Posts Tagged ‘HVAC’

restaurant air duct cleaning | APS-HOODS | Denver Colorado

Top Tips for Commercial Air Duct Cleaning by Ventilation Cleaning Experts in Denver, Colorado.

Air duct cleaning is important for commercial businesses of all types. Whether you have a bookstore, a pet supply store, a restaurant, or a dental clinic, your vents likely need cleaning. When is the last time you had the proper work done?

Even if you keep a spotless establishment, even the cleanest commercial operations can end up with dirty vent ducts. 

Six reasons for keeping your air vents cleaned

Depending on the type of business you operate, you have at least six reasons for keeping your air vents cleaned. 

  1. Better Air Quality:

    Over time, commercial air ducts can become filthy and coated in dust. All that gunk can find its way into the air your staff and customers breathe. If you don’t put effort into keeping the air breathable, illnesses could result. Employees could call in sick and customers might stop coming. You might also get a nasty writeup from commercial reviewers or on customer review sites. A clean establishment is a customer draw and that requires squeaky clean ventilation ducts.

     
  2. Cleaner Environment:

    Not only could the air become contaminated with dirty ducts, but dust and grime can find its way on your store shelves. For restaurants, greasy air ducts can contaminate the food, leading to poor customer experience.

     
  3. Healthier Staff:

    Your staff show up daily and work hard to fulfill your business interests. Reward your staff by keeping all of your vents free of dust and debris. Otherwise, your staff can be forced to inhale contaminants like dust, spores, mold, and microbes on a regular basis, leaving them susceptible to illness and expensive time off. 

  4. Pleased Customers:

    Your customers won’t want to spend much time in your establishment if your air ducts are mucking up the air and throwing dust everywhere. Instead, customers prefer a pristine environment, and keeping sanitized air vents is an excellent first start.

     
  5. Reduced Costs:

    It is much easier to keep your commercial air ducts clean if you do a thorough cleaning on a regular basis. Soiled ducts also force your HVAC system to work overtime, putting a strain on the system leading to potential burnout and replacement. Your energy costs could also potentially skyrocket even though your environment never really gets comfortable. An efficient HVAC system keeps your costs low, and that’s where a clean air vent comes into play.

  6. Happy Health and Safety Inspector:

    If your commercial business gets regular visits by health and fire inspectors, you can avoid hefty fines and keep your business healthy and safe by keeping your air ducts squeaky clean.

Air Duct Cleaning 101

Now that you know the importance of duct cleaning, here is how to gain all the benefits of spotless ducts with a few well-placed tips. 

  1. Cover All Supply Registers:

    It is recommended that you clean the supply air registers, which are the openings that supply heat into the rooms, with paper towels before you begin the process of cleaning your vents. You can cover the vents by lifting the register and wrapping paper towel on top before replacing it.

     
  2. Turn on the Fan:

    It is best to keep the fan running while your vents are being cleaned. As you vacuum and brush away the dust, you want it moving along so that it can be collected easily. Set your thermostat to “fanon” and turn off the “heat/cool” mode so that only the fan runs. If your HVAC system doesn’t have a fan-only option, run the heat or install a new, more modern thermostat. 

  3. Change the Furnace Filter:

    Over time your filter can throw up a lot of dust and debris. Changing the filter ensures that your air ducts are kept clean while the system runs.

  4. Shop Vac the Air Ducts:

    Use a shop vac with a heavy-duty and decent hose to collect dust, dirt, rodent droppings, mold spores, and anything else that can collect inside commercial ventilation ductwork.

  5. Brush the Ducts Clean:

    Vacuuming the inside the ventilation ducts is only the first step. You should always follow up on the shop-vac work with a toilet brush or similar employment. A stiff-bristled paintbrush could also work for heavier duty debris that won’t readily vacuum away.

  6. Clean the Supply Registers:

    Now you can start sweeping the dust that has collected in the supply registers. Keep the vacuum running and the end of the hose pointed toward the register, then lift the register. The hose should catch any dust that is being pushed out by the fan. You can then sweep the dust and debris into the hose using the brush. Then, sweep out the return air registers, which are usually fastened in place with screws. Try to get as far back into the register piping or cavity as possible. 

  7. Shut Off the Fan:

    Once the registers are clean, shut the fan off at the thermostat and turn off the power to the furnace via the breaker switch panel. 

