A batch of cookies fresh out of the oven; a pot of warm, hearty soup on the stove—the kitchen is often a source of delicious scents that whet our appetites. However, sometimes we cook something smelly like fish, or the aromas of what was once a fresh and tasty meal linger longer than we want them to.
Odors are just one reason we require sufficient ventilation in the kitchen. Not only does proper airflow keep the space smelling and feeling fresh, but it also removes dangerous gases and cooking byproducts from your indoor air.
In this article, we share a few tips that’ll help improve ventilation in your kitchen.
Use a Range Hood and Exhaust Fan
A hood fan or kitchen exhaust fan is designed to draw smoke and other air contaminants out of your kitchen. The hood acts as a basin to capture pollutants from the range (or stove) while the fan circulates the air, drawing it up and away from the cooktop.
It’s especially crucial that you use exhaust fans when cooking with gas since gas ranges emit dangerous combustion byproducts along with the usual smoke and grease aerosols that come with cooking.
Some kitchen designs exclude the range hood. However, it’s critical there is some form of ventilation in the kitchen for indoor air quality. For example, you may notice kitchen ceiling ventilation fans over islands or open cooktops.
Use Back Burners
You’ve probably noticed that the range hood doesn’t quite stick out far enough to cover the whole range. This makes accessing the front burners easier, but it may result in fewer air pollutants being captured by the exhaust fan. Therefore, you’ll want to use the back burners for smelly, smokey dishes and reserve the front burners for boiling or steaming.
Crack a Window
This one may seem obvious, but it can significantly affect air quality. Opening a window in or near your kitchen helps usher in fresh air and draws out stagnant indoor air. Plus, opening a window when it’s cooler outside can draw out some of the heat cooking creates, making this area of the house more comfortable.
Do you have questions about air purifier systems and related products? Get in touch with our team at Guelph ClimateCare. Our team will be happy to answer your questions!
Clean Filters
Make sure you clean any filters connected to your exhaust fan or HVAC system. Kitchen ventilation fans often have a splatter screen and filter component. You can remove these and clean them to improve your indoor air quality. If you’re curious about how to clean your kitchen ventilation fan, refer to the manual or look up the model online.
Remember, the air from your kitchen will also circulate throughout your home. Therefore, it’s a good idea to clean other air filters within your home, such as those found in your furnace or HVAC units.
Invest in an Air Purifier
Air purifiers are one of the best appliances for improving indoor air quality. You can opt for a portable model that you place in your kitchen while cooking, or you can install a centralized system that will filter all your indoor air.
Looking to improve your indoor air quality? Guelph ClimateCare has a ventilation solution for you! Contact us today to learn more about our air purifier systems and related products.
