Unlike residential HVAC units, systems installed in restaurants are under a higher degree of scrutiny since they’re used by a larger quantity and variety of people. Work with your HVAC contractor to ensure your system meets both your staff and clientele’s needs while maintaining an affordable, comfortable environment for your diner. Here are three key areas that’ll guarantee your patrons are happy, and the restaurant operates smoothly.

Essential Restaurant HVAC Features

1. Efficient Make-up Air Systems

Commercial kitchen ventilation requires two simultaneous cycles: the exhaust and the make-up air system. The exhaust vents air produced from the kitchen outside of the restaurant, while the make-up air system intakes, conditions, and freshly filters that air back into the building.

This exchange must be balanced, or the system will produce negative air pressure and backdrafts. Problems with the pressure will make doors hard to open, and strong drafts prevent carbon monoxide and dangerous volatile organic compounds ((VOCs), e.g., gasoline and adhesive fumes)) from being properly vented.

2. Consistent Cooling Throughout the Building

Cooling is essential to keep your diners comfortable and happy, but it’s also vital in maintaining a bearable and clean kitchen. Between ovens, ranges, and dishwashing areas, heat and humidity escalate quickly in the kitchen.

Without consistent cooling, energy costs will spike, and both kitchen equipment and staff will overheat. When first installing an HVAC unit, work with your contractor to ensure optimal duct size and positioning are designed into the system. Also, make sure you choose a blower unit that’s strong enough to provide sufficient airflow.

3. Dining Area Air Quality

Having a balanced make-up system and consistent cooling is a great start; however, dining experiences are quickly tarnished by poor air quality from lousy circulation patterns and improper exhaust placement. Make sure your HVAC contractor is well versed in the restaurant’s internal layout, so the air quality is perfect for your crew and the patrons.

The addition of hallways, windows, and doorways after the restaurant’s initial construction will alter airflow patterns, which allows the kitchen’s exhaust air to escape into the dining area. Range stove vents will expel air toward the dining area, and overwhelm your guests with obnoxious odors and gases.

When you need an HVAC contractor extensive experience and an excellent track record, check out Bill’s Sales & Service. Since 1973, they’ve provided fast, reliable service and courteous, professional HVAC installations to customers in the Branson, MO Tri Lakes Region.  Along with Restaurant ventilation, their experts also install and repair furnaces, ice machines, and refrigeration equipment. Check out their website or speak to one of their experts today by calling (417) 334-4486.