Kitchen exhaust cleaning is a vital aspect of safe and efficient kitchen operation. If not cleaned on a regular basis, grease buildups can build up inside the hood and exhaust filters. This can lead to fires and EPA/OSHA violations. Failure to clean the system can also cause insurance claims to be denied.
Keeping the system clean can help businesses remain compliant with NFPA 96 standards. It can also reduce maintenance needs. A well maintained kitchen makes the cooking process more efficient and reduces power usage. Ultimately, it helps lower the cost of production.
Grease buildups in a restaurant’s hood can lead to a fire hazard. In addition to the danger of a fire, grease can accumulate in the filters and ductwork. These hazardous buildups can be expensive to repair. By hiring a professional to clean your kitchen, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your business operating.
Restaurants that use more solid fuels, such as wood, should have their system cleaned on a monthly basis. Fast food restaurants and Asian cuisines use a lot of oil and may require a more frequent cleaning schedule.
Cleaning the exhaust system is a necessary part of keeping a restaurant in compliance with NFPA 96. In addition to helping your business remain in compliance, it will reduce the amount of energy needed for your kitchen and provide your employees with cleaner air.
NFPA 96 requires that your exhaust system be cleaned at regular intervals. This Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning ensures that you are maintaining a system that is in good condition and prevents fires. When your system is properly maintained, you can save up to 30% of your exhaust system maintenance costs.
A reputable vent hood cleaning company will clean your commercial kitchen’s hood and ventilation system, as well as remove debris from the fan. They will also polish the hood for a fresh look.
After cleaning the system, the technician will leave a report of the work that was done. The report will include the date of the next scheduled cleaning and the hood’s certification sticker, which enables the health department and insurance agents to verify that the hood has been cleaned.
In addition to removing grease, the cleaning technician will inspect the system to see whether any parts of it need to be repaired. Some parts of the system can be replaced, such as ducts or the gas valves.
Kitchen exhaust cleaning is required for all commercial cooking establishments in the United States. Most jurisdictions have adopted NFPA 96 standards. While some jurisdictions have opted to not implement this standard, there are many others that have. Many of these jurisdictions require that you comply with the standards. Regardless of which jurisdiction you operate in, a clean, functioning kitchen can make your restaurant safer.
Kitchen exhaust cleaning can be a DIY job, but if you’re not experienced in cleaning, it is best to hire a professional. Regardless of whether you choose to clean your own system or have it cleaned by a contractor, the NFPA recommends hiring a qualified person to do the job.