Don’t wait until it’s broken and your food service operation has to shut down.
” Learn more about how a little preventive maintenance can help ensure your rooftop ventilation system has a long life and remains fully functioning “
Benefits of Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance doesn’t have to take a lot of time. In just a few minutes, with little effort, you can help keep your system at peak performance. You’ll have peace of mind and save time and money by not having to deal with last minute emergencies.
A main benefit of preventive maintenance is extending the life of your equipment and its components. Routine check-ups help you avoid costly component change outs and can keep your exhaust fan from suffering an early burnout.
With proper maintenance your fan will be more energy efficient. This will save you money on operating costs. In fact, routine preventive maintenance of kitchen exhaust fan has been shown to result in energy savings of as much as 11%.
1. Inspect and Adjust Fan Belts
Routine visual inspection and adjustment of your commercial kitchen exhaust fan belt will ensure that it has the proper tension and that it is not slipping. Be careful not to over tighten fan belts as that can lead to bearing wear and eventually, the premature failure of bearings and other important components.
Fan belts don’t last forever so it’s also very important to look for any signs of deterioration and replace any cracked or brittle belts. If you notice a fan belt is riding low in the pulley during your inspection, you’ll probably need to change it.
2. Install a Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Fan Hinge
Repeatedly lifting a heavy roof mounted ventilator fan on and off the fan base can cause the fan to become bent or even broken where it attaches to the roof curb or the fan shroud. A simple but effective solution is the installation of an exhaust fan hinge kit.
The hinge kit allows fans to be tilted back safely instead of it having to be removed entirely. It can also help provide extra rigidity to the fan base. In addition to protecting your exhaust fan, it also protects your rooftop and your personnel. Plus, NFPA Fire Code and many state and local ordinances require hinge kits to be installed.
3. Inspect Your Electrical Wiring and Cords
Make sure that there is always plenty of extra slack in the electrical wiring to allow for the fan to be tilted back to the open position. Inspect the wiring and cords for any signs of deterioration or fraying. Confirm that there are no kinks in the cords and that all electrical connections are secure. Electrical cords and wiring should not be exposed to any hot surfaces, grease, or chemicals.
4. Check That the Fan Blades Are Balanced
When commercial kitchen exhaust fan blades are not well balanced, it can cause excess vibration. When this happens, it can cause the entire rooftop unit to shake, which can cause screws, bolts, and other parts to loosen. This reduces the fan’s efficiency and compromises the security of its attachment to the rooftop.
Routinely check your fan for any excess vibrations. If you start to notice any, make sure that the fan blades are completely clean on both sides. Check for any buildup and remove. Even a tiny bit of grease in the wrong place can upset the balance and cause problems. You should also routinely check the fan for any damage to the blade assembly, which can also cause an unbalance.
5. Keep Your Motor and Fan Lubricated
In order to keep your commercial kitchen exhaust fan in tip-top shape, you must keep the fan bearings, fan shaft and motor well lubricated.
Friction from the fan shaft spinning on the bearing housings can cause extreme heat that can even lead to fire. This kind of wear can cause so much damage to the fan intake or blades that your only course of action is to replace the entire unit.
Lubricate the motors, the fan and damper bearings, the valve stems, and the fan and damper linkages. This will greatly extend the life of the components as well as the fan.
6. Check the Seals On Motor Covers and Air Intakes
Don’t forget the importance of keeping fats, oils, and grease from entering the motor housing and air intakes. Do a quick check to confirm the seals on covers to avoid damage to the motor. While you’re at it, check for any other wear and tear on your commercial kitchen exhaust fan motor.
7. Inspect For Aged Vibration Isolators
Aged vibration isolators are a very common problem with commercial kitchen exhaust fans. These rubber connectors hold the framing section of the fan and act as a sort of shock absorber. As they age, they begin to dry out and break down. When this happens, you will likely notice an increase in fan vibrations and in extreme cases, a clanking noise.
Thankfully, vibration isolators are inexpensive and easy to replace. The key is catching the problem early. If you fail to replace the vibration isolators in time, the fan blades can get knocked off center, which can cause expensive damage to blades, bearing, and more.
8. Check the Exterior of Your Exhaust Fan
Roof mounted commercial kitchen exhaust fans are exposed to a lot of severe weather; high winds, snow, rain, extreme heat or cold. Always keep a close eye on the exterior of your equipment. Look for any leaks as well as any corrosion or deterioration.
Also check for any damage that may have occurred from any airborne items that may smashed into the fan. It may seem small, but replacing a rusted or damaged panel, roof curb, or tightening a loose screw could make a huge difference.
9. Do a Quick Recheck After Any Inspection, Maintenance, or Repairs
Even professionals can make mistakes. After any routine inspection, maintenance, or repairs are completed, check the equipment again.
Confirm that each screw, cable, cord, strap, and panel have been properly tightened, reinstalled, or reconnected. Also make sure that no debris, trash, or tools have been left on the rooftop. Anything that isn’t secured to the roof can become a wind blown hazard to your equipment.
10. Preventive Maintenance Protects Your Bottom Line
Preventive maintenance is an important part of keeping your business up and running. Following these 10 tips can help you improve the performance and safety of your commercial kitchen exhaust fan, extend the life of your restaurant ventilation system, and reduce the frequency of expensive repairs to your equipment.
Whether you need fan belts, replacement bearings, a new motor, or a new fan, you can count on HoodFilters.com for the best prices, great selection, and friendly customer service. Check out our full line of rooftop ventilation systems and accessories at www.HoodFilters.com or call 877.394.9731 to speak with a product specialist today!
