What to ask when purchasing a fume hood
When purchasing a fume hood, it’s important to make sure that you’re getting the right hood for your lab and your budget.
For any new equipment, installation is necessary.
What is required for installation?
Depending on your level of expertise, this can be done on your own or you can hire a local contractor to assist.
What is the fume hood made of?
Some chemicals can degrade the hood. If you plan on using harsh corrosives, look for a hood that can withstand them.
The higher-quality the hood, the longer it will last.
Next, list of the materials you plan to use. This will determine what your hood should be constructed from.
How much is it going to cost?
The cost of an average 6-foot fume hood is dependent on many factors.
per linear foot.
$1,200 to $2,500
The “rule of thumb” is anywhere from
Installation costs will vary. Many times installation can be completed DIY or by contractors.
Fume hoods run on electricity. This will increase operational costs, but there are ways to conserve energy.
Installation
Operational
Not only do you have to factor in the cost of the hood, but you also need to consider the installation and operational costs.
Turn off the occupancy switch when the hood isn't in use
Optimize hood placement
Invest in an energy recovery device
Shut the sash
Fume hoods are required to have airflow monitors but only some come equipped with them. If your fume hood doesn't have a monitor, you'll have to purchase one.
What safety controls are included in the base cost?
Airflow monitors can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
If the fume hood is on a constant air volume (CAV) system, then you can use either a digital or analog airflow monitor provided by the hood manufacturer.
There are two types of airflow monitors; analog and digital.
However, if the hood is on a variable air volume (VAV) system, then the airflow monitor needs to come from the VAV supplier so that it can be properly calibrated.