Why Ventilation Matters More Than You Think

Cooking releases more than just pleasant smells. It generates:

• Moisture (from boiling water and simmering sauces)

• Grease particles that cling to walls and cabinets

• Smoke & odors that linger long after cooking

• Combustion byproducts (especially if you use gas ranges)

Without good ventilation, these pollutants circulate through your HVAC ducts. Over time, this can strain your system, worsen indoor air quality, and even create negative air pressure in tightly sealed Canadian homes.

This is where vent hood HVAC kitchens come into play.

How Range Hoods Impact HVAC Balance

A range hood isn’t just an accessory—it’s part of your home’s air management. But here’s the catch:

• High-powered vent hoods remove a lot of air. If your hood pulls out more air than your home can replace, it creates negative pressure.

• Negative pressure can suck cold outdoor air through cracks, affect furnace operation, and make your HVAC system less efficient.

• In extreme cases, it can even cause backdrafting, pulling combustion gases (like carbon monoxide) back into the living space.

So, while a powerful hood might seem like the best option, it needs to be properly sized and balanced with your HVAC system.

Sizing Guidelines: Choosing the Right Vent Hood

When sizing your range hood, consider:

1. Cooktop Type

   • Gas ranges produce more heat and combustion byproducts.

   • Electric/induction cooktops are cleaner but still release steam and grease.

2. CFM Requirements (Cubic Feet per Minute)

   • For electric cooktops: 100 CFM for every 10 inches of cooktop width

   • For gas cooktops: 100 CFM for every 10,000 BTUs of heat output

3. Kitchen Size & Airflow

   • In tightly sealed homes, you may need a make-up air system that replaces exhausted air with fresh outdoor air.

4. Duct Length & Design

   • Short, straight ducts improve performance.

   • Long or complex duct runs may require a more powerful motor.

Make-Up Air: The Missing Piece

If you’ve ever noticed your vent hood struggling, it might not be the hood—it’s the lack of make-up air.

Canadian building codes often require a make-up air system for vent hoods over 300–400 CFM. This system introduces fresh outdoor air to replace what’s being exhausted, preventing negative pressure.

Think of it like this: every cubic foot of air leaving your home must be replaced somehow. Without proper planning, your HVAC system will suffer.

Balancing Comfort and Efficiency

Here’s the sweet spot:

• Right-sized hood: Big enough to clear smoke, but not overpowered.

• Well-designed ducts: Short, sealed, and direct to the outdoors.

• Integrated make-up air system: Keeps HVAC pressure balanced.

The result? Clean air, happy lungs, and an HVAC system that doesn’t have to work overtime.

Quick Tips for Better Kitchen Ventilation

✅ Always vent outdoors—recirculating hoods just filter some grease but keep odors inside.
✅ Use the hood every time you cook, even for boiling water.
✅ Clean filters regularly to maintain airflow.
✅ Consult an HVAC professional before installing high-CFM hoods.

Conclusion

A beautiful kitchen deserves more than just style—it needs smart ventilation. A properly sized vent hood protects indoor air quality, prevents HVAC imbalances, and keeps your home cozy, even in the coldest Canadian winters.

So, whether you’re simmering soup or searing steak, remember: your vent hood is the unsung hero of your kitchen.

FAQs

1. Do I really need a vent hood if I have an electric stove?
Yes! Even electric stoves produce steam, grease, and odors that affect air quality.

2. How powerful should my vent hood be for a gas stove?
Aim for 100 CFM for every 10,000 BTUs of your stove’s total heat output.

3. What is make-up air, and why is it important?
It’s fresh outdoor air that replaces the air your hood exhausts, preventing negative pressure in your home.

4. Can a vent hood affect my furnace or fireplace?
Yes. Strong suction from an oversized hood can pull combustion gases back into the house, creating safety risks.

5. Is ductless (recirculating) ventilation effective?
It can reduce grease but doesn’t remove humidity or odors effectively. Venting outdoors is always better.

6. How often should I clean my vent hood filters?
At least once a month for heavy cooking, or quarterly for light use.

7. Should I leave the vent hood on after cooking?
Yes, let it run for 10–15 minutes to clear lingering pollutants.

8. What’s the best duct material for vent hoods?
Smooth metal ducts are ideal; avoid flexible plastic ducts that restrict airflow.