Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. Why is kitchen exhaust hood cleaning important?
Regular cleaning removes grease buildup, reduces fire hazards, improves air quality, and ensures compliance with NFPA 96 and local health codes.

2. How often should my kitchen hood be cleaned?
Cleaning frequency depends on usage:

Monthly: High-volume cooking (fast food, 24/7 operations).
Quarterly: Moderate-volume cooking (casual dining, hotel kitchens).
Semi-Annually: Low-volume cooking (church kitchens, seasonal businesses).
Annually: Very low use (residential-style cooking in commercial settings).

3. What happens if I don’t clean my exhaust hood system?
Failure to clean can lead to grease fires, poor ventilation, foul odors, and health code violations that may result in fines or shutdowns.

Cleaning Process & Services

4. What does your kitchen exhaust hood cleaning service include?
We clean all components, including hoods, fans, filters, ducts, and exhaust vents, ensuring compliance with NFPA 96 standards.

5. How long does a typical cleaning take?
The duration varies based on system size and grease buildup but typically takes 2-4 hours for a standard commercial kitchen.

6. Will my kitchen need to shut down for the cleaning?
Yes, cleaning is typically done after business hours or during downtime to avoid disruptions.

7. Do you provide certification after cleaning?
Yes, we provide a comprehensive Job Service Report and place compliance stickers on the hood, proving the system has been cleaned per NFPA 96 standards.

Compliance & Safety

8. How do I know if my kitchen is NFPA 96 compliant?
Regular inspections, proper cleaning frequency, access panels, and up-to-date documentation ensure compliance. We can conduct an inspection to verify compliance.

9. Do I need access panels in my ductwork for NFPA 96 compliance?
Yes, if the ductwork is not easily accessible, access panels allow thorough cleaning inside the ducts. If they are missing, we can install them as required.

10. Do you offer emergency cleaning services due to a fire hazard or inspection failure?

We offer emergency cleaning services to get your system up to code quickly and prevent further risks.

Pricing & Scheduling

11. How much does kitchen exhaust hood cleaning cost?
Pricing depends on factors like system size, grease buildup, and cleaning frequency. Contact us for a free quote based on your specific needs.

12. How do I schedule a cleaning?
You can schedule a cleaning by calling us, filling out our online form, or emailing us. We offer flexible scheduling, including after-hours and weekends.

13. Do you offer service contracts?
Yes! We provide customized service plans to keep your kitchen compliant with automatic scheduling based on your required cleaning frequency.

Equipment & Cleaning Methods

14. What cleaning methods do you use?
We use a combination of power washing, steam cleaning, and industrial degreasers to remove grease and buildup from your hood, ducts, and fans.

15. Do you clean rooftop exhaust fans?
Yes, we inspect and clean rooftop fans, ensuring they operate efficiently and are free from excessive grease buildup.

Health & Safety Compliance

16. Can hood cleaning help improve my kitchen’s air quality?
Yes! Regular cleaning improves airflow, reduces smoke and odors, and helps your ventilation system function efficiently.

17. What are common fire hazards in an uncleaned kitchen exhaust system?

Grease buildup in ducts and fans
Clogged or dirty filters
Blocked exhaust vents
Malfunctioning exhaust fans

18. Will my insurance cover fire damage if my exhaust system isn’t cleaned regularly?
Most insurance policies require compliance with NFPA 96. Failure to clean your exhaust system could result in denied claims for fire-related damages.

Post-Cleaning & Follow-Up

19. What should I do after a cleaning service?
We’ll provide a full inspection report. You should regularly check filters and schedule routine maintenance to keep your system in top condition.

20. How can I tell if my previous cleaning company did a thorough job?
Signs of a poor cleaning job include:

Visible grease residue inside the hood or ducts
No compliance sticker or documentation
Strong grease odors remaining after cleaning
Only visible parts of the hood cleaned, leaving ducts and fans untouched

21. Do you provide before-and-after photos?
Yes! We take photos before and after cleaning so you can see the difference and verify the work was done correctly.

Emergency Services & Additional Offerings

24. Do you offer hood system repairs?
Yes, we install access panels to ensure your system runs safely and efficiently.

25. Do you offer grease containment solutions for rooftop fans?
Yes, we install and maintain grease containment systems to prevent grease from leaking onto rooftops and causing fire hazards.