Client: Johnson Family (Professional Chef and College Professor)
Location: Manotick, ON
Completion Date: August 2024
Services Provided: Energy Audit, HVAC Analysis, Custom Kitchen Exhaust and Makeup Air System Design
This home addition project was completed for the Johnson Family, which included a professional chef and college professor who required a highly customized kitchen to support culinary demonstrations and professional-grade cooking. MNE Energy conducted a comprehensive energy audit, provided HVAC analysis, and designed a specific kitchen exhaust and makeup air system tailored to meet the unique demands of a professional cooking environment. This project emphasized energy efficiency, superior air quality, and functional design to accommodate both the expansion and the specific needs of the kitchen space.
The project posed unique challenges due to the requirements of the client’s profession. The addition needed to seamlessly integrate with the existing home’s HVAC system while accommodating a kitchen setup that included high-BTU appliances and commercial-grade exhaust requirements. The large, powerful kitchen hood and makeup air system required careful integration with the home's HVAC and air balancing strategy to prevent pressure imbalances and ensure that exhaust fumes and odors were effectively removed without compromising indoor air quality. Additionally, the project had to meet local building codes and energy efficiency standards while addressing specific ventilation needs related to professional-level cooking.
Given the complexity of the kitchen’s requirements, MNE Energy approached the project with a structured, multi-step methodology, combining advanced energy audits, custom HVAC design, and targeted ventilation solutions:
1. Energy Audit and Thermal Load Analysis: Our team began with a detailed energy audit of the existing home and the planned addition, including blower door tests, duct leakage assessments, and insulation evaluations. The thermal load analysis was expanded to account for the increased heat output from high-BTU cooking equipment, as well as potential temperature fluctuations due to frequent appliance use. The analysis also took into account the heat gain from large glass windows in the addition, as well as the need for high indoor air quality given the increased cooking activity.
2. HVAC System Design and Integration: Based on the load calculations, we determined that the existing HVAC system would need to be supplemented with a second, dedicated system to manage the expanded space and kitchen requirements. We provided two potential solutions:
3. Custom Kitchen Exhaust and Makeup Air System: The professional-grade kitchen setup required a high-CFM exhaust hood capable of efficiently removing smoke, heat, and cooking odors. To prevent negative pressure in the home and ensure balanced airflow, we designed a makeup air system that provides tempered fresh air directly into the kitchen. This system was configured to activate simultaneously with the exhaust hood, delivering preheated or pre-cooled air as required. The makeup air unit was installed with a dedicated ducting system to ensure efficient operation and minimal energy loss. Both the exhaust and makeup air systems were carefully coordinated with the home's primary HVAC system to maintain consistent indoor air quality and temperature control.
4. High-Performance Building Envelope and Indoor Air Quality Enhancements: In addition to the kitchen ventilation solutions, the addition was designed to meet Passive House standards for energy efficiency. High-performance windows with triple glazing and low-emissivity coatings were specified, along with high-R-value insulation in the walls, ceiling, and floors. An HRV system was installed to provide fresh air throughout the home while conserving energy. The HRV system works in tandem with the kitchen’s makeup air system to provide a comprehensive indoor air quality solution. Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors were integrated into the ventilation system, adding another layer of safety and security.
The Johnson Family selected the zoned HVAC and kitchen-specific ventilation system, which provided the flexibility, energy efficiency, and control needed for a professional-grade kitchen environment. MNE Energy oversaw the installation of a high-CFM exhaust hood and a balanced makeup air unit, designed to handle the substantial heat and odor loads generated by intensive cooking. The kitchen system was configured to operate with minimal sound while delivering robust ventilation performance.
The completed project exceeded local building code requirements and achieved substantial energy efficiency improvements, verified through post-construction testing and monitoring. Air quality was optimized to meet the demands of the client’s professional cooking, providing a clean, comfortable, and well-ventilated kitchen space. The addition also maintained even temperature control, which was critical for cooking demonstrations and day-to-day comfort. The family reported a significant improvement in overall comfort and indoor air quality, and the addition’s energy consumption was 20% lower than projected for a space of similar size and function.