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4 Signs Your Restaurant Exhaust FanNeeds Repair
Admin • March 31, 2021
With food cooking on a constant basis, one of the essential elements inside a restaurant is the exhaust fan. The fan helps remove smoke and moisture from the air, but major problems can occur if the exhaust fan suddenly malfunctions. No one can afford a malfunctioning hood, as one of the key functions is to remove carbon monoxide from gas operated cooking appliances -- a malfunctioning exhaust can create potential health hazards from monoxide poisoning. If you need to know the potential problems associated with exhaust fans, then you can contact repair companies before the issues get worse.
Learn about some of the more subtle problems to look out for and how repairs will help extend the life of your restaurant exhaust fans.
1. Odors
A kitchen is filled with inviting smells every day, but if you smell something that doesn't seem so fresh, the exhaust fan could be the culprit. As exhaust fans pull up smoke from the air, moisture may include grease and many food scents attached to it. Over time, debris builds up inside the exhaust fan and the smell worsens.
If left untreated, your kitchen could develop odors. You do not want the odors to expand outward into a dining area. One way to help with the odor treatment is to schedule an exhaust fan cleaning. A professional HVAC team can clean out the vents and remove any build-up inside (we would refer you to a cleaning expert).
Along with the one-time treatment for the odors, you can schedule follow-up cleanings every few months or so to help prevent odors from forming again.
2. Moisture Leaks
If your kitchen has a lot of smoke and steam, then the exhaust fans could suffer from too much condensation build-up. The extra moisture may find its way to the motors and fans inside the exhaust system and lead to multiple problems. If you notice moisture dripping out, then you should shut off the fans until the motors can fully dry.
If the problem is reoccurring, then you may need to consider an exhaust fan upgrade. The output of your restaurant may exceed the capabilities of your fans. A more powerful exhaust fan can push the air and moisture through the vents so condensation does not form.
In some cases, the position of the exhaust fan may change as well. You may install higher vent hoods to give the moisture a little extra time to dissipate and not enter the fan when everything is so dense.
3. Buzzing & Grinding
Exhaust fans can make a lot of noise, but the consistent hum process is normal for the fans. The two sounds you don't want to hear or loud buzzing and grinding noises. Both noises are almost always coming from the fan motor and are the fan's biggest way of indicating a problem has occurred.
In short, the sounds likely mean a repair is needed. The motor could be jammed, overheated, or just run its course after years of use. You should turn off the fans and contact HVAC technicians to diagnose the problem and help with repairs.
4. Start-Up Process
When you first turn on the exhaust fans, pay attention to the process. One of the earliest signs of a mechanical issue is if your fan is slow to start. The fan may eventually turn to full power, but slow movements could mean the motor is running into issues.
You may notice the fans goes full speed, slows down a little bit, and builds up momentum again. The cycle may continue for several seconds until the fan fully powers up. The power issues may escalate over time until one day the fan just ceases to operate. The kitchen is typically quieter as you prepare to open the restaurant so you can notice the process a lot easier.
For more information on restaurant HVAC repair and maintenance, contact us at Hawkins Commercial Appliance Service Inc.
We have years of experience and can provide you with professional treatment and care as
you keep your kitchen operating smoothly.
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