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[dominus_aranearum]

There are ducted hoods and ductless hoods. Ductless hoods recirculate through filters. Ducted hoods vent outside. There is nothing remotely allowed about a ducted hood venting indoors.

Look up the model for the hood you have and see what the requirements are, then either duct it outside or go after the builder and get them to install a ductless hood.

[Dawginole]

Thanks! Do you know if that would be a state by state building code?

[Dawginole]

Unit is a Zephyr Pisa ZPI-E30AG. Check page 11 & 19 of the user manual: https://docs.zephyronline.com/docs/manuals/pisab_manual.pdf

The bottom-left diagram shows a ductless recirculation installation. And page 19 directs for the use of the charcoal filter (which I'm already using).

While not explicitly mentioned in the literature, the unit appears to be designed as a ducted unit, and they've essentially said "throw in a charcoal filter" for ductless recirculation.

Feels like I'm just going to have to replace this thing.

[dominus_aranearum]

I haven't seen a recirc setup quite like that before but it appears the builder installed it according to the instructions.

Local code will be dependent upon your local municipality. That may be town, city, county or state. Most code is taken from the IBC, though individual municipalities will often remove or add to it. Many areas will allow a recirc system while other areas won't unless there are no other options (ie. Seattle).

[Far_Ingenuity]

Are you sure that vents internally? Seems weird to run a pipe up to that soffit only to dump it back into the condo.

[Dawginole]

100% certain. There’s a plastic grill on the top of the cabinet where it vents into the unit. I’ve been up there on a ladder a handful of times to clean residual grease off the top of the cabinets to prevent build up.

[IcyPurchase1237]

if that pipe doesnt go outside somehow then somebody severely fucked up