Kitchen exhaust systems are critical to the functionality of a commercial cooking space. Without them, a whole host of problems would arise, and the results would be disastrous. Despite their fundamental importance, some systems are improperly installed, and thus pose a threat to building occupants. Not only can they become fire hazards, but they can fail to effectively remove airborne grease. The cost of investing in a competent commercial HVAC technician is far less than the cost of repairing a damaged building, or worse yet, having to replace it entirely. As a preventative measure, let’s look at 5 common problems with kitchen exhaust systems:
1) Access Door Arrangement
Panels must be properly sized to allow for duct cleaning. Additionally, they must be present in every directional change of the duct. Failure to implement these regulations prohibits the necessary cleaning and maintenance of your exhaust system. Worse yet, it becomes a serious fire threat. Lack of cleaning, inspections, and maintenance produces excess grease and oil, which can cause your kitchen to become engulfed in flames. Despite these facts, many systems continue to neglect their access door arrangement. In summary, access door problems include:
- Cleanliness: Prevents proper cleaning
- Maintenance: Disallows proper maintenance
2) Sanitation
Speaking of cleanliness, sanitation is one of the most important aspects of a commercial kitchen, and its importance extends to the exhaust systems. Because of their function as an air filter, lack of cleaning can leave your entire kitchen spelling atrocious. Needless to say, this becomes not only an inconvenience, but a health hazard for everyone working inside the building. Experts recommend cleanings every 90 days, at the minimum. With that said, if you notice a foul and unpleasant odor seeping from the exhaust system, address it with:
- Professional Cleanings: Hire a professional cleaner
- Regular Assessments: Check for health hazards regularly
3) Motors
Have you ever noticed a strange noise coming from your kitchen’s exhaust system? If so, it’s more probable than not that you have a motor problem. Sounds like these are usually an indicator that the fan needs replacement. If left unresolved, the system can break down and cause a host of other problems. Sometimes a noise seems minor but could indicate severe damage. Other times, a noise might be loud, but only requires some minor maintenance. In either case checking with a professional inspector is the best course of action. Options include:
- Full Replacement: Fully replacing the exhaust fan
- Partial Replacement: Repairing or partially replacing the exhaust fan
4) Moisture Infiltration
Condensation is produced by exhaust systems, and this can spell trouble for commercial kitchens. To check for excess moisture, remove a fan’s cover and identify any signs of increased moisture. There will always be some, but excessive moisture is usually obvious. So what can happen when moisture builds up, and infiltrates your kitchen? Germs, an unsanitary cooking space, and even mold growth. This can destroy entire kitchens and has ruined many restaurants in the past. To check for excessive moisture buildup and infiltration, follow these steps:
- Turn Off Power: Power off the exhaust system
- Remove Fan Cover: Take the fan cover off
5) Power Failure
One major problem with kitchen exhaust systems is the loss of power. This can be due to system failure, or a faulty power supply. In either case, it must be addressed ASAP. A functional kitchen cannot be run without an exhaust system. One of the most frequent culprits is a tripped circuit breaker, usually caused by the exhaust fan. A simple flip of the switch might be all it takes to get the system back up and running. Still, non-professionals should never handle electrical equipment. Having your local commercial HVAC technician take a look is best. Causes include:
- Circuit Breaker Trip: A tripped up circuit breaker
- Power Supply Blockage: A blockage in the power supply
Post Author: HVAC Webmasters
We hope these answers have been helpful to you. At Touchstone Commercial Services we strive for excellence and customer satisfaction. If you have any more questions feel free to contact us, and if you find yourself in need of commercial maintenance and repair, we are happy to help!
