What Is Makeup Air — and Why Does It Matter?
In Michigan, if your range hood pulls too much air out of your kitchen, that air must be replaced. This “tempered” replacement air is called makeup air. “Tempered” means the replacement air must also be heated as well. Since Michigan homes can be very tightly insulated, it helps your home maintain balanced pressure and proper ventilation.
Is a Range Hood or Vent Required by Law?
You might be surprised to learn that there is no law or code requiring a range hood or vent in your kitchen.
However, if you choose to install a hood that moves a high volume of air (measured in CFMs, or cubic feet per minute), local inspectors may require a makeup air system to bring fresh air back into your home.
So Why Would You Want a High Performing Range Hood or Vent in the First Place
- Removes cooking odors: A hood helps eliminate lingering smells from foods like fish, bacon, or spices.
- Clears smoke and steam: Cooking often creates smoke, steam, or grease particles that can collect on surfaces. A vented hood keeps your kitchen air cleaner and fresher.
- Protects your kitchen finishes: Removing grease and moisture helps keep cabinets, walls, and ceilings in better shape over time.
Who Handles Makeup Air Requirements?
While Bekins offers and installs a wide selection of range hoods and ventilation options, your builder or HVAC contractor handles the compliance.
Each project is unique, and the local building inspector ultimately determines:
- Whether makeup air is required.
- The CFM threshold that triggers it.
- How it must be implemented in your home.
So if you are interested in a hood that moves a high volume of air, then we recommend you ask your builder, HVAC professional or local inspector if it will require makeup air in your home.
Breathe Easy with Bekins
At Bekins, our goal is to help you choose appliances that make your home comfortable, efficient, and safe. Whether you’re updating your kitchen or building new, our team can guide you toward range hoods and ventilation systems that meet your needs — and work beautifully in your space.
About Bekins
Bekins Appliances and Electronics is a family-owned appliance and electronics store serving West Michigan since 1975. What started as a small appliance repair business in a garage has grown into one of the region’s most trusted destinations for home appliances and technology. We offer top-brand kitchen and laundry appliances, big-screen TVs, smart home technology, and custom electronics solutions, all backed by our own expert installation and service team.
We’re known for our interactive showrooms in Grand Haven and Grand Rapids, where customers can try appliances and electronics in real home-style displays before buying. Our trained professionals carefully handle delivery, installation, and service, and our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has earned us numerous awards and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. We’re proud to offer local expertise and personalized service to homeowners looking to upgrade their appliances or home technology.