3
Option #2 – Direct Connect Kitchen Installation (independent of HVAC system)
*For general comfort and aesthetics, it is recommended that the Make-up Air Damper intake is located in an area that does not ventilate
directly on or into kitchen preparatory or dining areas.* NOTE: Fresh Air Damper is always installed in a separate duct than the range hood
ducting
Sizing the fresh air intake and exhaust duct symmetrically will help avoid air turbulence and drag while the internal air supply is replenished
during operation of the kitchen vent hood.
During operation of the kitchen
exhaust, the motorized damper will
open to allow fresh outside air to
enter the home. When the exhaust
system is not in use the motorized
damper will close and no longer allow
outside air to enter.
Outside fresh air inlet must be installed on the
exterior of the house a minimum distance of
10ft from combustion vents and other exhaust
openings. Locate the fresh air inlet away from
any outside motor, generator, pump, BBQ grill,
hearth/fire pit, chemical storage area, or any
potentially hazardous exposure area.
range hood exhausting to the exterior of the house
FRESH OUTSIDE
AIR
The Fresh Intake Air
Damper should be
located a minimum
of 3ft away from the
kitchen exhaust
hood.
The fresh air intake should be located at a
high point in the kitchen away from any
cooking/preparation/dining areas.
Benefits:
•
The air is generally warmer in this
location, and both cooler and warmer
outside air will diffuse into the room with
less of an impact to the occupants
•
HVAC register covers are installed at
ceiling levels so the grille cover for the
fresh air inlet will be less obtrusive to
kitchen design considerations
•
Contractors will be able to access attic
space, soffits, and sub-flooring between
levels for easier installation of duct work
•
Installing the fresh air intake away from
ground level will reduce the amount of
dust, pollen, and allergens drawn in with
the outside air
The replenishment
or make-up air
must be drawn
from outside of
the home
.
24V low voltage wiring required at initial rough-in stage of installation (wiring not included)
Range Hood
Switch
Assembly
Motorized Fresh Air Damper
Switch Assembly must
be installed in rigid
ductwork.
The recommended
location for the Switch
Assembly collar is in a
straight duct run directly
above the kitchen
exhaust fan motor.
The actual location of the make-up air/fresh air damper will be
determined by the spacing and architectural considerations of each
individual residential kitchen design.
The fresh air damper needs to
be installed in the closest and most convenient location in relation
to the exhaust system that it is being used with.
The fresh air
damper inlet should not be installed where it could confine or restrict
air flow back into the area where the exhaust fan is located.
TESTING THE SYSTEM
Once all ducting and wiring connections have been made with this kit and the range hood installation has also been completed, the system
should be tested. Turn the range hood onto the highest speed and confirm that the fresh air automatic damper on the outside of the home
opens to bring fresh air back into the home. If the “direct connect” option has been used where the return air damper is wired into the central
air system, ensure that the system is working in conjunction with the make up damper kit. A qualified HVAC contractor should also ensure that
all combustion equipment is operating and venting correctly.
MAINTENANCE
Regular maintenance is required so the system properly operates. Check ups and cleaning of ducting parts are required to ensure that fresh air
continues to come into the home. 1) Clean the outside bird screen to ensure that the fresh inlet isn’t blocked with debris. 2) Have a qualified
HVAC servicer provide check ups on your central air system including replacing dirty air filters to ensure filtered fresh air is coming inside. Also
during regular maintenance, have this HVAC professional inspect the make up air system for correct operation.
