UrgentDiagnostic guide
Kitchen hood not pulling smoke
When the hood gives up, the dining room finds out. The cause is usually balance — exhaust fan, make-up air, or a belt — not the hood itself.
01 / 04Likely causes
What is usually
behind it.
The shortlist of root causes we find on this call. The truck is stocked for most of these.
- 01Exhaust fan belt loose or broken
- 02Make-up air unit not interlocking with the hood
- 03Filters clogged with grease
- 04Roof curb damper stuck closed
- 05Building negative pressure pulling the door open
- 06Variable frequency drive faulted
02 / 04Right now
Do this while you wait.
Steps that can save product, prevent damage, and shorten the repair once we are on site.
Do this
- Reduce burner load if smoke is spilling into the kitchen
- Confirm the hood switch and MAU switch are both on
- Note any error codes on a VFD or controller
Do not do this
- Do not run the cook line if smoke detection has tripped
- Do not block make-up air openings
03 / 04On the truck
What our tech will check.
The diagnostic flow we run on this call. Most are resolved on the first visit.
- 01Test exhaust and make-up air balance
- 02Inspect belts, motors, and filters
- 03Verify MAU interlock with the hood
- 04Check VFDs, controllers, and dampers
Fast dispatch
Most calls see a tech in under two hours.
First-visit fix
Common parts on every truck.
Documented
Photos and notes attached to your ticket.
04 / 04Related service
This sits under
our hvac service.
Rooftop units, splits, make-up air, and exhaust hoods — kept balanced so the dining room is comfortable and the kitchen pulls air the way it should.
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Might also be one of these.
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