Maintaining a comfortable environment for patrons and a safe workplace for employees influences the success of your restaurant. If HVAC equipment is dirty or cooking stations aren’t properly ventilated, pollutants could waft through the restaurant, posing serious health risks to everyone inside. Taking a few steps to improve indoor air quality will prevent issues that jeopardize the success of your establishment.

3 Ways to Keep Air in Restaurants Clean

1. Have the Air Tested

From mold spores to formaldehyde, there could be several dangerous microorganisms and chemicals contaminating the air in your restaurant. Knowing what pollutants are inside your space will make it easier to determine what measures must be taken to improve indoor air quality. There are kits available where you can send air samples to laboratories for testing. Technicians will evaluate the results and let you know what volatile organic compounds or pollutants are detected in the air.

2. Update Ventilation Equipment

Once you have an idea of the current air quality, you’ll know what changes need to be made to how the building is ventilated. Cooking in the kitchen can be the source of many contaminants, as exhaust fumes and smoke contain harmful chemicals. Hoods and additional equipment should be sized to meet the demands of your kitchen. If equipment is too small to direct smoke and fumes away from the property, upgrade them. Mold thrives in humid conditions, so correct any problems with plumbing or refrigeration equipment that increase moisture levels in the building. 

3. Schedule Professional Maintenance

Pollen, dust, mold, and additional pollutants can get sucked into ductwork and other HVAC system components, recirculating in the kitchen and dining areas. Breathing in the allergens can make patrons sick, putting a damper on the dining experience. If employees are coughing, sneezing, and experiencing other symptoms, they can’t do their jobs properly. Having an HVAC technician regularly clean equipment, change clogged filters, and perform additional maintenance tasks will prevent these situations.

Condensation buildup on old cooling and refrigeration equipment can cause mold spores to grow and get sucked into the HVAC system. If your commercial-grade appliances are showing signs of wear, contact Dickerson's Commercial Refrigeration & HVAC. The company supplies restaurants throughout the greater Lexington, KY, area with efficient, safe, reliable refrigeration appliances and effective repair services. Visit the team online to learn more about their service guarantees, and call (859) 254-1436 to schedule an appointment.