Learn some of the best ways to keep your commercial kitchen ventilation system in optimal condition and avoid fire hazards, health code violations, and energy waste.

If your grease exhaust system service company isn't documenting issues, or if you are not reviewing their reports or service notes, you can save yourself a lot of headache and reduce the chance of downtime by asking for a professional opinion of the condition of your equipment.

What are the best ways to maintain a commercial kitchen ventilation system?

A commercial kitchen ventilation system is essential for maintaining a safe, comfortable, and healthy environment for food preparation and service. It removes smoke, grease, odors, and heat from the cooking area, and provides fresh air and temperature control. However, a poorly maintained system can pose serious risks, such as fire hazards, health code violations, reduced efficiency, and increased energy costs. Therefore, it is important to follow some best practices to keep your system in optimal condition and avoid costly repairs or replacements. Here are some of the best ways to maintain a commercial kitchen ventilation system.

1 Clean the filters regularly

The filters are the first line of defense against grease and dirt buildup in your system. They trap and remove particles from the air before they enter the ducts and fans. However, over time, they can become clogged and reduce the airflow and efficiency of your system. To prevent this, you should clean the filters at least once a week, or more often if you use a lot of oil or fryers. You can use a degreaser spray and a brush to scrub the filters, or soak them in hot water and detergent. Make sure to rinse and dry them thoroughly before reinstalling them.

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Grant Mogford, CFPS, CESI, CECS

Fire Safety Expert & Senior Consultant at Flue Steam, Inc.
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Grease filters should be cleaned in house at least weekly, and should be professionally deep cleaned at least monthly. Many customers opt out of doing the weekly in house cleaning and have a professional company deep clean them weekly.

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2 Inspect the ducts and fans periodically

The ducts and fans are the main components of your system that transport and exhaust the air from the kitchen. They are also prone to grease and dust accumulation, which can create fire hazards, damage the equipment, and affect the indoor air quality. Therefore, you should inspect the ducts and fans at least once a month, or more frequently if you notice any signs of leakage, corrosion, or wear and tear. You should also check the belts, bearings, and motors for any signs of damage or malfunction. If you find any issues, you should contact a professional service to repair or replace them as soon as possible.

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Grant Mogford, CFPS, CESI, CECS

Fire Safety Expert & Senior Consultant at Flue Steam, Inc.
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If your grease exhaust system service company isn't documenting issues, or if you are not reviewing their reports or service notes, you can save yourself a lot of headache and reduce the chance of downtime by asking for a professional opinion of the condition of your equipment.

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3 Schedule professional cleaning and maintenance

Even if you clean and inspect your system regularly, you may not be able to reach all the areas or detect all the problems that may affect its performance and safety. That is why you should schedule professional cleaning and maintenance at least twice a year, or more often depending on the usage and condition of your system. A professional service will use specialized equipment and techniques to thoroughly clean and sanitize your system, as well as test and adjust its components for optimal efficiency and functionality. They will also provide you with a report and a certificate of compliance that verifies that your system meets the industry standards and regulations.

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Grant Mogford, CFPS, CESI, CECS

Fire Safety Expert & Senior Consultant at Flue Steam, Inc.
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Codes require inspection quarterly for most facilities, and cleaning if found to be contaminated by grease. If a facility is using solid fuel (ie. wood, charcoal etc...) the inspection frequency is monthly due to the increased hazard.

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4 Monitor the airflow and temperature

Another way to maintain your system is to monitor the airflow and temperature in your kitchen. These indicators can tell you if your system is working properly or if it needs attention. You can use a thermometer and an anemometer to measure the temperature and the speed of the air in different locations of your kitchen. Ideally, you should have a consistent and comfortable temperature and airflow throughout the cooking area, without any hot or cold spots or drafts. If you notice any fluctuations or discrepancies, you may need to adjust the settings of your system, or consult a professional for advice.

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Grant Mogford, CFPS, CESI, CECS

Fire Safety Expert & Senior Consultant at Flue Steam, Inc.
(edited)
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Often overlooked is the make up air supply for the kitchen. If an exhaust fan is removing air from the kitchen space, an air supply must be replacing the air to the kitchen space or the exhaust system will not work efficiently and smoke, heat and cooking effluent will not be properly exhausted.

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5 Train your staff on best practices

Finally, one of the best ways to maintain your system is to train your staff on best practices for using and caring for it. Your staff should know how to operate the system correctly, such as turning it on and off, adjusting the speed and temperature, and reporting any issues or malfunctions. They should also know how to prevent grease and dirt buildup, such as wiping down the surfaces, covering the pots and pans, and disposing of the waste properly. By educating your staff on the importance and benefits of maintaining your system, you can ensure that they follow the guidelines and procedures that will keep your system in good shape and extend its lifespan.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Trinity Bond - EnviroChill

Digital Food Safety and Automated Temperature Logging Specialist | Improve Compliance | Reduce Waste | Reduce Risk | Improve Brand Compliance
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Save yourself the ongoing hassle of duct cleaning by using Shepherd Filters that prevent the bulk of the grease being into the duct in the first place. Contact me for information on this outstanding option.

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What are the best ways to maintain a commercial kitchen ventilation system?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Clean the filters regularly

2 Inspect the ducts and fans periodically

3 Schedule professional cleaning and maintenance

4 Monitor the airflow and temperature

5 Train your staff on best practices

6 Here’s what else to consider

Environmental Services

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What are the best ways to maintain a commercial kitchen ventilation system?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Clean the filters regularly

2 Inspect the ducts and fans periodically

3 Schedule professional cleaning and maintenance

4 Monitor the airflow and temperature

5 Train your staff on best practices

6 Here’s what else to consider

Environmental Services

Rate this article

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