Make-up air, disconnect or keep? – GreenBuildingAdvisor

We have a passive make-up air system installed in our kitchen. It is controlled by a pressure switch that activates when the hood turns on. This sends a signal to a damper that opens and then the negative pressure generated by the hood draws in air through the make-up air opening in the kitchen (red arrow in attached photo).

The home is in the Midwest and has a ACH50 score around 2. We have a 36″ induction cooktop.

Would you

-Put a vent hood blower > 400 CFM and keep the make-up air system

-Go with a 390CFM vent hood and keep the make-up air system

-Go with a 390CFM vent hood and disconnect the make-up damper

The reason I’m considering disconnecting the make-up air is because the ductwork takes up ceiling space in the basement that would get in the way when the area is finished and the make-up air is just a source of brining in unconditioned air. If it’s not needed, easier to not have it.