Almost every kitchen in the world, be it commercial or residential, has one thing in common. It is the kitchen exhaust fan. Of course, it can be daunting to cook food in a clean and hassle-free environment.
However, when it comes to house upkeep, it is the kitchen exhaust fan that is often overlooked. Its frequent use collects dust and dirt particles over time, causing damage or faulty operation.
Furthermore, disregarding maintenance can lead to the need for replacement. As a result, expenses will rise. Thus, regular cleaning and preventative maintenance are essential for extending the life of the kitchen exhaust fan. Aside from durability, a well-maintained exhaust system makes the home safer, the cooking atmosphere cleaner, and the system more energy-efficient.
So, to ensure that your kitchen exhaust fan lasts as long as possible, let us share some cleaning and maintenance suggestions with you.
How to Increase the Life of Kitchen Exhaust Fan
Motor and Fan Lubrication is Essential
Maintaining the fan shaft, bearing, and motor is critical if you want to keep your commercial kitchen exhaust fan running smoothly. How? The answer is lubrication.
The friction created by the fan shaft on the bearing housings generates a lot of heat, which causes a fire. This will not only shorten the life of the exhaust fan, but it may also harm the establishment or persons nearby.
Hence, make sure to damper the bearings and linkages. Furthermore, lubricate fan, motor, and valve stems. All this will help to resist the life of the kitchen fan and its other components to a greater extent.
Operate Fans Efficiently
Exhaust fans are a must for kitchen ventilation purposes. Especially if your kitchen lacks a range hood. There is a wide range of kitchen window fans available. However, having the right one in the right place is the key to both fresh kitchen air and the longevity of the fan. So, if you have a window kitchen fan, ensure it is positioned rightly. The blade position must be capable of blowing the fresh air in the room while eliminating the cooking odors.
In the case of an oscillating fan, ensure it features the air purification benefits. Only then it would be possible to keep the air better and allergens away. All in all, if the fans are placed in the right position and maintained then longevity is no concern.
Regular Inspection of Fan Blades
The exhaust system must run as smoothly as possible. Ensure that the blades are in good condition, balanced, and properly positioned. However, the chances are that the kitchen exhaust fans will start to fail over time.
The fan blade bearings are in the same boat. They must be well lubricated, and the fan belts must be properly adjusted. Analyze the fan exteriors once you’ve completed all of this. This is because exteriors are more susceptible to dust and filth.
Ensure Fan Blades Are Balanced
Excess vibration can be the reason for poorly balanced kitchen exhaust fan blades. As a result, the entire rooftop shakes, causing bolts, nuts, screws, and other parts to loosen. It lowers fan efficiency and risks the security of the rooftop where the exhaust system is installed.
This necessitates regular fan inspection. Examine to see if there are any excessive vibrations. Ensure that all grease or dirt has been removed. This is because even a small amount of grease on fans can cause issues.
Also, check the assembly of fan blades from time to time as well.
Create a Kitchen Maintenance Plan
If you’re nervous about your commercial kitchen, you’ll need a solid plan in place. Cleanliness requirements and methods must be written down and followed consistently by employees. They must also follow cleaning instructions because if they do not, complications other than health code breaches may arise. They must understand how kitchen exhaust fan cleaning works and when it is necessary.
Overall, provide them with a detailed maintenance task list to keep the kitchen and appliances in good working order.
Keep Exhaust Fan Exteriors at a Check
Kitchen exhaust fans positioned on roofs are, without a doubt, subject to a variety of harsh weather conditions. Snow, winds, cold, rain, extreme heat, and more are all part of it.
As a result, it’s critical to keep an eye on the equipment’s exteriors. Examine for evidence of corrosion, degradation, or leaks. You must also inspect the fan for any damage caused by flying elements. Although it may appear little, replacing or repairing loose screws, damaged panels, or other defects can be beneficial.
Additional Tips
Grease filters are a part of kitchen exhaust fans. It keeps the vent pipes from becoming clogged. Some are washable, while others only require replacement. As a result, consult the manufacturer’s instructions to determine which parts of the fan can be cleaned of dust or filth. This is because cleaning grease from either the filter or the blade takes time and can compromise the functionality. Also, don’t forget to inspect the electrical components. Inspection of the electrical system should be done regularly. This will help in detecting any evidence of loose wires, shorting, or other potential problems.
In addition to cleaning exhaust fans regularly, appliance maintenance is also necessary to get the most out of them. Clean the filters every three months and perform a thorough cleaning once a year to achieve this. If you notice that the fan isn’t operating, contact a professional. They possess the right tools and knowledge in place for efficient cleaning of the exhaust fan.
Summing Up
Preventative maintenance is essential for maintaining the residential and commercial kitchen exhaust in good working order. As a result, implement all of these suggestions to enhance the air quality in your kitchen and lengthen the life of your exhaust system. Thus, reducing the need for repairs and replacements as well.
In case you see any need for replacement or repair, you can hire professionals for quality care. Also, the cleaning of the exhaust system must be done with the help of experts to ensure longevity and efficient functioning.
Hope you find this write-up helpful.
Thanks for Reading!!
