When you need a LOT of air: Designing a 1200 CFM Make-Up Air System

In high-performance homes, even the kitchen demands engineering precision. This project revolved around a 1200 CFM range hood — a true powerhouse for serious cooking. But here’s the challenge: when a hood extracts that much air, you need to replace it with equal precision. That’s where a custom make-up air system comes in.

The Challenge: Balancing Extraction and Fresh Air

A range hood this size can’t operate alone. Without a properly designed make-up air system, it could cause negative pressure in the home, impact combustion appliances, and pull in unwanted air through leaks. The solution isn’t just about replacing air — it’s about replacing it cleanly, quietly, and beautifully.

The Solution: Smart, Clean, Seamless Design

Our design centers on a Ruck 1200 CFM fan with an ECM motor, providing powerful yet energy-efficient air delivery. To ensure indoor air quality, we integrated MERV 11 filtration for all incoming fresh air. That means every cubic foot of replacement air is clean, safe, and conditioned for comfort.

But where do you put that much air?

The answer: a 20-foot-long mud-in adjustable diffuser, built into a slim slit above the range area. Instead of a clunky grille or vents that disrupt the space, the diffuser distributes fresh air evenly across the kitchen — and disappears seamlessly into the modern aesthetic of the home.

Why This Matters

• Performance – The system balances the massive airflow demands of a 1200 CFM range hood.

• Air Quality – Fresh air passes through MERV 11 filtration, protecting occupants from pollutants.

• Design Integration – The diffuser blends invisibly into the architecture, preserving the kitchen’s clean lines.

• Efficiency – The ECM motor ensures quiet, variable airflow with minimal energy use.

Engineering Meets Architecture

This project demonstrates how a high-performance HVAC design can complement modern architecture. The kitchen remains the centerpiece of the home, but behind the scenes, the system ensures comfort, safety, and efficiency — all without compromise.

👉 Planning a kitchen with a high-capacity range hood? At Balance Point HVAC, we design and install make-up air systems that deliver performance and elegance in equal measure.