Frequently Asked Questions

Kitchen Exhaust System Terms

Hood.

A device containing a mechanical fan that hangs above the stove or cooktop in the kitchen. It removes airborne grease, combustion products, fumes, smoke, heat and steam from the air by evacuation of the air and filtration. If running right and well maintained by Bryan Exhaust Service, your kitchen hood is a key unit that helps keep your work area cool and clear as a spring breeze.

Ducts.

These are conduits or passages used in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) to deliver and remove air. Ducts are a part of keeping your kitchen working environment productively fresh for you and your team.

Exhaust Fan.

This is a fan designed to pull air out of a specific location and vent it outside to remove unwanted heat, smoke or other gasses. Your exhaust fan takes out the hot, greasy and particle-filled air so you’re not as hot as you create your cuisine.

Grease Filter.

Installed in the kitchen hood, these trap and remove grease particles present in the extracted air to prevent them from entering the ductwork and exhaust fan. When well cared for by your staff, grease filters can help your system keep your kitchen teams fresher longer between exhaust cleanings.

Fire Suppression System.

A system installed within the hood and ducts designed to extinguish fires by automatically dispensing a liquid chemical suppressant.

Airflow.

The volume of air moved by a fan in a specific amount of time, usually expressed in cubic feet per minute (CFM). With enough airflow, you don’t get too hot and keep your workers in more production conducive conditions.

Make-Up Air System Terms

Make-Up Air Unit (MUA).

A device used for replacing air that has been exhausted out of a building. These units can be used to heat, cool, dehumidify, or simply replace the air removed by the exhaust system. It’s all about maintaining safe and breezy environment for you and your employees.

Supply Fan.

This is the component in the MUA that forces fresh replacement air into the building. Supply fans “blow the breeze” that helps keep things ideal in the kitchen.

Air Balance.

A process for optimizing an HVAC system to ensure that the correct amount of air is being delivered in the right places. Air balance is crucial in a kitchen environment to prevent issues like cross-contamination of food, uncomfortable drafts and keeping the place fresh for most efficient work.

Direct Fired Make-Up Air Unit.

A type of MUA that heats incoming air using a gas burner directly in the air stream. Direct Fired MUA units are efficient but do not filter the incoming air.

Indirect Fired Make-Up Air Unit.

In this type of unit, the heating element (gas, electric, hot water, etc.) is separate from the airflow, allowing the incoming air to be filtered. Again, all in the name of an ideal kitchen environment.

Dampers.

These are adjustable plates located in ductwork that regulate airflow. They are typically used in zoning or balancing functions. Dampers can help keep the right areas fresh for maximum productivity.