Kitchen upgrades often focus on countertops, cabinets, and appliances. Ventilation, however, tends to get less attention until smoke fills the room or a home inspection flags an issue. When homeowners start comparing renovation costs, permits, and long term affordability, questions about code requirements and overall budget often sit alongside bigger financial decisions like managing a mortgage.
So, is a range hood necessary, or is it simply a recommended upgrade? The answer depends on building codes, the type of stove you use, and how seriously you take indoor air quality.
What does a range hood actually do?
A range hood is a mechanical ventilation system installed above a cooktop or range. Its primary job is to remove:
Smoke
Grease particles
Heat
Steam and moisture
Odors
Combustion byproducts from gas stoves
Some models vent air outside through ductwork. Others recirculate air through filters and send it back into the kitchen.While both options may look similar, their performance is not the same. That difference becomes important when you look at building code and long term home safety.
Are range hoods required by code?
The bigger question homeowners ask is not just how a hood works, but is a range hood necessary under building code?
Jeremy Buitrago, Action Duct Cleaning Company ADC Corp General Manager explains, “Under the International Residential Code, kitchens are required to have mechanical ventilation, and when a hood is installed, most jurisdictions require it to exhaust directly to the exterior.”
The International Code Council sets the International Residential Code standards used by many local jurisdictions. That code requires mechanical ventilation in kitchens, but it does not always require a traditional ducted hood specifically. In some cases, other approved ventilation systems may satisfy the requirement.
However, meeting minimum code does not always mean achieving optimal performance. Jeremy adds, “While the minimum standard is typically 100 CFM intermittent, true performance goes well beyond minimum code.”
CFM, or cubic feet per minute, measures airflow. One hundred CFM is often the baseline. Many professionals recommend higher airflow for larger kitchens or gas appliances.
Why gas stoves change the conversation
If you cook with gas, ventilation becomes more than a comfort feature. Jeremy makes this clear, noting, “Gas appliances produce heat, moisture, and combustion byproducts that recirculating systems simply do not remove.”
That last point matters. Recirculating hoods can trap grease and reduce odors, but they do not vent combustion gases outside. Over time, poor ventilation can contribute to:
Lingering indoor pollutants
Moisture buildup in cabinets and drywall
Fire hazards if grease accumulates over time.
Concerns during inspections, particularly if local code requirements aren’t met.
He also notes, “In both residential and commercial kitchens, inadequate ventilation leads to indoor air quality issues, grease buildup, fire risk, and inspection failures.” For buyers and sellers, those home inspection failures can delay closing or require last minute repairs.
Ducted vs. ductless: what homeowners should consider
When deciding whether a range hood is necessary in your home, it helps to compare your options clearly.
Ducted range hoodDuctless range hood
Exhausts air directly outsideRecirculates air through charcoal filters
Removes combustion gasesEasier and cheaper to install
Reduces humidity effectivelyDoes not remove combustion byproducts
Typically preferred for gas cooktopsRequires regular filter replacement
Many jurisdictions require exterior venting when installed
Jeremy sums up his Altadena, CA-based company’s position plainly, “For us, properly designed and ducted exhaust systems aren’t upgrades, they’re the standard.” With over 45 years of service experience, that perspective comes from seeing what happens when ventilation is overlooked.
How ventilation impacts real estate value
From a real estate standpoint, kitchen ventilation affects more than comfort. Homebuyers today pay closer attention to indoor air quality and safety features. A properly ducted range hood can signal:
Code compliance
Thoughtful renovation work
Reduced fire risk
Better moisture control
Fewer red flags during inspections
In tightly sealed modern homes, mechanical ventilation plays an even bigger role. Without it, smoke and moisture have nowhere to go. So when homeowners ask, is a range hood necessary for resale value, the answer often leans yes, especially in markets where buyers expect updated systems.
Costs and installation considerations
Costs vary based on layout and accessibility. While a ductless model may cost less upfront, it may not deliver the same long term performance. Installing a ducted range hood can require:
Cutting through exterior walls or roofing
Adding or upgrading ductwork
Electrical work
Permits and inspections
Before installing or replacing a hood, homeowners should check local building codes and consult licensed contractors. Some jurisdictions require exterior venting once a hood is installed, even if the previous setup was recirculating.
The bottom line
So, is a range hood necessary? Under most modern building codes, kitchens are required to have mechanical ventilation.. Whether that means a ducted hood specifically depends on your local regulations. However, when you factor in gas appliances, indoor air quality, fire prevention, and inspection standards, a properly vented range hood often moves from optional to essential.
At the end of the day, minimum code sets the baseline. Long term safety, performance, and resale value usually call for going beyond it.
