Ducted Vs. Ductless Fume Hood: A Comparison Guide

What is a Ducted Fume Hood?

A ducted fume hood is connected to a building’s ventilation system, where it draws in air from the laboratory and expels it outside. This air is filtered inside the hood, capturing hazardous fumes, gases, and vapors, then venting them through ducts leading to the outside of the building.

These hoods are ideal for labs that handle volatile chemicals and substances. The key benefit is their ability to remove hazardous fumes from the workspace. For this reason, they bring the safest choice for laboratories dealing with toxic or flammable materials.

What is a Ductless Fume Hood?

A ductless fume hood, on the other hand, is a self-contained unit that filters air and recirculates it back into the laboratory. Instead of venting the air outside, the hood uses filters, often activated carbon or HEPA, to capture and neutralize harmful contaminants before releasing the air back into the room.

These hoods are more portable and cost-effective to install compared to ducted systems. This makes them a suitable choice for labs that do not handle highly dangerous chemicals or need a temporary or flexible solution.

Ducted Vs. Ductless Fume Hood: Key Differences

Installation and Setup

• Ducted Fume Hoods: Installing a ducted fume hood requires connecting the hood to a building’s exhaust system. This means you will need ductwork, an exhaust fan, and possibly additional equipment, which can be costly and time-consuming to set up.
• Ductless Fume Hoods: These are easier to install. Since they do not require ductwork or external ventilation systems, you simply place the hood in your desired location and connect it to a power source. They are a great option for labs with limited space or short-term setups.

Airflow and Safety

• Ducted Fume Hoods: A ducted fume hood offers continuous airflow and draws contaminants away from the user and venting them outside. As a result, it’s more effective for handling toxic chemicals and maintaining a safe working environment.
• Ductless Fume Hoods: While ductless fume hoods filter the air and recirculate it, they do not vent contaminants outside the building. Therefore, they are generally less effective for labs that deal with particularly harmful fumes or chemicals.

Maintenance Costs

• Ducted Fume Hoods: These systems require regular maintenance to make sure the ductwork and exhaust system are functioning properly. This maintenance is typically less frequent and more straightforward than the ongoing upkeep required for ductless systems.
• Ductless Fume Hoods: The main ongoing cost of ductless fume hoods is replacing the filters. Depending on the chemicals being used, these filters may need to be replaced frequently, adding to the operating costs over time.

Space and Mobility

• Ducted Fume Hoods: Ducted systems are stationary, as they are installed with fixed ductwork and external exhaust systems. This limits their mobility and flexibility within the lab.
• Ductless Fume Hoods: These hoods are more flexible. You can easily move or relocate them within the lab as needed. They are ideal for labs that require adaptable setups or for temporary workspaces.

Choosing the Right Fume Hood for Your Lab

Type of Work Performed

The type of work performed in your lab plays a key role in your decision. If your lab handles highly toxic, corrosive, or flammable chemicals, a ducted fume hood is the safest option. On the other hand, if you are working with less hazardous substances, a ductless fume hood can offer a more affordable and practical solution.

Space and Layout

Space is often a limiting factor in many laboratories. Ducted fume hoods require extensive ductwork and exhaust systems, which can take up significant space and complicate your lab’s layout. If space is limited or your lab needs flexibility, ductless fume hoods offer a more compact and adaptable solution.

Installation and Costs

The initial installation of a ducted fume hood can be expensive due to the need for ductwork, external exhaust systems, and possibly an HVAC upgrade. Ductless fume hoods are more budget-friendly and easy to install, which makes them a good choice for labs with a limited budget or short-term needs.

Ongoing Maintenance

Consider the long-term costs of maintaining the hood. While ducted fume hoods typically have lower ongoing costs, ductless fume hoods may require frequent filter replacements. Factor in these costs when evaluating which option makes the most sense for your lab.

PSA Laboratory Furniture: Your Partner in Lab Design and Setup

PSA Laboratory Furniture delivers lab furniture, fume hoods, and lab design services tailored to your laboratory’s unique needs. If you need a durable ducted fume hood for handling hazardous materials or a ductless fume hood for lighter applications, we have the solutions to keep your lab safe and efficient.

Our team works closely with you to design a lab that fits your specific requirements, so your workspace is optimized for both safety and functionality. We bring flexible, customizable lab furniture that complements your fume hoods and enhances your lab’s overall workflow.

Making the Right Choice for Your Lab

Both ducted and ductless fume hoods have their place in laboratory settings, depending on your specific needs. If safety is your top priority and your lab works with toxic chemicals, a ducted fume hood is likely the best choice. However, if you are looking for a cost-effective, easy-to-install solution for less hazardous materials, a ductless fume hood could be the better option.

At PSA Laboratory Furniture, we are dedicated to helping you create a safe, efficient, and well-organized lab. Our fume hoods, lab furniture, and lab design services are here to support you in building the perfect workspace.