filter exhausts are more efficient, but of course, they need to be cleaned too!

I have to keep defending the poor ductless vent! I had a gas stove for 10 years with a ductless vent. It was fine! I do quite a bit of browning and searing and I never had issues. Yes, an outside vent is better but if you must have a ductless, it is not the end of the world.

Thanks to everyone for your quick replies! I got my gas line moved today to the other side of the kitchen and I've scheduled the ductwork to be installed next week - TO THE OUTSIDE! :-) I'll check the specs on my Dacor rangetop as well as see what kind of filter I have on my blower. Unfortunately, it comes with the wood hood I'm buying with Stanisci Hoods, so I get what I get!

I could not think through these little details without you guys! Thanks!

The ductless unvented thingies are quite a bit better than nothing, definitely.

The moisture and stuff will stay in your kitchen where you will notice if it builds up, and where surfaces are made to be wiped down. The grease and escaped odors and everything will all be there, either stuck in the fan or loose in the kitchen. But not hidden, skulking, in the corner of the attic waiting to turn into something disgusting that will entice wildlife...