Your Food Service Exhaust Hood . . . Not "The Hood" Bro
Yes, we are talking about the exhaust system that deals with smoke and grease, not the greasy dude from the inner city that smokes two packs a day.
Your exhaust hood is the central component to the design and layout of your restaurant ventilation system. Responsible for removing steam, smoke, soot and grease vapors, it is a key factor in safety, cleanliness and comfort. No one wants to sit in a restaurant that smells of aging grease and looks like it is waiting to spontaneously combust.
Your specific ventilation needs are determined by state and local codes, the layout of your restaurant, equipment type and typical use.
Exhaust Fans
Typically located on the roof directly above the exhaust hood, the exhaust fan draws the air contaminated with smoke, soot, grease vapor and steam displacing it away from your building. It is important to remember to periodically clean the exhaust fans as they are in constant contact with flammable exhaust greases.
Return Air Fans
A return air fan, or Make-up Air Fan, balances the exhaust system by bringing fresh air into your restaurant from outside the building. When removing air from your restaurant you need to bring in an equal amount of fresh air.
Failing to bring enough fresh air into the building will create a vacuum effect. A common symptom of this is when your exterior doors are very difficult to open. Your customer must first break the vacuum before the door will open. Just the opposite is when you bring in too much fresh air making the air pressure inside the building greater than that of the air outside. This will commonly show itself with exterior doors that bounce slightly in the open position, an inch or two from closing.
Baffle Filters & Grease Filters
Regular cleaning and replacement of filters is critical to safety. You can also expect that keeping them clean will allow better air flow and as a result more effective removal of smoke, soot, steam and grease vapors.
Preventive Maintenance
Naturally it is critical to schedule regular preventive maintenance visits from a qualified HVAC service provider. AEM Mechanical Services, Inc. in Hutchinson is one such provider.
We will help you maintain your Kitchen Exhaust and building ventilation protecting your restaurant, employees and customers. Properly maintained equipment will help you control costs and increase profit.
For more information on Exhaust Hood and Ventilation Maintenance for your restaurant call AEM Mechanical Services, Inc. at 320-587-0991.