Changing the filter in a commercial kitchen hood: When and how?
The extractor hood is an essential element to ensure the quality of air and food. And to keep it running at peak performance, an effective cleaning routine should include changing the filter in your commercial range hood on a regular basis.
Changing the kitchen hood filter, why is it important?
Filters are an integral part of a good ventilation system in the kitchen. They help maintain air quality and food safety. The air laden with grease and various odors is recovered by the filters. It is evacuated outside the building in the case of an extraction hood, and discharged inside in the case of a recycling hood using a carbon filter.
The consequences of a dirty cooker hood filter:
- It no longer collects odors, smoke and oil fumes
- Dirty air spreads everywhere in the room: walls, ceiling, floor, etc.
- The air is loaded with foul odors and becomes unhealthy
- Risk of engine overheating and fire
When should you change the filter in your commercial hood?
Most busy commercial kitchens need to replace exhaust hood filters every six to eight months. However, the frequency to change the filter of his hood depends on several factors, such as the amount of food cooked each day or the amount of grease, debris and heat to which he is exposed. How many meals do you serve each day? Are your services offered year-round? Do you cook fatty foods? Here are some questions to answer to determine the ideal frequency to change your filters.
In addition, there are different types of grease filters, each with a more or less long lifespan. Thus, some filters can be replaced after only two years. For example, stainless steel filters are more durable than aluminum or galvanized steel filters (baffle filters).
How do you know if a filter needs to be replaced?
Every time you clean your filters, inspect to see if it’s time to replace them. Look for corrosion, dents, small holes or other signs of deformation that may prevent the filter from fitting properly into the hood opening. If you notice this kind of damage on your filters, it’s time to change them.
How to change the filter of your kitchen hood?
Despite diligent maintenance, there always comes a time when the filters have reached the end of their useful life. Here is the procedure for changing the grease filter in your cooker hood.
To replace a metal grease filter…
Located under the hood, the metal filter is made of very tight mesh. It is sometimes provided with small edges used to insert it into the slots provided for this purpose. Once you are sure the hood is unplugged, begin by removing the filter using the small slide-in knobs. Remove it from its location, and insert a new filter.
To replace a carbon filter…
Sometimes hidden behind a box, the carbon filter is located on one side of the motor, behind the metal filter. If it is framed by a plastic frame, you will need a screwdriver to extract the screws. If the fixing is central, just turn it a quarter turn to dislodge the filter.
Need advice on changing the filter in your commercial hood or for general maintenance? Trust the Antiflamme Purafiltre team to ensure the optimal operation of your range hood!
References :
SOREL TRACY EXPRESS. Quand devrais-je changer les filtres de ma hotte de cuisine professionnelle? [When should I change the filters in my professional range hood?]
SOS ACCESSORIES. Changer le filtre d’une hotte aspirante. [Change the filter of an extractor hood.]
LE SOLEIL DE CHÂTEAUGUAY. Trois conseils pour l’entretien d’une hotte commerciale. [Three tips for maintaining a commercial range hood.]
