What to consider when selecting your lab’s new fume hood

Fume hoods are crucial in a laboratory. Designed to protect lab personnel from exposure to hazardous fumes, vapors, gases and dust released from experiments, these ventilated enclosures capture and remove airborne contaminants while reducing the risk of injury or damage due to potential explosions or spills.

Selecting the right fume hood for your laboratory is critical to ensuring safety, efficiency and optimal performance. However, with countless options on the market, identifying the model that best suits your team’s needs can be a challenge.

To help you make an informed decision, WNA Labs Business Manager Saket Rajput outlined seven key considerations for choosing a high-quality fume hood.

1. Assess your lab’s needs

According to Saket, the first step in the fume hood selection process is understanding the type of work your lab performs. “If your team handles hazardous chemicals, a ducted fume hood is likely the best choice for optimal containment. For labs requiring portability or versatility, or less chemical intensive operations, a ductless model with the appropriate filters can be a better option. When working with biological materials, a biosafety cabinet and specialized fume hood is recommended to ensure proper protection,” he says.

Additionally, consider the volume of usage in your lab. High-use environments benefit greatly from durable, high-quality fume hoods with automated features to enhance performance and safety. Selecting the ideal size is also essential for ensuring both functionality and workspace efficiency. Finally, depending on your lab's needs, you may choose a bench-mounted, floor-mounted or walk-in model.

2. Prioritize safety and compliance

Safety is always top priority when selecting a fume hood. It’s important to ensure that it adheres to recognized safety standards such as ASHRAE 110 or EN 14175, which evaluate the fume hood’s containment ability and its performance. Saket suggests selecting models equipped with advanced safety features like alerts for improper sash positions, airflow monitoring systems and emergency shutoff mechanisms. These features, commonly available in modern fume hoods, provide enhanced user protection while ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

3. Evaluate energy efficiency

Fume hoods are among the most energy-intensive pieces of equipment in a laboratory — a single hood can consume as much energy as three to five homes! This high energy consumption occurs because fume hoods must continuously pull air from the lab and vent it outside to maintain a safe environment. As a result, the energy efficiency level of a lab’s fume hood has a significant impact on overall operational costs.

Fortunately, there are several energy-efficient options available. “Low-flow fume hoods are excellent for reducing energy usage while maintaining safety standards. Variable air volume (VAV) systems offer even greater savings by adjusting airflow based on the sash position — unlike constant air volume (CAV) systems, which consume more energy,” Saket points out. “To further optimize efficiency, consider hoods with automatic sash closers, which minimize unnecessary energy usage when not actively in use.”

4. Choose durable, sturdy material

Durability and chemical resistance are essential when selecting a fume hood. The interior surfaces must withstand exposure to harsh chemicals, requiring materials resistant to corrosion, fire and chemical damage. Options like industrial ceramic/stoneware, stainless steel, epoxy resin and phenolic resin are excellent choices for ensuring long-lasting performance. Additionally, features such as shatterproof glass for the sash and robust frames provide added protection, enabling the equipment to handle frequent use while extending its lifespan.

5. Customize for maximum benefit

To maximize efficiency of your fume hood, it’s recommended to customize its features to meet the specific needs of your lab. “Some manufacturers offer modular units that optimize space use in constrained environments. Lab users can also benefit from adjustable height and side windows, which enhance visibility,” Saket explains. “Slimmer side walls provide more internal space than traditional models, and inclined fronts help reduce strain on staff working long hours, promoting ergonomic comfort”.

Additional features such as built-in keyboards for immediate data entry and integrated cameras for reaction monitoring further enhance functionality and efficiency.

6. Prioritize ease of use and maintenance

A high-quality fume hood should be designed for ease of use and straightforward maintenance. Features such as ergonomically designed sashes that are simple to open and close, clear visibility into the workspace and proper lighting enhance daily operations, making them smoother and safer. Routine maintenance and performance checks are equally important. “Opt for a fume hood with accessible components for easy cleaning and repairs. Furthermore, training staff on proper operation of fume hoods and best practices is essential to maximize uptime and ensure the equipment’s longevity,” Saket says.

7. Value manufacturer support and warranties

Reputable manufacturers with a proven track record of producing reliable, high-quality fume hoods are an invaluable resource. Look for products backed by comprehensive warranties, good customer support and easy access to replacement parts when needed. Strong manufacturer support not only guarantees consistent and effective performance—it also ensures the longevity of your investment.

“While high-quality fume hoods may have a higher upfront cost, their durability, efficiency and critical safety features often lead to significant long-term savings and superior overall performance,” Saket concludes.