If you're not using a variable air volume hood, when your hood is running it is always at it's maximum CFM design capacity. Our system detects both smoke and heat, increasing the volume when it's needed, and reducing volumes when it's not needed. Most kitchen hoods require full exhaust performance for only a small percentage of the day. Varying the speed of the fan as your cooking loads change will save you money by reducing ventilation and air conditioning needs. For information on our green energy kitchens, contact us.

BENEFITS GO BEYOND ENERGY SAVINGS

Variable volume control can also mean:

A significantly quieter kitchen
Even relatively small decreases in speed can reduce the kitchen noise level. When the fans run at 80 percent speed, the air noise generated at the grease filters decreases more than 20 percent; when the fans run at 50 percent speed, air noise is virtually eliminated. The result: a more pleasant environment for employees and guests (when the hoods are located near customers).

Reduced HVAC Equipment Wear
Soft-starting the hood fans with a VFD extends belt life, and reducing the outside air load on the kitchen air-conditioning units reduces compressor run time and extends its life as well (this also can apply to refrigeration units inside the kitchen). In addition, reducing the make-up airflow decreases the rate at which the filters become dirty and need to be cleaned or replaced.

Decreased grease entrapment
Excessive fan speeds send grease up the duct, into the fan and out to the building roof— and, sometimes, even into the atmosphere. Slowing down the exhaust fans and reducing the air duct velocity allows the grease to drain back to the hood and into grease cups, where it can be easily disposed of, which reduces the frequency that the hood and ducts need to be cleaned. For information on our energy saving kitchen hood systems, contact us.