  8. Clean the Blower Compartment:

    Once the HVAC system is turned off, remove the panels on the front to access the blower compartment and return air boot. Using the shop-vac, sweep up the dust that has built up inside the blower, and return air boot. While you are at it, clean the furnace fan to ensure your system is free of dust that can then find its way into your clean air vents.

  9. Access the Main Ducts:

    There are likely duct compartments that cannot be accessed with a shop-vac hose and toilet brush. For those areas, you can remove the end caps from the rectangular ductwork to access the inside of the air vents. Slide the drives down the duct and pull the cap out of the slips. Use a flashlight to look inside the old ducts for dirty areas, but the majority of dust will be in the easily accessible areas and inside the HVAC unit.

  10. Clean the Basement Registers:

    If you have registers installed throughout your HVAC system to distribute air to the basement, you will want to remove and clean these registers as well. Use the same procedure you did for the upstairs registers. You will soon find that cleaning the basement registers has the added benefit of giving you further access to the main trunk line. 

Follow these steps regularly for air vents that are always clean for happier customers and staff and better savings. 

3 Expert Tips for Vent Cleaning by Air Duct Specialists 

1. Break Contaminants Loose

For a thorough job, you need to be able to locate the sources of any and all contaminations. For an accurate visual, use a flashlight and look for unusual spots along with the inner ductwork. Then, work these spots clean using vigorous hand-brushing and contact vacuuming. For stubborn contaminants, you can even use compressed air nozzles, which is how the experts clean stubborn air vents.

2. Collecting Contaminants

Each stroke of your brush or sweep of the shop-vac is likely to kick up dust and debris, sending them airborne. Professional ventilation duct cleaners use negative pressure by way of heavy-duty vacuums to prevent the spread of contaminants. Using room ionizers can usually remove airborne particles that may result from a proper vent duct cleaning.

3. Sanitize Ductwork with Antimicrobial Chemicals 

A good way to put a final seal of approval on your duct cleaning project is to apply an antimicrobial solution to keep mold and microbes from spreading. A good cleaner can also help to control odors, giving your environment a professional shine your customers are sure to love. Look for chemicals that are registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency or EPA. 

Is It Worth Hiring Air Duct Cleaning Companies?

Absolutely! Only a professional commercial air vent cleaning company will have the tools, know-how, and experience to ensure your business remains sanitized and protected. 

A company like Aps-Hoods, for example, will not only ensure the air ducts stay clean, but will also inspect and scrub the coils, drain pans, registers, grills, air plenums, blower motors, air filters, heat exchangers, and air cleaners. This allows the vent duct cleaners to potentially maintain and replace components as needed for clean and efficient airflow.

Average Price for Air Duct Cleaning

The price you can expect to pay for air duct cleaning can range between $400 and $1000, depending upon several factors. These figures come from studies by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). 

Your fees will depend upon the following factors. 

  • The size of your ductwork and type.

  • The level of contamination.

  • Accessibility of your vents and ductwork.

  • Number of crew members required.

  • Potential duct repairs.

     

Where to Find Air Duct Cleaning Near You

When looking for commercial vent hood cleaners, you have several to choose from, no matter where you operate your business across the country. Aps-Hoods, for instance, has locations in both Denver, Colorado. Both of those locations have several competitors each to contend with.

However, our customers continue to turn to us for proper ventilation cleaning because we possess the following qualities. 

Licensed:

Our duct cleaning technicians are all bonded, licensed, and insured by the state they operate in. If you are in Denver, you can ensure that your ventilation service will be conducted with the utmost skill and precision as mandated by the federal, state, and local regulations. 

Experienced:

Each of our technicians has vast experience cleaning all types of HVAC systems and ventilation ducts. We can get access to even the most hidden-away places to eradicate contaminants to keep your business healthy and safe. 

Professional:

Each of our technicians shows up in the appropriate company issued uniform and is prepared to demonstrate a solid work ethic until the duct cleaning job is complete. You can be assured a job well done, which means that your vent hoods will be free of dust, dirt, mold, and microbes after every cleaning, guaranteed. 

Affordable:

We provide all of our customers with fair pricing that is based on industry averages. We also work with manufacturers directly to deliver parts at a discount, in case any components are seen to malfunction during the vent cleaning process. Our goal is to help you maintain a clean and healthy environment for staff and customers while saving you in cleaning fees and energy costs. 

