How does your house stack up
Cooking, showering, and daily living create steam, grease, odours, and invisible pollutants that build up over time. Without proper ventilation, your house can quickly turn into a breeding ground for mould, mildew, and stale air.
That’s why rangehoods and bathroom fans, when properly installed and externally vented, are two of the smartest investments you can make for your home. This guide covers everything you need to know: from choosing the right products to understanding ducting, installation, and ongoing maintenance.
How does your house stack up
Understanding Rangehoods: The Kitchen’s First Line of Defence
What Does a Rangehood Actually Do?
A rangehood (or kitchen exhaust fan) pulls steam, smoke, and airborne grease away from your cooktop. When externally vented, it pushes this air outside, leaving your kitchen fresh and clear.
The Different Types of Rangehoods
– Canopy Rangehoods
– Undermount Rangehoods
– Slide-Out (retractable) Rangehoods
-Fixed or Traditional Rangehoods
– Silent Rangehoods
Canopy Rangehoods
Bold, stylish, and powerful.
Ideal for large kitchens or serious cooks.
Typically wall-mounted or installed above kitchen islands.
Undermount Rangehoods
Sleek, integrated into cabinetry.
Perfect for modern, minimalist kitchens.
Less intrusive design without sacrificing function.
Slide-Out (Retractable) Rangehoods
Space-saving, slides out when needed.
Good for small kitchens or apartments.
Discreet look but may have lower airflow capacity.
Fixed/Traditional Rangehoods
Budget-friendly option.
Simple design, effective for light to moderate cooking.
Silent Range hoods
Elegant and quite
Externally mounted motor for noise reduction
Perfect for modern, minimalist kitchens.
Ducted vs Recirculating Rangehoods
This is the big debate.
Ducted (externally vented- modern standard)
Expels air outside.
Best for health, odour removal, and moisture control.
Requires professional installation and ductwork.
Recirculating (Traditional install)
Filters and pushes air back into the room.
Easier to install but less effective.
Charcoal filters need regular replacement.
👉 Verdict: If you care about long-term health and a genuinely fresh kitchen, always go ducted.
How to Choose the Right Rangehood
- Size: Match (or exceed) your cooktop width.
- Extraction Power (m³/hr):
- Small kitchens: 400–600 m³/hr.
- Medium kitchens: 600–900 m³/hr.
- Large kitchens or heavy cooking: 900+ m³/hr.
- Noise Levels: Quieter hoods = more likely you’ll use them. Look for decibel ratings around 50–60 dB.
- Filters: Metal filters are washable – in some cases, can also be washed in your dishwasher; charcoal filters are for recirculating models.
- Design & Aesthetics: Function first, but style matters if it’s a focal point in your kitchen.
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Bathroom Fans: The Silent Protectors Against Mould
Your kitchen isn’t the only room that suffers from poor ventilation.
Bathrooms are humidity hotspots, and without a fan, they quickly become mould’s favourite playground. Why You Need a Bathroom Exhaust Fan
- Prevents condensation on mirrors and windows.
- Stops paint from peeling and tiles from loosening.
- Reduces mould spores and musty odours.
- Keeps your bathroom feeling fresh and usable.
Types of Bathroom Fans
- Ceiling-Mounted Fans
- The most common type.
- Vents air directly into the roof cavity or outside.
- Wall-Mounted Fans
- Installed on external walls.
- Good for homes without roof space access.
- Inline Fans
- Fan motor installed in the roof cavity or on the roof.
- Quieter and more powerful, great for large bathrooms.
Key Features to look for in a Bathroom Fan
Keep that air moving
Airflow (m³/hr)
Match fan size to room volume.
Grille Style
Choose modern, discreet covers for aesthetics
Noise Level
Quieter fans are more
user-friendly
Controls
Timers or humidity sensors ensure fans run long enough after showers.
Why External Venting Is Non-Negotiable
Both kitchen and bathroom fans should always be externally ducted. Venting into the roof cavity or ceiling space is a shortcut that causes:
- Damp insulation
- Structural damage
- Mould growth above ceilings
👉 In fact, in Victoria (including Melbourne), building regulations now require rangehoods and bathroom exhaust fans to be externally vented. This ensures your home meets compliance standards and protects your family’s health.
External venting is the only way to guarantee that pollutants, moisture, and smells leave your home completely.
Professional Installation vs DIY
The Temptation of DIY
Sure, you can buy a fan or rangehood from your local hardware store. But cutting into walls and roofing running ducting, and handling electrical wiring isn’t a weekend hobby—it’s a job for pros.
Benefits of Professional Installation
Safety & Compliance
Meets building codes and plumbing and electrical standards.
Efficiency
Proper ducting ensures maximum airflow
Peace of Mind
Warranties are protected, and mistakes are avoided
Aesthetics
Clean, professional finish without unsightly gaps or rattles
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The Complete Installation Journey
Consultation & Planning
Assess your kitchen and bathroom needs.
Choose appropriate appliances.
Plan ducting routes (short, straight runs are best). Get your plumber to assist with this stage of planning.
Installation
Mount appliances securely.
Install ductwork with minimal bends.
Ensure weatherproof external vents.
Testing & Compliance Check
Confirm airflow and noise levels.
Verify external venting is clear and sealed.
Maintenance Tips
Clean filters regularly.
Inspect external vents for blockages.
Service fans annually if needed
Healthy Home, Happy Life
A well-ventilated home isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your health and investment. By combining a ducted rangehood in the kitchen with externally vented bathroom fans, you’ll reduce moisture, remove pollutants, and enjoy a fresher, healthier living space.
Q: How often should I clean my rangehood filters?
A: Every 4–6 weeks for metal filters. Charcoal filters (recirculating models) should be replaced every 3–6 months.
Q: Do bathroom fans really need timers?
A: Yes. Fans should run 10–15 minutes after showers to properly clear moisture. A timer or humidity sensor makes this automatic.
Q: Is bigger always better when it comes to extraction power?
A: Not necessarily. Too much suction in a small kitchen or bathroom can create negative air pressure. The key is balanced sizing.
Final Takeaway
Healthy homes breathe well
By investing in the right rangehood and bathroom fans, and ensuring they’re professionally installed with external venting, you’re safeguarding your family’s health, protecting your property, and creating a more comfortable space.
👉 Ready to breathe easy? Contact our expert installation team today for advice and a quote.