Service Tips: Hoods
Every kitchen has one, at least, and every kitchen needs to maintain them. Here are a
few tips for keeping a ventilation system in good working order.
Have the hood professionally serviced on a regular basis. Service should include
changing the belts: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Keep extra belts on hand. This can allow for a quick fix if a belt unexpectedly
fails. Having the part on hand can also shorten emergency service calls,
ultimately saving you money.
Listen for noise from the hood. If something suddenly sounds different, that’s a
sign that a problem may be developing. Reach out to the company that services
the hood to schedule a checkup.
Wipe down the hood daily and clean the removable filters. If the filter fits in the
warewasher, remove excess grease off with a degreaser before it goes in that
unit. Doing so will help prevent grease migration up to the rooftop and the unit’s
motor, which can lead to premature failure.
Service Tips: HVAC Systems
Practically every restaurant with indoor dining has an HVAC system and the quality of
those systems directly impact the customer experience, not to mention the health of
guests and employees. Here are a few tips operators can take to keep their HVAC
systems running well.
Operators should put pan tablets into their HVAC drain pans. These actively
disinfect the pans, reducing the risk of mold and bacteria growth, including the
bacteria behind serious diseases such as Legionnaires disease.
Service your system regularly. This includes changing filters and cleaning coils.
In some cases, operators can perform these tasks. In many others, the location
of the system means a professional HVAC service company should be hired to
handle the job. It’s probably not wise, for instance, to send an employee to the
roof of the building to access the HVAC system.
Operators should set their thermostats to proper temperatures during off-hours.
Don’t set it too low in the winter. Doing so can cause the unit to freeze up on cold
nights. Similarly, setting an AC too high during the summer can force the unit to
overwork when staff arrive in the morning. This ultimately can consume more
electricity and cause unnecessary HVAC wear and tear. An HVAC service
company can help determine the right off-hours temperature for each system.
Service Tips: Hoods
Essentially every professional kitchen has a hood. They’re necessary for fire prevention
and to keep workspaces safe and comfortable for employees. Operators can’t operate
without a hood, so they should take some steps to keep theirs in working order.
Keep an eye - and an ear - on the exhaust fan. A noisy or vibrating fan can be a
sign of trouble. Monitor fan belts for wear and tear.
Clean filters and grease traps at the frequency the manufacturer or service agent
recommends. Look for buildup of grease or debris, both of which can clog a unit
and lead to poor performance.
Wipe down hoods with soap and warm water. This basic cleaning can help
prevent serious problems by keeping grease away from motors, fan blades and
other components. Consider polishing your hood after cleaning to maintain a
professional look.
Have your hood professionally cleaned and serviced regularly. Most hoods need
servicing at least twice a year.
Service Tips: HVAC Systems
Practically every restaurant with indoor dining has an HVAC system and the quality of
those systems directly impact the customer experience, not to mention the health of
guests and employees. Here are a few tips operators can take to keep their HVAC
systems running well.
Operators should put pan tablets into their HVAC drain pans. These actively
disinfect the pans, reducing the risk of mold and bacteria growth, including the
bacteria behind serious diseases such as Legionnaires disease.
Service your system regularly. This includes changing filters and cleaning coils.
In some cases, operators can perform these tasks. In many others, the location
of the system means a professional HVAC service company should be hired to
handle the job. It’s probably not wise, for instance, to send an employee to the
roof of the building to access the HVAC system.
Operators should set their thermostats to proper temperatures during off-hours.
Don’t set it too low in the winter. Doing so can cause the unit to freeze up on cold
nights. Similarly, setting an AC too high during the summer can force the unit to
overwork when staff arrive in the morning. This ultimately can consume more
electricity and cause unnecessary HVAC wear and tear. An HVAC service
company can help determine the right off-hours temperature for each system.
