Why Proper Kitchen Ventilation Matters

Cooking releases heat, moisture, grease, and odors. Without good ventilation, these pollutants build up, leading to:

• Lingering cooking smells throughout the house
• Increased humidity, which can strain your HVAC system
• Grease and smoke settling on walls, cabinets, and ceilings
• Poor indoor air quality that affects your health

A well-designed vent hood captures these contaminants at the source, preventing them from circulating through your home.

How Range Hoods Affect HVAC Balance

Here’s a little-known fact: vent hoods don’t just pull air out of your kitchen—they also affect the airflow in your entire home.

When a powerful hood exhausts air outdoors, it creates negative pressure inside. Your HVAC system now has to work harder to bring in replacement air. In some cases, this negative pressure can:

• Pull unconditioned outdoor air inside through leaks or gaps
• Cause backdrafting of combustion appliances (like gas water heaters)
• Throw off the balance of your heating and cooling system

The fix? Properly balanced makeup air. Large or high-CFM hoods often require a makeup air system that brings in fresh outdoor air to replace what’s exhausted, keeping your home’s air pressure stable.

Sizing Guidelines for Vent Hoods

So, how do you pick the right size for your vent hood? It depends on your cooking style, kitchen size, and type of range.

Here are some friendly guidelines:

1. Width of the Hood

• Match or slightly exceed the width of your cooking surface.
• For example, if you have a 30-inch range, choose a 30- to 36-inch hood for better coverage.

2. Ventilation Power (CFM)

• Electric cooktops: Around 100 CFM per linear foot of cooking surface.
• Gas ranges: More powerful, needing 150 CFM per linear foot.
• High-BTU commercial-style ranges: Often require 600+ CFM.

3. Ducting Matters

• Use the shortest, straightest duct run possible.
• Smooth metal ducting (not flexible foil) improves airflow.

4. Makeup Air for High CFM Hoods

• If your hood exceeds 400 CFM, most building codes require a makeup air system.
• This ensures your HVAC stays balanced and efficient.

Best Practices for HVAC-Friendly Kitchen Ventilation

Want a kitchen that feels fresh without overworking your HVAC? Here’s what helps:

• Install a properly sized hood—don’t go overboard with unnecessary power.
• Use a timer or auto-shutoff so the hood doesn’t run longer than needed.
• Seal ductwork to prevent air leaks and improve efficiency.
• Consult an HVAC professional for makeup air if you’re planning a high-powered vent hood.

Think of it as a team effort: the vent hood removes pollutants, while the HVAC keeps your whole home comfortable. When they’re in sync, your kitchen stays cleaner, cooler, and healthier.

Conclusion

Your kitchen is the heart of your home—but it can also be one of the most challenging areas for air quality and comfort. By choosing the right vent hood size, balancing airflow with your HVAC system, and adding makeup air when necessary, you can enjoy cooking without worrying about stuffy air or energy waste.

If you’re unsure how your kitchen ventilation impacts your home’s HVAC, talk to a professional. A little planning can go a long way toward keeping your home healthy and efficient.

FAQs

1. How do I know if my vent hood is too powerful?
If it exceeds 400 CFM and you don’t have makeup air, you may notice drafts, doors slamming, or backdrafting from other appliances.

2. Can I vent my kitchen hood into the attic?
No. Always vent outdoors to avoid moisture and grease buildup that can damage your home.

3. Do ductless range hoods affect HVAC balance?
Ductless (recirculating) hoods filter air but don’t remove heat or humidity, so they have less impact on HVAC balance but are less effective overall.

4. What’s the best duct size for a vent hood?
Most standard hoods need at least a 6-inch duct. Higher CFM hoods may require 8 or 10 inches for proper airflow.

5. Do I really need makeup air for a residential kitchen?
If your hood is over 400 CFM or you have a very tight, well-sealed home, yes—it prevents negative pressure and keeps your HVAC efficient.

6. Will a larger hood improve indoor air quality?
Only if it’s properly sized and vented outdoors. Oversized hoods can cause more HVAC imbalance without better performance.

7. How often should I clean my range hood filter?
For regular home cooking, clean or replace filters every 1–2 months to maintain airflow and efficiency.