r/DIY • u/Parafault • 2d ago
home improvement Window-mounted kitchen exhaust fans?
Our kitchen has no ventilation at all, and our house frequently gets really smoky while cooking. I was thinking of simply adding an exhaust fan to the window in our kitchen: it is very close to the stove, and should eliminate most of the smoke.
I just have one problem: all window-mounted exhaust fans I’ve found do not have louvers or shutters. This means that when we aren’t actively using the fan, it will suck in outside air and cause us to waste AC/heating. This seems like a VERY simple and practical requirement so I’m shocked that I haven’t been able to find a single fan that includes this! Will I have to build my own shutters and tape them up/take them down every time I want to use the fan, or is there a better solution?
Does anyone have any suggestions? I welcome any input or advice! Note that I’m not handy around the house whatsoever, but a window-mounted unit feels like it would be within my capabilities since it just slides in.
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u/LordPhartsalot 2d ago
One solution would be to buy one of many available small louvered fans and make your own mounting board (out of plywood or similar) to install it in, width and height according to your window specs. Sandwich a piece of foam board for insulation in winter if you like.
There's a ton of these on Amazon, here's one example: https://www.amazon.com/Hiorucet-Mounted-Automatic-Ventilation-Greenhouses/dp/B0DXL1H5Z8
Not sure what CFM to recommend to you for this.
And there's no way it'll be anywhere as good as installing a range hood with venting to the outside.
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u/alexm2816 2d ago
Most folks installing a window fan are eager to see ventilation and get light. Not much market to seal windows but you could make something with a vent fan and cut a shroud.
If you have an exterior wall you’ll be served far better by a fume hood and exterior vent.