Ventilation is basically a means of providing fresh air. It involves infiltration (fresh air from outside), distribution (air movement from room to room with fans and ducting systems), and circulation (air movement within a room). Every home needs ventilation to protect us from unhealthy indoor pollutants and to protect the house from excess moisture and heat. Furthermore, because modern homes are built airtight, mechanical ventilation is truly essential for optimal air quality.
Kitchens require intermittent ventilation – in the form of a range hood or downdraft vent – to control moisture, odours and smoke (some kitchens more than others!). We can’t always open a window – in the depths of January or the dog days of August – so that’s where mechanical ventilation comes into play.
A range hood is considered the most effective form of kitchen ventilation. It consists of a fan and enclosure designed to capture and exhaust the heat, odours, gases, grease, steam and smoke produced by cooking. A fan pulls air from directly over the cooking surface to expel moisture, odours, and contaminants outside.
Today you will find Energy Star-qualified hoods on the market. They feature LED and compact fluorescent lighting and highly energy-efficient motors to suck up smoky air and steam without sucking money out of your wallet!