What is a Pollution Control Unit (PCU)?

A PCU is a multi-stage air filtration system that removes grease, smoke, and odors from commercial kitchen exhaust.

When does a NYC restaurant need a PCU?

Restaurants in dense areas or buildings without proper roof venting often require PCUs for compliance.

How often should a PCU be serviced?

Filters should be inspected routinely, with media replacement based on usage and performance.

Can a clogged PCU cause odor complaints?

Yes. Saturated carbon filters and blocked grease filters reduce efficiency and increase odor discharge.

Does a PCU replace fire suppression?

No. A PCU works alongside fire suppression but does not replace required fire protection systems.

Pollution Control Unit Sales & Service NYC Restaurants

Turnkey PCU Installation, Maintenance & FDNY Compliance for Commercial Kitchens

Master Fire Mechanical — NYC’s trusted fire protection partner for 50+ years, specializing in pollution control units (PCUs), commercial kitchen exhaust systems, restaurant fire suppression, hood & duct fabrication, Ansul/Kidde/Pyrochem installs, FDNY testing & inspections, 3-RCNY compliance, and 24/7 emergency service. Serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island & Westchester. 1408 Seabury Ave, Bronx NY 10461 (718) 475-9443 | CommercialKitchenVentilationNY.com.

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NYC Restaurant Hood & Fire-Rated Grease Duct Enclosure 5

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Case Study: Manhattan Restaurant PCU Upgrade & Service A high-volume restaurant in Midtown Manhattan was facing repeated complaints about cooking odors and visible exhaust discharge. The building required a Pollution Control Unit (PCU) upgrade to meet DOB and DEP air quality expectations. The existing unit had clogged filters, saturated carbon cells, and worn UV components. Airflow was restricted, and grease vapor was bypassing filtration stages. Master Fire Mechanical provided: • Full PCU inspection and airflow diagnostics • Replacement of pre-filters and HEPA filtration media • Activated carbon cell replacement • UV lamp servicing • Fan and motor balancing • System performance testing After service, the system achieved proper static pressure balance and significantly reduced smoke and odor discharge. The restaurant maintained compliance while improving neighbor relations and indoor air quality.

Pollution Control Unit sales and service for NYC restaurants are essential when traditional exhaust systems are not enough to control smoke, grease vapor, and cooking odors. Many commercial kitchens in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx require a Pollution Control Unit (PCU) to meet building, DEP, and DOB air quality standards. A properly designed PCU system typically includes: • Multi-stage grease filtration • HEPA filtration • Activated carbon odor control • UV grease neutralization • High-powered exhaust fans Without regular service, even a high-end PCU can lose efficiency, create odor complaints, or fail inspection.

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Master Fire Pollution Control NYC Restaurants 84

Master Fire Pollution Control NYC Restaurants 85

What is a Pollution Control Unit (PCU)? A PCU is a multi-stage air filtration system designed to remove grease, smoke, and odors from commercial kitchen exhaust.
When does a NYC restaurant need a PCU? Restaurants in dense urban areas or buildings without direct roof venting often require PCUs for compliance.
How often should a PCU be serviced? Filter inspections should be routine, with carbon and HEPA replacement based on cooking volume and system performance.
Can a clogged PCU cause odor complaints? Yes. Saturated carbon filters and blocked pre-filters reduce filtration efficiency.
Does a PCU replace fire suppression? No. A PCU works alongside fire suppression and hood systems but does not replace them.

Master Fire Commercial Kitchen Ventilation Same Day NYC Restaurant Exhaust System Service Repair Installation Blower Fan Motor 1 Manhattan Brooklyn Bronx Queens Quote

PCU Component	Function	Common Issue	Service Action
Pre-Filters	Capture large grease particles	Grease saturation	Replacement
HEPA Filters	Remove fine particulates	Airflow restriction	Change-out
Carbon Cells	Neutralize odors	Odor breakthrough	Reactivation or Replace
UV Lamps	Break down grease vapor	Lamp degradation	Lamp replacement
Exhaust Fan	Maintain airflow	Imbalance or wear	Balancing & Repair

If your NYC restaurant needs a Pollution Control Unit installed, upgraded, or serviced, Master Fire Mechanical delivers complete PCU sales and service throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Call (646) 772-1244 to schedule a system evaluation today.

Master Fire Mechanical ofrece venta e instalación de Pollution Control Units (PCU) para restaurantes en NYC. Brindamos servicio, mantenimiento y reemplazo de filtros para cumplir con los requisitos de ventilación y control de olores.

No restaurant owner or property manager wants to gamble with FDNY inspections, fire safety violations, or system failures — and that’s why so many NYC businesses rely on Master Fire Mechanical, the trusted fire protection and commercial kitchen fire safety specialists serving New York City from Yonkers to the East Village, Greenwich Village, Midtown, Hells Kitchen & Midtown West and more.

We understand how stressful it can be to deal with failed inspections, violation notices, emergency shutdowns, and aging fire protection systems — especially when your business, staff, and customers are on the line. Our team works directly with restaurant owners, building managers, and contractors to correct issues quickly, document compliance properly, and keep systems operating safely.

From our Bronx-based operations, Master Fire Mechanical proudly serves all five NYC boroughs — including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island — providing fire suppression systems, hood & duct protection, exhaust system support, sprinkler coordination, inspections, testing, maintenance, and violations removal.

Whether you’re opening a new restaurant, upgrading an existing commercial kitchen, responding to a failed FDNY inspection, or taking over a previously closed space, Master Fire Mechanical is here to protect your operation and keep you compliant.

Stay informed and inspection-ready:
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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.