4 ms·

> Most of the problems with indoor pollution can almost certainly be more cheaply mediated by adding building codes requiring venting range hoods. I would gues

> Most of the problems with indoor pollution can almost certainly be more cheaply mediated by adding building codes requiring venting range hoods. I would guess that adding range hoods is more expensive than switching everyone to electric stoves. Existing structures often have no provisions for venting to the outside and would often require very expensive retrofits. It would require opening up the ceiling to add ductwork, potentially building soffits if there isn't enough room in the ceiling, placing a vent in the exterior, etc. Range hoods above a certain CFM also require provisions for make-up air. In new construction, obviously the costs are different, but the cost difference between a gas and electric stove is also minimal. Venting hoods would solve a lot more problems, though. Cooking on an electric stove or in an electric oven still generates a lot of particulates that I'd rather not subject everyone in the house to. Not to mention making everything smell like whatever I'm cooking for the next day. Personally, I'd rather have induction and a venting range hood. > The fact that (as far as I have understood, can't find the link) the vast majority of US homes do not have a hood that vents to the outside is crazy. This should be the default for all new construction. I agree and I think we are starting to see some areas move in this direction. But even if it was mandated today, most people wouldn't have venting range hoods for decades to come because they live in older buildings. I think we need incentives to retrofit buildings with better ventilation.

crackercrews 4y ago
> I would guess that adding range hoods is more expensive than switching everyone to electric stoves. Doesn't this depend critically on what percent of gas stove owners have hoods? If 75% do, then you'd have to "fix" 3x as many kitchens if your operation is replacing stoves versus adding ventilation. If only 20% have hoods, then it could make more sense to swap the stoves. But even this doesn't make sense if the article is correct and there is not evidence of gas being worse.
- leguminous 4y ago
  My own anecdotal experience is that in America, very few homes have hoods that vent to outside the building. I have lived in one LEED certified apartment building that had one, and even that had issues with the exhaust backing up because they needed to clean the exterior grille (it vented next to the dryer vent). In single family homes I have generally seen them in high end subdivisions or custom builds. I believe the code in some areas is getting stricter and they are starting to become more common, but they seem rare in existing housing stock. I see a lot of recirculating range hoods, but they do nothing for combustion products. They only trap some of the aerosolized grease from frying and sautéing.
  - crackercrews 4y ago
    Weird, I've seen them all over, and not just in expensive areas.

crackercrews 4y ago

> I would guess that adding range hoods is more expensive than switching everyone to electric stoves. Doesn't this depend critically on what percent of gas stove owners have hoods? If 75% do, then you'd have to "fix" 3x as many kitchens if your operation is replacing stoves versus adding ventilation. If only 20% have hoods, then it could make more sense to swap the stoves. But even this doesn't make sense if the article is correct and there is not evidence of gas being worse.

leguminous 4y ago
My own anecdotal experience is that in America, very few homes have hoods that vent to outside the building. I have lived in one LEED certified apartment building that had one, and even that had issues with the exhaust backing up because they needed to clean the exterior grille (it vented next to the dryer vent). In single family homes I have generally seen them in high end subdivisions or custom builds. I believe the code in some areas is getting stricter and they are starting to become more common, but they seem rare in existing housing stock. I see a lot of recirculating range hoods, but they do nothing for combustion products. They only trap some of the aerosolized grease from frying and sautéing.
- crackercrews 4y ago
  Weird, I've seen them all over, and not just in expensive areas.