❄️ A Winter Story: The Bacon and the Backdraft

Imagine this: It’s -20°C outside. You’re in your cozy kitchen frying up bacon on a Sunday morning. The range hood above your stove hums along, whisking away the sizzling smoke and savory smells. Suddenly, you feel a draft. It’s not your imagination—the kitchen’s gotten chilly.

What just happened?

Your vent hood is pulling warm indoor air outside faster than your HVAC system can replace it. That bacon just started a battle between your range hood and your furnace—and your HVAC is losing.

This scene is more common than you think.

🏡 Why Proper Kitchen Ventilation Matters in Winter

Kitchen ventilation is crucial year-round, but in winter, it can dramatically impact your home’s energy efficiency and air quality.

🔍 Key Reasons Why Ventilation Matters:

• Removes moisture and grease from cooking that could cause mold.

• Prevents cooking odors from lingering or traveling through the house.

• Improves indoor air quality, especially when windows stay shut all winter.

• Balances air pressure within your home, preventing cold-air infiltration.

🔁 How Range Hoods Affect HVAC Air Balance

Range hoods in kitchens are designed to exhaust air—but few homeowners realize that powerful vent hoods can depressurize your home if not properly balanced.

🌀 What’s Air Balance?

When your range hood pulls air out of the kitchen, your HVAC system should bring in fresh air to replace it. If the air isn’t replaced, your home becomes negatively pressurized. This causes:

• Cold air to rush in through gaps in windows, doors, or attic spaces.

• Backdrafting, where combustion appliances (like water heaters or fireplaces) pull exhaust back into the home.

• Higher heating bills, as your furnace struggles to maintain temperature.

📐 How to Size Your Vent Hood Properly

A vent hood’s power is measured in CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute). Sizing your hood based on your cooking habits and HVAC capacity is crucial—especially in colder climates.

🔢 Basic Range Hood Sizing Guidelines:

Pro Tip: For wall-mounted hoods, estimate 100 CFM for every 10″ of cooktop width. For island hoods, add 20–30% more CFM due to airflow around the cooktop.

⚖️ Make-Up Air: The Missing Puzzle Piece

In many Canadian homes, powerful vent hoods over 400 CFM require a make-up air system by code. This system introduces fresh, tempered air when the hood runs, balancing the air pressure inside your home.

🔧 How to Add Make-Up Air:

• Install a ducted inlet that draws in outside air.

• Include a preheater so cold air doesn’t chill your kitchen.

• Coordinate with your HVAC system using automated dampers.

🔧 HVAC Tips for Winter Ventilation Balance

Here are ways to keep your HVAC system happy and balanced during cooking season:

• ✅ Inspect and clean your range hood filters monthly.

• ✅ Check for drafts near kitchen windows, doors, or baseboards.

• ✅ Seal duct joints and insulate ventilation pipes where needed.

• ✅ Upgrade your thermostat to include fan-circulation settings while the hood runs.

• ✅ Consult an HVAC technician to ensure your system can compensate for your kitchen exhaust volume.

🧰 Choosing the Right Hood for Your Climate

Canadian winters are no joke. The ideal kitchen hood should:

• Be ducted rather than ductless for better winter moisture control.

• Include variable speed settings, so you don’t over-ventilate when not necessary.

• Pair well with your HVAC for air balance.

✅ Conclusion: Breathe Easy All Winter

Your range hood and HVAC system aren’t in competition—they’re teammates. With the right ventilation setup, your kitchen stays fresh, your home stays warm, and your HVAC doesn’t get overworked.

Don’t wait for frosty mornings and drafty bacon breakfasts. Plan ahead. Whether it’s upgrading your vent hood or adding make-up air, a few smart changes can lead to cozier winters and cleaner air.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why does my kitchen get cold when I use the range hood?
Your range hood is pulling out heated air. If your HVAC can’t replace it quickly, cold outside air may seep in through gaps or vents.

2. What is a make-up air system, and do I need one?
It replaces the air your range hood removes. In Canada, range hoods over 400 CFM often require make-up air systems by building code.

3. Can an overpowered vent hood cause HVAC problems?
Yes. Too much CFM without proper compensation can depressurize your home, increasing heating bills and risking backdrafts.

4. Is ductless better for winter cooking?
Ductless hoods filter air and recirculate it. While they help retain heat, they don’t remove moisture or smoke effectively—especially during heavy cooking.

5. How often should I clean my range hood filters in winter?
At least once a month—especially if you’re cooking more during the winter or using the oven regularly.

6. Will sealing my kitchen affect ventilation?
Not if you use make-up air or have a balanced HVAC system. Sealing prevents leaks but proper airflow must still be maintained.

7. How do I know if my vent hood is too strong?
If you experience strong drafts, backdrafting appliances, or temperature dips when cooking, your vent hood may exceed your HVAC’s capacity.

8. Can I upgrade my HVAC to handle a large kitchen hood?
Yes. HVAC pros can adjust intake airflow or install smart dampers to accommodate higher-CFM range hoods.