Install a Through the Wall Exhaust Fan in Your Kitchen

Is your kitchen filled with steam, smoke, and enticing aromas each time you cook? While all those scents make for a delightful ambiance, they aren't so great for your kitchen walls and ceiling. Grease, humidity, and food odors can lead to mildew and attract pests. The best solution is installing a through the wall exhaust fan.

Benefits of a Through the Wall Kitchen Exhaust Fan

Unlike traditional overhead exhaust fans, through the wall models vent cooking fumes and humidity directly outside through a hole in your exterior wall. This makes them an ideal choice for kitchens that lack ductwork or ceiling vents. Here are some key advantages:

• Improves indoor air quality by removing smoke, grease, and odors
• Prevents buildup of moisture that causes mold and mildew
• Eliminates hot air and cooking smells more efficiently than recirculating fans
• Operates quietly at low speeds
• More affordable and easier to install than exterior wall or roof exhaust fans
• Frees up wall space by eliminating need for exterior vents

With a powerful through the wall exhaust fan, you'll enjoy cleaner air and a more comfortable kitchen environment. These fans are a great way to upgrade old homes with poor ventilation. They provide an alternative to installing bulky ductwork in cramped spaces.

Humidity and Moisture Control

Excess humidity from cooking steam leads to water condensation on walls and windows. This dampness allows mold, mildew and bacteria to thrive. A through the wall exhaust fan's strong outward airflow removes this moisture before it damages surfaces and irritates allergies.

Grease and Odor Removal

Cooking fumes contain grease particles that build up on walls, cabinets and counters as sticky film. Food odors also get trapped in fabrics. Through the wall fans vent these greasy deposits and smells outside rather than recirculating them. Your kitchen will smell and look cleaner.

Versatile Installation

These fans can be mounted virtually anywhere on an exterior wall, so they work great for kitchen layouts without roof or countertop venting options. Their ductless design also makes them easy to install in finished basements, attics or garages converted into apartment kitchens.

Choosing the Best Through the Wall Exhaust Fan

Several factors determine which through the wall model is right for your kitchen:

CFM Rating

CFM stands for cubic feet per minute and measures the airflow capacity of the fan. For kitchen use, look for a minimum of 150 CFM for small kitchens up to 13 feet long. Go for 250 to 400 CFM for mid-sized kitchens or frequent stove use. Larger kitchens and commercial styles stoves need 400 to 800 CFM fans.

Higher CFM moves more air, but may come with more noise. Balance power with your noise tolerance. You can also opt for a model with settings to adjust the CFM as needed.

Duct Diameter

Through the wall fans require a duct leading outside, usually with a hood to protect from weather. Common duct diameters are 6", 7", 8", and 10". Match your duct diameter to the outlet on your chosen fan. The larger the duct, the better the airflow.

Pay attention to duct length too. Longer ducts reduce airflow. Try to minimize turns and elbows for optimal performance.

Noise Level

Check the sones rating to determine how noisy the fan is. The lower the sones, the quieter the operation. Look for 1.0 to 2.0 sones for regular use and up to 5.0 sones if using for heavy cooking.

Quieter fans may not move air as powerfully, so balance noise level with your airflow needs. Larger fans tend to be louder.

Fan Types

Centrifugal, axial, and mixed flow fans each have different designs optimized for airflow and efficiency. Centrifugal are the most common, using a spinning impeller. Axial have propeller like blades, while mixed flow combines impeller with axial flow.

Centrifugal fans are often the best choice for kitchen exhaust. The spinning action helps pull in and expel kitchen pollutants very efficiently.

Special Features

Added features to look for include integrated LED lights to brighten your cooktop, programmable controls, moisture sensors, automatic shutoff, and corrosion resistant materials if venting high humidity and grease.

Timers allow automatically running the fan for a set duration after cooking. Handy for removing lingering odors and moisture. Look for intuitive digital controls.

How to Install a Through the Wall Kitchen Exhaust Fan

Installing a through the wall exhaust fan involves cutting an exterior wall, routing ductwork, and wiring electrical connections. Here are some tips:

• Determine the best placement for the wall cutout to optimize airflow and access.
• Use rigid metal ductwork to maximize airflow and prevent sagging.
• Seal duct connections with metal tape to prevent leaks.
• If venting through brick or masonry, use a masonry core bit for clean cuts.
• Check local building codes for fireproofing ductwork requirements.
• Hire an electrician unless you are experienced with household electrical.

Carefully measure and level your cutout location. You want the exterior duct opening placed away from windows, doors, and high traffic areas. Avoid electrical wires and plumbing pipes inside the wall space.

Wear safety glasses when cutting holes. Secure duct joints snugly to avoid separation. Consult your specific fan manual for detailed install specifications too.

With the right tools and preparation, an experienced DIYer can handle the installation. Or play it safe by hiring a professional installer.

Top Through the Wall Exhaust Fan Models

Here are some of the highest rated through the wall kitchen exhaust fans:

Broan 413004 Economy Ducted Fan

With 190 CFM airflow and a 7" duct diameter, this budget priced Broan fan provides solid performance. The 4.5 sone rating means it runs relatively quietly. Reliable quality at a reasonable price point.

KES Exhaust Fan with LED Lights

The 300 CFM power paired with brilliant LED illumination makes this KES model a smart upgrade. It includes a backdraft damper to prevent cold air return and mesh grease filter for easy cleaning.

Air King AK80 Through-the-Wall Exhaust Fan

The unique spiral housing on this fan ensures smooth, efficient airflow. At only 4.5 amps, it saves on electricity too. The 6" duct fits most applications. Air King is known for durable, long-lasting fans.

Homewerks 7100 Series Fan

Homewerks combines performance with value in this budget friendly line. The 190 CFM and 2 sone ultra-quiet 7100 model ventilates nicely. Great for smaller kitchens.

Broan 654 Through-Wall Power Attic Ventilator

With up to 1560 CFM airflow on its largest 10" model, the Broan 654 series offers true industrial strength ventilation perfect for commercial kitchens. Ideal for high heat and humidity.

Like any appliance, through the wall exhaust fans need periodic maintenance. Follow these tips:

• Clean fan blades and change grease filters every 1-3 months minimum.
• Check ductwork connections for leakage and corrosion.
• Test airflow by holding tissue at the duct outlet while running.
• Replace fans that start showing bearing wear every 5-10 years.
• Seal any gaps or cracks around the exterior vent hood.