Tips for Extending the Life of Your System
Looking for a commercial kitchen exhaust system guide? Extending kitchen exhaust system life saves you money and keeps your system functioning well. Keep reading this blog article for practical kitchen exhaust maintenance tips and information about commercial kitchen ventilation upkeep. We’ll also cover commercial exhaust system cleaning, enhancing kitchen exhaust efficiency, and other key kitchen exhaust system design considerations!
1. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
One of the best ways to maintain energy-efficient kitchen ventilation and compliance with kitchen exhaust regulations is with regular cleaning and maintenance. Cleaning your commercial kitchen air filtration system not only prevents grease build-ups and malfunctions but also aids in reducing fire hazards in commercial kitchens.
Here are a few helpful tips for cleaning your commercial kitchen air filtration system:
- Cleanings on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis to help prevent grease build-ups and hardened stains
- Establish an everyday cleaning plan for your staff to follow
- Establish a cleaning schedule based on the volume of cooking.
- When you clean, focus on all components of the system, including the hood, filters, ductwork, and exhaust fans.
- Use degreasing agents and hot water pressure washers for super-effective cleaning
- Consider utilising certified professionals for deep cleaning, as well as ensuring compliance with local fire and health codes and maintaining system efficiency.
Regular maintenance for kitchen exhausts also ensures that any potential issues are fixed before becoming serious problems, which is crucial for avoiding downtime in foodservice operations. Maintenance also helps in extending commercial kitchen equipment life, so don’t neglect it!
- Replace broken components immediately to help extend the lifespan of the equipment, as worn or broken parts may cause more damage to the equipment and reduce performance.
- Clean the grease and residue inside the hood and vents, scrubbing the ducts, daily or weekly to meet hygiene and safety regulations.
- Avoid grease fires by cleaning the grease filters regularly, as they are one of the most common causes of kitchen fires!
- Clean the exhaust fan blades, motor, and housing to ensure optimal airflow and prevent overheating. Don’t forget to lubricate moving parts as needed
- Remove and clean access panels and plenums to eliminate grease buildup and improve ventilation efficiency.
2. Proper Installation, Use, and Handling
Following basic safety protocols for kitchen ventilation and training staff on equipment usage
and preventive measures for kitchen fires is another simple way to prevent damage to your equipment. Not only do operating protocols create a safer, more streamlined kitchen for staff—they’re also essential for enhancing customer dining experience and food quality!
Being able to use commercial kitchen equipment properly to extend its lifespan and ensure no harm or damage occurs to it. Knowing how to use each piece of equipment properly greatly affects the equipment’s performance and lifetime and sometimes even the warrant. Proper installation is crucial, as workers must follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing all equipment, as well as check it thoroughly before use.
3. Timely Repairs and Servicing
No matter how busy your kitchen gets, regular maintenance and equipment checks need to remain a high priority. Even a small issue with your commercial kitchen exhaust system can lead to bigger and more serious issues if not fixed. The best way to catch these problems is by inspecting your kitchen equipment regularly. Generally, checking around twice a week is ideal. Your staff should be trained on how to properly conduct these checks, as well as how to document them.
4. Train Staff on Equipment Usage
Another responsibility of operating a commercial kitchen is training staff on correct equipment usage. Train each member of your kitchen team on how to handle the equipment properly to prevent possible damages and extend the lifespan of commercial kitchen equipment. Each employee should be instructed on each piece of equipment’s usage, maintenance, and cleaning, thoroughly explaining each part as needed.
5. Invest in High-Quality Equipment
It’s also important to choose the right equipment for the job. Durability and reliability are crucial in commercial kitchen settings, as these products are built to withstand the demanding conditions of a busy workflow (like heavy usage over an extended period).
To choose the right equipment for your kitchen, you should
- Begin by evaluating your kitchen’s size, layout, and the types of cooking equipment you use.
- Consider the volume of cooking, the heat produced, and the types of contaminants generated during cooking.
- Determine your airflow requirements by calculating the required airflow rate for your kitchen.
- Select the appropriate hood design based on your kitchen setup, such as wall-mounted hoods, island hoods, or canopy hoods.
- Consider your existing ductwork and plan the layout of your exhaust ductwork carefully, choosing straight, smooth ducts with minimal bends and obstructions
- Consider the noise generated by the exhaust system to help maintain a comfortable workspace that isn’t too loud.
DIY vs. Professional Cleaning: Making the Right Choice
In some situations, owners may attempt to clean their exhaust hoods by themselves. However, when it comes down to it, professional cleaning services offer several advantages:
1. Expertise and Equipment
Certified technicians bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to effectively clean all parts of the exhaust system, even the most inaccessible areas. Their specialised equipment ensures thorough removal of grease and grime, reducing fire risks and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
2. Comprehensive Cleaning
Professional cleaners employ industry-standard methods like pressure washing, steam cleaning, and specialised degreasers. These techniques guarantee the meticulous removal of grease and contaminants from every surface, ensuring optimal performance and safety of the exhaust system.
3. Time and Convenience
Entrusting the cleaning to professionals saves valuable time for restaurant staff, allowing them to focus on essential operations without disruptions. Professional services streamline the cleaning process, minimising downtime and ensuring your kitchen remains operational and compliant with health and safety regulations.
Best Practices For Commercial Kitchen Exhausts
As you consider your kitchen exhaust system, remember that commercial kitchen equipment is a large-scale investment that should be chosen carefully. Keeping your commercial kitchen equipment will save you money, as well as extend its lifespan, and promote a healthier environment for your staff and customers.
Commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning companies can help you keep your equipment clean and running smoothly! Contact us now and request a quote!