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Troubleshooting
Problem:
Exhaust fan is not operating or is not operating at design levels.
Is the fan receiving power?
Replace fuses, reset circuit breakers, check disconnect.
Is the belt loose or broken?
Replace or tighten belt.
Is the fan rotating in correct direction?
Have the electrician correctly wire the fan.
Is the make-up air operating?
Problems with make-up air may interfere with the exhaust fan -
check the manufacturers installation manual.
Does the airflow need to be increased?
Adjust or replace pulleys to increase fan RPM, install a larger motor.
Does the fan vibrate?
Clean the fan wheel/blade, replace fan wheel if damaged, check for
loose bolts, check for broken or damaged components, check for
rags and other foreign objects.
Problem:
Hood is full of smoke. There is smoke coming out of the edges of the hood.
Is the fan operating at design levels?
See exhaust fan troubleshooting section.
Is the fan correctly sized?
Refer to test and balance report, design specifications and fan
curves; have an electrician check the motor amperage; try removing
the filter temporarily to see if capture improves. (Make sure to
replace filter to prevent risk of fire!); switch to different filters with
lower static pressure.
Are the filters in good condition?
Clean filters, replace damaged filters, properly position filters.
Is there sufficient make-up air?
(Kitchen should be in a slight negative
but not excessive. Check to see if there
is a strong draft through an open door).
Check make-up air unit, increase make-up air, make-up air should be
evenly distributed throughout the kitchen.
Does the current cooking equipment
match the original design?
Adjust or replace fan to match the cooking equipment load.
Are there multiple hoods on one fan?
One hood may be over exhausting and the other hood not drawing
enough. Restrict second hood to help problem hood.
Are there closed dampers in the duct?
Open dampers.
Is the ductwork complex or to small?
Change to a higher static fan, modify the ductwork.
Is the ductwork obstructed?
Clear obstruction.
Is this a short circuit hood?
Turn off or reduce the amount of air supplied to short circuit.
Problem:
Smoke blows away before reaching the bottom of the hood.
Are there cooling fans directed at the
hood or cooking equipment?
Turn off or redirect fans.
Are there ceiling diffusers directing air at
the hood?
Move diffusers to more neutral area or replace with a diffuser that
directs air away from the hood.
Are there open windows or doors?
Close windows and doors.
Are there cross drafts or other drafts in
the kitchen?
Find source of the draft and eliminate, add side skirts to hood (test
with cardboard – use stainless for permanent side skirts); increase
the amount of overhang on the spillage side; add a 6 in. lip around
the base of the hood (test with cardboard – use stainless for
permanent side skirts); make-up air should be spread out evenly
through the kitchen.
Is the hood near a main walkway?
Add side skirts to hood (test with cardboard first); increase the
amount of overhang on spillage side.
