Hard facts for an important feel-good topic
Cooking fumes consist of water vapour, odorous substances, and fats. In a recirculating air system, these vapours are filtered but then returned to the room, along with the moisture. A special case that often needs planning is hob extraction: in case of hob extractors with free outflow (plug&play appliances), the filtered humid air is discharged uncontrolled into the kitchen base cabinet. With time, this can result in moisture damage to the walls and furniture.
Recirculating air filters need replacing regularly
The findings of scientists and practitioners who conducted a joint study on extractor systems in residential kitchens can be summarised in a number of specific recommendations: if, in case of a hob extractor, the customer opts for a recirculating air system, it should be guided recirculating air. The filtered vapours are then routed out of the base area of the kitchen cabinets in a closed air duct system. The grilles of recirculating air outlets should not be blocked or obstructed.
Whatever type of extractor you have, when using a recirculating air solution, you always need to ensure there is an adequate exchange of air in the kitchen - either by means of a ventilation system or by opening the windows manually. So that the cooker hood or hob extractor and especially the integrated filters can dry again after cooking, a run-on time of five to ten minutes is recommended. Recirculation filters need to be replaced regularly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, otherwise they no longer reliably filter out grease and harmful particles from the vapours.
With COMPAIR® GREENflow, Naber offers a highly efficient solution: the modular recirculating air filter system for downdraft extractors has activated charcoal filters with particularly large surface areas thanks to their curved shape. They can be regenerated many times before they need to be replaced. The filters are also equipped with guide vanes to direct the air flow. In addition, COMPAIR® Control can be used to monitor the filter load in GREENflow and indicate when the filter needs to be regenerated.
The German consumer organisation Stiftung Warentest recommends exhaust air
For its “test” issue 3-2016, Stiftung Warentest examined the cleaning performance of 21 cooker hoods. It was found that the maximum air flow rate of an extractor is lower in recirculating air mode than in exhaust air mode, although the noise level is higher. Using recirculating mode, not only the moisture but also more pollutants and grease particles remain in the room air than when exhaust mode is used. “If you can, you should operate your cooker hood in exhaust air mode”, the product testers concluded.
An exhaust air system completely discharges the extracted cooking vapours out into the open air. There is no need for run-on times for the cooker hood. The same volume of air extracted should be fed back into the room in the form of fresh air. Whether this means opening a window or activating controllable external vents depends on the type of building and the ventilation technology. The easiest option is to use supply and exhaust air wall conducts from Naber, which automatically draw fresh air into the room as soon as the extractor is switched on.
Aerodynamically optimised air flow
The quality of the air duct system is decisive for an efficient exhaust air solution. The cooking vapours flow unimpeded through the aerodynamically optimised, patented COMPAIR flow® air ducts from Naber. Also in pipe bends and deflectors, the air flow is optimised. This means that even when the cooker hood is set to low and therefore quieter operating levels, significantly more air volume is transported than by standard products. The electricity costs are lower than with circulating air.
With the THERMOBOX, Naber provides outstanding, highly efficient wall conduct technology. An exhaust air system can therefore also be installed in airtight building envelopes. A further argument in favour of exhaust air: COMPAIR PRIME flow® and COMPAIR STEEL flow® air ducts can also be laid out of sight in the floor and connected to an innovative wall conduct, which is also below floor level.
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And finally, there is also the aspect of costs: the test conducted by Stiftung Warentest revealed that the recirculating air mode generates higher costs per year than the exhaust air mode due to the filter changes. This can amount to several hundred euros. Although exhaust air systems are usually more expensive to buy, they turn out to be the more cost-effective solution in the medium to long term.
MAGAZINE
Good air in your house and apartment!
Whether classic wall hood or stylish downdraft extractor, whether exhaust air or recirculating air - Naber has the perfect solution for every system and every room!