Why Proper Kitchen Ventilation Is Essential

Every time you cook, you generate airborne grease, moisture, smoke, and odors. If these aren’t properly vented:

• They settle on surfaces (and lungs).

• Moisture contributes to mold growth.

• HVAC filters clog more quickly.

• Indoor air quality drops, especially during winter when windows stay closed.

A good range hood isn’t just about sucking out smells — it’s a frontline defense for your home’s respiratory system.

How Range Hoods Affect HVAC Balance

Your HVAC system is designed to condition a certain volume of air. When a high-powered range hood starts pulling out 600–1200 CFM (cubic feet per minute), it can depressurize your home, leading to:

• Backdrafting from fireplaces, water heaters, or furnaces

• Unbalanced airflow, making some rooms cold and others stuffy

• Energy inefficiency, as your furnace or AC works harder to compensate

Make-up Air: The Hidden Hero

If your range hood pulls more than 400 CFM, Canadian building codes often require a make-up air system. This system brings fresh, tempered air back in, balancing pressure and keeping your HVAC from working against itself.

Think of it like this: your kitchen hood is the exhale — you need an inhale to match.

Sizing Guidelines: How Big Should Your Range Hood Be?

Too weak, and it’s ineffective. Too strong, and it throws your home out of balance.

Here’s a basic sizing guideline:

Also, make sure your hood is:

• At least as wide as your cooktop

• Mounted 24″–30″ above the surface

• Ducted to the outside (avoid recirculating hoods if possible)

Air Duct Cleaning in Canada: Why 2025 Is the Year to Prioritize It

In a country where we heat our homes 6–8 months a year, clogged or dirty ducts drastically affect HVAC efficiency and air quality. Cooking particulates that escape poor kitchen ventilation often end up in your ducts, sticking to walls and filters.

Signs You Need Air Duct Cleaning:

• Persistent kitchen odors in other rooms

• Dust buildup right after cleaning

• Allergy or asthma flare-ups

• Visible mold near vents or damp insulation

• Increased heating bills with no change in habits

Choosing the Best Air Duct Cleaning Services in Canada

Here are the top features to look for:

1. NADCA Certification – Ensures they follow proper cleaning standards.

2. Transparent Pricing – Avoid companies with ultra-low quotes and surprise fees.

3. HVAC-Aware Teams – Cleaning ducts without understanding HVAC dynamics can do more harm than good.

4. Kitchen-Specific Expertise – Companies that also clean kitchen range hood ducts offer full ventilation support.

5. Eco-Friendly Practices – Ask about HEPA filters and non-toxic cleaning solutions.

Top-Rated Providers (2025 Edition):

While availability may vary by province, look out for:

• Modern PURAIR – National presence with customizable packages.

• Duct Cleaning Specialists (Ontario) – Excellent with older HVAC systems.

• Canada Duct Ltd. – Known for powerful vacuums and kitchen ductwork.

Conclusion: Clean Ducts, Clear Air, Balanced Home

Emily’s story isn’t unique. With just a few smart upgrades — a properly sized hood, balanced make-up air system, and annual duct cleaning — her kitchen transformed from chaotic to comfortable. No more temperature drops. No more lingering smells. Just clean, breathable air — even during her Sunday bacon ritual.

Your vent hood and HVAC can work together. It just takes the right setup and the right team.

FAQs

1. How often should I clean my kitchen range hood ducts?

Every 6–12 months depending on how often you cook, especially if you do a lot of frying or high-heat cooking.

2. Do range hoods need to be vented outside?

Yes, external venting is best. Recirculating hoods trap grease but don’t remove heat, moisture, or odors effectively.

3. Can a strong range hood damage my HVAC system?

It can unbalance your home’s air pressure if no make-up air is added, leading to system inefficiency or even dangerous backdrafting.

4. How do I know if my HVAC is unbalanced?

Look for cold or hot spots, inconsistent airflow, or high utility bills. A professional HVAC checkup can confirm.

5. Is air duct cleaning a DIY job?

Not recommended. Professional services use specialized equipment like high-powered vacuums and rotary brushes to safely remove buildup.

6. What’s the ideal duct size for a kitchen range hood?

It should match the CFM rating — usually 6” for under 400 CFM, 8”–10” for 600+ CFM hoods.

7. Does duct cleaning really improve air quality?

Yes, especially when combined with proper kitchen ventilation. It removes allergens, bacteria, and grease buildup.

8. Can I install a make-up air system myself?

It’s best left to HVAC professionals, as it involves pressure balancing and sometimes connecting to your heating system.