Why Proper Kitchen Ventilation Matters

Cooking isn’t just about great flavors—it’s a science of temperature, moisture, and airborne particles. When you sear, fry, or even boil, you release:

• Steam and moisture that can raise humidity

• Heat that strains your cooling system

• Odors and smoke that linger in living areas

• Grease particles that stick to surfaces and filters

Without a properly functioning range hood or vent, your HVAC system works overtime to compensate, which translates into higher energy bills and a less comfortable home.

Understanding the Role of Range Hoods in HVAC Balance

Range hoods are like the lungs of your kitchen. They draw out airborne contaminants and push them outdoors—or in some cases, recirculate filtered air back in.

But here’s the twist: high-powered vent hoods can unintentionally disrupt your HVAC system. How?

The HVAC Tug-of-War

When a powerful vent hood exhausts indoor air, it creates negative pressure in the house. To equalize the pressure, air is drawn in from outside—often through unsealed windows, cracks, or worse—your chimney.

This leads to several problems:

• Reduced efficiency of your AC or furnace

• Backdrafting of combustion gases from fireplaces or water heaters

• Increased infiltration of unfiltered outdoor air

To prevent this, your HVAC system and kitchen ventilation need to work in harmony.

Best Practices for Kitchen Ventilation in Canadian Homes

Here’s what makes ventilation work well in colder climates like Canada’s:

1. Choose a Range Hood with the Right CFM

CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute—a measure of how much air your hood can move.

• Electric cooktops: 100 CFM per linear foot of cooktop

• Gas cooktops: 150 CFM per linear foot

• High-output cooking (frequent frying or wok use): Consider 600+ CFM models

Tip: Oversizing your hood might seem smart, but going too high in CFM can disrupt your HVAC balance unless paired with makeup air solutions.

2. Install Make-Up Air Systems

A make-up air system brings in fresh air to replace what your vent hood removes. In many Canadian provinces, it’s code-required for hoods above 400 CFM.

Look for:

• Integrated heating (to warm incoming winter air)

• Air balancing dampers

• Smart controls that sync with the vent hood

3. Use Short, Straight Ducting Where Possible

Bends, long runs, and small diameters reduce airflow efficiency and strain your system.

• Use smooth, rigid ductwork

• Keep duct runs under 10 feet if possible

• Terminate outside, not into attics or garages

Sizing Guidelines: How to Get It Right

When sizing a vent hood for your kitchen, follow these general rules:

Pro Tip: Always go a bit wider than your cooktop if you do a lot of high-heat or aromatic cooking.

Also, if your home is tightly sealed (common in newer Canadian builds), be sure your HVAC contractor considers the total home air pressure balance, especially in winter when windows stay shut.

Energy-Efficient AC Systems and Kitchen Airflow: The Connection

You might wonder: what does my air conditioner have to do with the vent hood?

Quite a bit.

1. Coordinated Climate Control

An AC system designed without considering kitchen exhaust will work harder. You’ll get temperature imbalances, especially on upper floors.

2. Smart Thermostat Integration

Modern systems can sync with ventilation to adjust cooling dynamically, especially if you have zoned HVAC. That means less waste and more comfort.

3. Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs)

An HRV is a must-have in cold Canadian climates. It captures heat from outgoing air (like from your range hood) and warms the incoming air—cutting energy loss.

Conclusion: Comfort Starts with Air Balance

Your kitchen is more than a cooking space—it’s an integral part of your home’s climate and energy ecosystem. A properly sized and vented hood, paired with a thoughtful HVAC plan, means:

• Cleaner indoor air

• Lower energy bills

• Better temperature control

• Peace of mind in every season

If you’re planning HVAC upgrades or considering a new vent hood, talk to an expert who understands the dance between airflow, pressure, and performance. Because in a Canadian home, every cubic foot of air counts.

FAQ: Vent Hood HVAC Kitchens

1. Do I really need a make-up air system in Canada?

Yes, especially if your range hood exceeds 400 CFM. It’s often required by building codes to maintain air pressure balance.

2. Can a powerful vent hood harm my HVAC system?

Indirectly, yes. It can cause pressure imbalances that reduce HVAC efficiency and draw in unconditioned air.

3. What’s the best duct size for a range hood?

Typically, 6–8 inches in diameter. Larger hoods (600+ CFM) need 8–10 inch ducts to operate effectively.

4. Is recirculating ventilation effective?

It’s a short-term solution at best. Recirculating hoods only filter air; they don’t remove heat or humidity.

5. Should I leave my AC on while cooking?

Yes—but ensure your kitchen is well ventilated so your AC doesn’t get overwhelmed by the heat and moisture.

6. Can HRVs be used with kitchen hoods?

Not directly for exhaust, but they can balance indoor air pressures and help recover heat, making them complementary systems.

7. How do I calculate the correct CFM?

Multiply the cooktop’s width by 10 (electric) or 15 (gas) for a general estimate. Always consider your cooking habits too.