Why Proper Ventilation in Kitchens Matters

Kitchens are the beating heart of any home—but they’re also the most polluted room indoors. Cooking releases:

• Moisture

• Grease particles

• Smoke

• Carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide (especially from gas stoves)

Without proper ventilation, these pollutants circulate into your HVAC system, clogging filters and straining the equipment. This leads to:

• Reduced air quality

• More frequent HVAC maintenance

• Higher energy costs

Fun Fact: According to Natural Resources Canada, improving home ventilation can reduce heating costs by up to 25%.

How Vent Hoods Affect Your HVAC Balance

Picture your HVAC system as a finely tuned orchestra. Now imagine your vent hood as the lead trumpet, suddenly blasting out 600 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of air. What happens? The system loses balance.

Here’s why:

• Range hoods pull indoor air out—but unless that air is replaced, your HVAC system works harder to restore equilibrium.

• Negative pressure in tightly sealed modern homes can lead to backdrafting (pulling exhaust fumes from fireplaces, furnaces, or water heaters back inside).

Consequences of Poorly Integrated Vent Hoods:

• Reduced heating efficiency in winter

• AC units that constantly run in summer

• Indoor air pressure issues (drafts or door slamming)

• Higher utility bills

So how do you avoid all this? It starts with sizing your hood correctly—and knowing when to install make-up air systems.

Sizing Guidelines for Kitchen Range Hoods

Let’s demystify CFM ratings and sizing rules. Think of CFM as the horsepower of your vent hood. Bigger isn’t always better—it’s about matching it to your cooking style and kitchen layout.

General Sizing Rules:

Hood Width:

• Should extend 3″ beyond both sides of your cooktop

• Height between hood and cooktop: 24–30 inches

Make-Up Air Systems:

If your vent hood exceeds 400 CFM, Canadian building codes (and some rebates) may require a make-up air system—essentially a mechanism to bring filtered outside air back into the home.

Canadian Rebates and Incentives: What’s Available?

Now for the exciting part: savings.

Thanks to various federal and provincial programs, Canadians can get help upgrading to more efficient, HVAC-compatible ventilation systems.

Notable Programs:

• Canada Greener Homes Grant

  • Offers up to $5,000 in rebates for energy-efficient upgrades, including HVAC adjustments related to ventilation.

• Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (Ontario)

  • Up to $10,000 for homeowners upgrading ventilation, insulation, and HVAC systems.

• BC Hydro & FortisBC Rebates

  • Rebates for ENERGY STAR-rated ventilation fans and integrated HVAC systems.

• Efficiency Nova Scotia

  • Discounts on ENERGY STAR-certified vent fans and heat recovery ventilators (HRVs).

Tip: Always check eligibility requirements—some programs require energy audits or specific contractor certifications.

Final Thoughts: Ventilation is More Than Just a Fan

Back to Sarah.

After a bit of research and a consultation with an HVAC pro, she installed a 600 CFM vent hood with a make-up air kit. Her system now maintains perfect pressure, her utility bills dropped, and weekend bacon sessions are fog-free.

Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen, building a new home, or just want to breathe cleaner air, remember:

• Proper sizing matters

• HVAC balance is key

• Rebates are available to make it easier

So go ahead—cook up a storm. Just make sure your HVAC can handle the heat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why do kitchen range hoods affect HVAC systems?

They pull air out of your home. If not balanced with make-up air, it disrupts HVAC efficiency and can lead to negative pressure issues.

2. What is the ideal CFM for a residential kitchen vent hood?

Depends on your cooktop:

• Electric: 150–300 CFM

• Gas: 300–600 CFM

• Pro: 600–1,200 CFM

3. Is a make-up air system always required?

It’s generally required if your hood is over 400 CFM, especially in tightly sealed homes or where local codes mandate it.

4. Are vent hoods eligible for Canadian rebates?

Yes—especially if tied into larger HVAC or energy efficiency upgrades under programs like the Canada Greener Homes Grant.

5. What’s the difference between ducted and ductless range hoods?

• Ducted: Vents air outside—more effective for smoke and moisture

• Ductless: Filters and recirculates air—easier to install but less efficient

6. How can I find a certified installer for rebate eligibility?

Start with the NRCan Registered Energy Advisor list or check your provincial utility’s certified contractor directory.