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Range hood conflicting requirements

6 years ago

We live in a condominium apartment, and are replacing the developer-supplied original 20 year-old Amana gas range (40K BTU burner total). We want to go with a GE Profile gas double oven range, with a total of 60K BTU burners. We do a fair amount of wok/stir-frying, so I feel we should be paring the new range with at least a 600+ CFM hood, and a 750-900 CFM is probably better.


I can't find the model/specs for the existing original Vent-a-hood, but we've felt it was underpowered. Although the output from the hood looks like it is 6" diameter, it immediately is reduced to a 5" duct. The duct remains 5" until disappearing into the ceiling, where (I think) it runs straight to vent out the side of the building 30' away.


Everything I see says that I need at least a 6" duct for 600 CFM, and should be looking at 8-10" for the higher volumes. I also see statements that you must ensure your ducting is sufficient for the volume. However, I can't modify the vent on the exterior of the building, and can't open replace the ducting inside the walls, so I'm limited to working with the 5" duct.


Am I stuck with hoods that will be underrated for the new range but which work with a 5" duct? Should I plan to use a higher (750 CFM?) hood, and accept that I'll get some smaller flow? Can I boost the flow with a second fan in the duct just before it goes into the ceiling (about 18" from the top of the hood)? Is there something else I should look at?


Thanks.

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