Ductless range hoods are one of three different types of range hoods. The other two types are ducted, or vented, range hoods and convertible range hoods. Vented range hoods require access to outside from the area in the kitchen where the stove is located. Convertible range hoods can be used with either ductless or ducted systems.

Ductless range hoods are usually the second choice in range hoods. If it is possible that the range hood can be vented to outside, a vented range hood is the more popular choice. Vented range hoods expel stale kitchen air directly outside. If the stove is located near a window or against an exterior wall, then installing a vented range hood is a relatively straightforward process. The range hood must be vented outside; it cannot be vented into an attic or an interior wall.

If your kitchen stove is located along an interior wall, or for some other reason you cannot install a vented range hood, you will probably choose a ductless range hood. Ductless range hoods work differently than vented range hoods. They do not pull kitchen air outside, they filter the air and then release it back into the home.

A ductless range hood will not work without a clean air filter. Many ductless range hoods use charcoal filters. These make an excellent choice for cleaning the air in a kitchen, because they absorb odor and other residue that can make the kitchen smell unpleasant. If the ductless range hood that you choose has an exterior aluminum filter, you will not have to replace the filter, but it will need to be cleaned.

Whether you have a disposable filter or one that you can clean, it is important to check it every three to six months. A dirty filter will not only make the range hood less effective, it will also make the motor of the range hood work harder, shortening its life.

Ductless range hoods are not as effective at cleaning the air in the kitchen as vented range hoods, but for many people they are the only reasonable option. If the layout of your kitchen prohibits the addition of a vented range hood, then a ductless range hood can be a good choice. If you clean or replace the filters on a regular basis, a ductless hood is a very effective way to keep your kitchen smelling fresh.