Food Business Management: Factors that can Damage your Commercial Extractor Fans

kitchen extractor fans

Anyone who is managing a food business (restaurants, fast food, etc.) understands the importance of having a well-functioning extraction system in place. This system maintains a healthy workplace and makes a potentially difficult environment much more bearable. Fumes, heat, greasy particles and offensive odors are removed as they should be. Extractor fans are here to help you, so it will be done. In such a way your staff can work in comfort and safety.

Inevitably though, such mechanical systems require maintenance and sometimes major repair. Being aware of the factors that can damage commercial extractor fans can help avoid damage and increase the lifespan of the equipment. As a manager or food business owner, you know that such equipment is vital to the day-to-day running of your restaurant.

Take note of the following factors:

Dirty and Blocked Filters

The major cause of damage to extractor fans is infrequent or inadequate cleaning. This neglect can lead to the build-up of greasy deposits that cause the fan to become unbalanced. This puts undue pressure on all the parts, especially bearings and shafts, and causes uneven and rapid wear. This damage is the easiest to prevent and there is actually strict regulation in place to ensure proper cleaning is something you take regularly.

As well as regular cleaning by staff, one must use certified cleaning services for regular maintenance. This cleaning you must document properly, even take a photo and to approve them on a regular basis. Failure to do so can create insurance issues. This can void coverage which could be disastrous in the event of the fire or serious damage.

Also, you can use a kitchen hood fire suppression system in order to be prepared for some unexpected risks. You can check the fire suppression system cost that are most appropriate for you.

Using non-genuine parts 

Many imported replacement parts are cheaply made. They may work for a short time, still, they generally fail much sooner than genuine high-quality parts. These may also pose fire risks and harm to staff by severely under-performing to the capacity the system is designed to function or by causing rapid and catastrophic failure. It is important to always use the best parts available to escape the frustration otherwise avoidable repairs entail. The old adage of ‘save now, pay later’ definitely applies. And if you’re the owner that always cuts corners then be aware that cutting corners is always a false economy.

Improper Installation of Extractor Fans

If you want to make sure that your restaurant’s equipment will be in good condition, it is crucial to rely on experts who are properly trained in commercial kitchen extractor fan repair in London that have impeccable qualifications and a wealth experience. Commercial extractor fans are complicated systems. They have a variety of elements that must be in balance and well integrated to work in harmony together. Components such as makeup air intakes, the diameter and length of ducting and the power and proportions of the fan motors, blades, belts and bearings must all be considered. Malfunctions are far more likely to happen when a system has been cobbled together.

Mismatched parts that may be too heavy for a smaller motor or too light for a more powerful motor, loose pulley shafts. Large fans with an inadequate air supply or a very small and weak fan installed into a larger ventilation system are common mistakes that amateur installers often make.

Ignoring obvious warning signs

Signs such as rattles, whines, clunks or obviously struggling fans you should note and attend to with great speed. If the extractions system seems to be under-performing and the kitchen gets hotter than it used to, this could be an early warning sign that something is wrong and needs repair.

Becoming aware of these common pitfalls will make them easier to avoid and ensure your commercial extraction fan serves your food business well into the future. As a manager or business owner, you need to observe proper planning, regular maintenance, and keen vigilance. By doing so, it will help minimize the expense of unnecessary repairs.