1. Electricity and Water.  Be certain that exhaust fans, lights and heaters in bath or shower enclosures are rated and approved for wet conditions. Newer units approved for wet conditions may include ground fault protection.

2. Grease Fires. There is always the possibility of a grease fire with a kitchen range hood exhaust. Smooth metal ducting, preferably galvanized steel, is safer in a fire than lighter assemblies.

3. Backdrafting. Many contractors and salespeople don't know how large exhaust fans affect other home appliances. Backdrafting occurs when air is drawn down the chimneys, bringing dangerous combustion exhaust gases into the house. High capacity, industrial or oversized exhaust fans, and range-top barbecue fans can cause chimney backdrafting.

Avoid backdrafting by selecting sealed combustion heating appliances.

If you have appliances with chimneys in your house, and you wish to install high capacity exhaust fans, you will need a matching supply air fan to balance home pressures. Be certain that your exhaust system is properly installed with supply air.

At the very least, add smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to warn you of severe chimney backdrafting.

Call Terry Jensen at 972 251-1532 or 817 545-0140.

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