Restaurant owners know the importance of maintaining their HVAC equipment. From ensuring guests have a comfortable place to dine to keeping kitchen air pollutants out of air vents, reliable heating and cooling networks are a top priority. These systems require professional installation and regular service from an HVAC contractor to ensure they’re working properly. Use the following guide to learn more about these heating and cooling networks. 

What You Need to Know About Restaurant HVAC Equipment

How Is It Different Than Other Systems?

Compared to traditional heating and cooling systems in residential homes, restaurant HVAC systems are more complex. Because food storage and preparation must meet federal, state, and local safety regulations, ample ventilation channels are required to maintain consistent temperatures and pollutant-free environments.

Before a professional HVAC contractor begins the installation process, they need to assess factors such as the size of the restaurant, kitchen, and refrigeration areas to determine how much air distribution capacity is needed. Because each building is different in size and layout, restaurant heating and cooling systems are not one-size-fits-all. Each network must be custom-designed and installed to fit exact building specifications. 

What Are Some Common Equipment Issues?

One of the main issues the system experiences is overheating or over-cooling. The dining room area where guests are seated may be too chilly, while the kitchen might lack proper ventilation. Restaurant HVAC equipment must have the capability to provide different temperature settings for various spaces.

If airflow reduction systems were not put in place during installation, a system’s fans would have to work harder than necessary, increasing heating and cooling bills. Malfunctioning kitchen hoods and exhaust systems can also trap dangerous air in the kitchen, which can make the air quality unbearable for employees. Smoke, food particles, and other air pollutants can make their way into air vents, impeding proper airflow. 

Why Is Regular Maintenance Important?

Having HVAC equipment inspected and maintained regularly helps ensure temperature settings in the kitchen and dining space are reliably comfortable, safe, and consistent. Not only will this make your employees happy and keep your food and inventory from spoiling, but customers will also enjoy their visits and will be more likely to return for another meal. Having an HVAC contractor conduct routine maintenance visits also catches minor issues before they become costly repairs.

Since 1968, Independence Mechanical in Cincinnati, OH, has provided top-quality HVAC equipment for restaurants and a variety of other industries. This family-owned firm has a team of NATE-certified technicians with extensive experience working on commercial heating and cooling systems. From superior installation to competitive pricing, you can count on their trusted maintenance plans to preserve your restaurant’s good air quality. No job is too small for this team of professionals. Call (859) 353-0401 for a free estimate, and visit their website for additional information.