Hood Filter Exchange Service
Why is Filter Cleaning Important?
Hood Filter Exchange Service has proven to bring substaintial cost savings to restaurant owners every year on labor and exhaust fan maintenance expenses. Every year, restaurants and commercial kitchens spend thousands of dollars in payroll, cleaning and maintaining hood filters in their kitchen exhaust systems.
The Benefits of Clean Hood Filters:
- Increased air flow in your kitchen
- Compliance with NFPA 96 Fire Code
- Reduced wear on you kitchen exhaust fan
- Cooler kitchen for your employees
Unfortunately, without the proper equipment on-site at your restaurant location to clean your hood filters, it is very difficult for your employee to thoroughly remove the grease build up necessary from your hood filters to keep your system running at optimal performance. This makes your location a great candidate for a hood filter exchange service.
Who Governs when and how your filters should be cleaned?
NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 96, which governs the national fire code for all commercial kitchens and restaurants, states in section 12.6.2 that Hoods, grease removal devices….shall be cleaned to remove combustible contaminants prior to surfaces becoming heavily contaminated with grease or oily sludge.
The EPA and the Clean Water Act, Section 304 (a)(4) and 44FR44501, make it illegal across the country to dump grease in down any drain and storm water run off drains without proper capture of said grease. Storm drains, in particular all feed into streams, rivers, lakes and oceans. Penalties for said violations start 1 year of jail time and/or $2,500 – $25,000 per day and can go as high as 6 years of jail time and/or $100,000 per day.
These penalties are applicable to both restaurant owners and service providers who perform services for said restaurant owners. Utilizing a hood filter exchange service, eliminates the risk of said penalties.
Should we allow our hood filters to be cleaned outside by pressure washing them?
The short answer is, NO, absolutely not. Even past the EPA regulations and risk of fines mentioned above, there are several additional reasons this is not a good idea. Filters are designed to be the first line of defense in your commercial kitchen exhaust system. It is estimated by major hood manufacturers that hood filters will capture anywhere from 30-90% of the grease vapors and particles before they enter into the duct work of your exhaust system.
Why you shouldn’t clean hood filters behind your restaurant:
- Risk of Fines from local municipalities including EPA
- Only cleans the surface of the hood filters leaving grease in the baffles you can’t see
- Increase strain on your exhaust fan motor, decreasing longevity of motor.
- Pressure washing filters will only remove 25-40% of grease
- Reduces air flow in your kitchen
Why use a hood filter exchange service?
A hood filter exchange service offers many benefits to you as a restaurant owner and manager. NFPA 96, Section 12.6.1.1.1 states that hoods, grease removal devices (filters)….shall be cleaned to remove combustible contaminants to a minimum of 50 microns (.002 in.) in order to stay compliant with fire code.
Benefits of hood filter exchange service:
- Stay compliant with national and local fire code.
- Increased air flow in your kitchen.
- 99% of grease removed from your hood filters.
- Eliminate risk of fines from EPA for illegal grease dumping and run off. Illegal in all cities and states across the country.
- Save time and money in labor expense that does not properly clean your filters.
Small sample of Who we serve…
About US
We service thousands of kitchens in the Greater Austin and San Antonio area of Texas. Bowmar Industrial Services is your local Greasebusters Dealership. Our cleaning technicians are certified USAKE Specialists and stand behind our company values to ensure our clients are delivered the highest quality service they would expect
CONNECT WITH US