Manhattan Restaurant Hood & Duct Repair NYC
Manhattan Restaurant Hood System Maintenance – Master Fire Keeps You Code-Compliant
At Master Fire, we specialize in hood and duct system maintenance for Manhattan restaurants, fast food kitchens, cafes, and commercial cooking operations. From grease-clogged filters to faulty fan motors and rooftop containment units, we inspect and service every component to keep your kitchen FDNY compliant, safe, and running efficiently. Whether you run a Michelin-starred bistro or a busy Midtown deli, we’ve got your back with S17-certified technicians and fast, reliable service.
🔧 1. Hood Filters (Baffle or Mesh)
Function: Trap grease and particulates before they enter the ductwork.
Maintenance Need: Must be cleaned weekly or more often, depending on cooking volume. Grease-clogged filters are a fire hazard and can cause airflow issues.
Red Flag: Visible buildup, warped or rusting filters.
🔧 2. Grease Ducts
Function: Carry exhaust from the hood to the outside.
Maintenance Need: Must be professionally cleaned at least quarterly under NFPA 96. In high-volume or solid-fuel kitchens, monthly or bi-monthly cleanings may be required.
Red Flag: Grease leaks, odors, poor exhaust performance, or visible drips near joints or access panels.
🔧 3. Exhaust Fan (Rooftop or Wall-Mount)
Function: Pulls smoke, heat, and vapors from the hood system out of the building.
Maintenance Need: Requires inspection for belt tension, bearing lubrication, motor condition, and vibration. Also check for bird screens and grease containment overflow.
Red Flag: Loud noises, shaking, reduced suction, or breaker trips.
🔧 4. Fan Belts & Motor
Function: Belts connect motor to fan blades.
Maintenance Need: Belts should be inspected monthly for cracks, wear, and tension. Motors need cleaning and may require lubrication.
Red Flag: Squealing sounds, uneven airflow, overheating motors.
🔧 5. Grease Containment System (Rooftop Units)
Function: Collects grease before it hits the roof.
Maintenance Need: Needs to be emptied and cleaned regularly to prevent overflow and roof damage.
Red Flag: Grease pooling on roof, clogged drains, foul odor.
🔧 6. Access Panels
Function: Allow access to interior ductwork for inspection and cleaning.
Maintenance Need: Must be kept sealed properly and easily accessible.
Red Flag: Missing screws, loose gaskets, difficulty reaching the panel.
🔧 7. Fire Suppression Nozzles & Lines
Function: Spray chemical agents to extinguish grease fires.
Maintenance Need: Must be cleaned regularly and professionally tested semi-annually. Nozzles should be free of obstructions.
Red Flag: Grease buildup, clogged nozzles, expired tags, or tampered links.
🔧 8. Makeup Air Unit (MAU)
Function: Introduces fresh air to replace exhausted air, maintaining proper air balance.
Maintenance Need: Check for filter changes, fan function, and proper airflow.
Red Flag: Pressure imbalance, door slamming, or HVAC complaints.
🛠️ Summary
Neglecting any part of your kitchen hood and duct system puts your staff, customers, and business license at risk. Scheduling routine inspections, cleanings, and preventive maintenance with a certified provider like Master Fire keeps your system up to code and your kitchen operating safely.
Don't forget to check out our YOUTUBE CHANNEL for lots of helpful videos on the commercial kitchen topics that matter most to you as well as our RECENT JOBS BLOG.
So when it comes time to service your exhaust ventilation system and swap out the filters, call the Restaurants Exhaust System Pros at (718) 828-6111.