How Are Restaurants Ventilated?

You know a ventilation system is a good one when no one notices it or thinks about it. However, there is actually a lot that can go into designing, installing, and maintaining a good ventilation system, especially for a restaurant. 

Restaurants offer unique HVAC challenges that differ from other commercial or residential spaces. The kitchens in restaurants generate pollutants and debris, such as heat, smoke, and grease, as well as a variety of scents. In addition, the dining area of the restaurant generally has a high occupancy rate and needs to be kept free of these pollutants. The dining room must be comfortable, including the correct temperature, and free of unwanted scents that may hinder the dining experience. So how are restaurants ventilated to ensure high levels of comfort and safety? 

Restaurant Ventilation Equipment 

The ventilation system of a restaurant is made up of several important features. 

Hoods
The exterior part of the ventilation system, which you can see in the kitchen, is called the hood. These are installed over appliances such as ovens or fryers that produce high heat or grease. There are specific hoods for grease, which contain grease traps to capture and remove grease from the air. 

Exhaust Fans
These fans provide airflow to keep the kitchen and dining area air moving and ventilated. These are usually installed on the roof or wall, designed to provide strong airflow. 

Makeup Air Systems
After the used air is removed, makeup air is brought back inside. This is important to replace the air that has been removed from the building, keeping the indoor air quality high and air pressure at the appropriate level. 

Fire Suppression Systems
Most places are also legally required to have a fire suppression system for safety. 

Benefits of a Restaurant Ventilation System

While restaurants and kitchens can be difficult environments to work in, a properly installed and maintained ventilation system can help employees and customers by creating a safe, comfortable environment. Benefits of a properly installed and maintained system include: 

Air Quality
One of the main benefits of a ventilation system for restaurants is improved indoor air quality. In commercial kitchens, there are substantial amounts of airborne pollutants, such as heat, grease, food particles, and smoke. A proper ventilation system removes these, improving the quality of the air in the building. 

Temperature Regulation
With stoves, fryers, ovens, and other hot equipment constantly working, kitchens tend to be hot places. A proper ventilation system helps remove heat and keep the commercial kitchen at an appropriate temperature. It also helps keep the dining room temperature regulated as well. 

Reduce Odors
There are a lot of different dishes being prepared at all times in a commercial kitchen, and chances are, the scent of some will not mix well with the scents of others. HVAC ventilation systems help remove these scents, another way these systems keep kitchens comfortable. 

Reduce Costs
Reducing heat in the kitchen helps lower operating costs and overall energy bills by reducing the need for cooling from other HVAC systems. 

Servicing Your Commercial Kitchen’s Ventilation System

If you operate a commercial kitchen, you must regularly clean and maintain your restaurant’s ventilation system. This ensures the health, safety, and comfort of your staff and customers. Contact the team at Airpro Indoor Air Solutions today to schedule your routine commercial kitchen maintenance.