All-in-One Vent Hood Cleaners:

We can clean, maintain, and replace any components during the ventilation duct cleaning process. If fans aren’t working, wires are frayed, or we notice that your HVAC system is running inefficiently for any reason, we will sniff that reason out and provide you with affordable repairs for a clean and well-maintained business.

Free Estimates:

Our customers always know that there is no obligation when they call Aps-Hoods for commercial duct cleaning services. We show up to assess your system and offer free quotes for all work and no surprises, giving you all the information you need to make an educated decision when hiring our air duct specialists.

Call Now for a Free Estimate and Green Clean Duct Cleaning 

Whether you live in the greater Denver area, Aps-Hoods is your local leader in professional ventilation duct cleaning. We can assist you with any level of cleaning, even if your ducts have been left to fester for quite some time. We can help with all sizes of commercial operations and all industries, from retail and restaurants to industrial warehouses and office buildings. Your vents deserved to be cleaned by the experts. Call Aps-Hoods today for a free estimate and let us do the job for you when you want clean ducts and immense savings.

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    HVAC System: Summer is a Perfect Time for Adjusting by APS Hoods

    Image Source Denver, CO – While commercial kitchens always run hotter than dining areas, in the summertime–restaurant kitchens become can become hazardously hot. Furthermore, restaurant owners find that their energy bills–from cooling, fan use, and unbalanced air, etc.–increase dramatically. This ends up leeching resources from their profits. It also makes summer an ideal time to fine-tune and check your commercial kitchen HVAC system professionally. Here are some common problems that may be plaguing your restaurant in the warmer months:

    Call APS-Hoods for a free estimate on your Commercial Kitchen Hood Cleaning & Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning needs.

    Cool Air Is Pulled Out Through Exhaust Fan

    Is your air conditioning bill incredibly high, while your establishment always seems inadequately cool? What may be happening is that your cold, conditioned air is being circulated out of your exhaust hood due to a lack of make-up air. Instead of just doing its job of pulling gasses and hot air from above the stove, the exhaust hood can sometimes suck out the desirable air from inside your building. This often creates a vacuum effect in your entire restaurant, where it becomes difficult to open doors without them slamming you upon closing. The solution to this problem is as simple as installing a makeup-air unit. This kind of unit in your kitchen will generate much needed negative air pressure that will disallow unpleasant smells from flowing out into your general building, while also not letting your air-conditioned air to so easily escaping through the vents.

    Grease Filters Making Your Ventilation Ineffective

    Spring, and especially summer, tend to be the busiest and most profitable month for any restaurant. People are out and about on the town, looking for new eateries to discover.  This brings many more people to your establishment than during the harsher seasons of the year. However, the increased amount of cooking also results in clogged grease traps, which may need to be changed out more often than recommended. Clogged grease filters can cause your kitchen to overheat. Then, your air will become unclean, as a dirty filter cannot function at top capacity. This will cause both the kitchen and dining area to become smoky or otherwise unpleasant in odor. Moreover, your air conditioning bill will rise ever higher, while your exhaust fan will need to work harder to compensate for all these issues. This makes for employee health dangers, customer discomfort/dissatisfaction, and higher bills for you! It is easy for even the most disciplined restaurant crew to forget to monitor their grease filters, but it is necessary to keep tabs on the situation to maintain the optimal function of your HVAC system. It is smart to schedule routine filter changes throughout the Spring and Summer when business really picks up. Learn more about: Grease Management Tips for Restaurant Cleanliness & Fire Prevention For an air balancing test to determine whether your cold air is being cycled out of your establishment or, for grease filter service, call APS Hoods. We will help your restaurant to remain safe and help you to save money on energy bills. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Millionairium and Farazandeh are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

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      HVAC System
      Makeup Air, restaurant construction | APS-HOODS | Denver Colorado

      Makeup Air and The Importance in Commercial Kitchens | Denver, CO

      Image Source Denver, CO – The same exhaust fans that are keeping your commercial kitchen comfortable and protecting the area from overheating may also be creating air imbalance problems throughout your establishment. Because the size, design, door, and window placement of every building varies, the mechanism by which the atmosphere of your restaurant can best be corrected is most accurately established by an HVAC professional. They can provide what is called a Makeup Air service, which essentially replaces the air lost through hood fans with a special unit, which avoids some of the problems which present themselves when air from other areas of the home or building replace that lost air.

      Call APS-Hoods for a free estimate on your Commercial Kitchen Hood Cleaning & Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning needs.

      Negative Air Pressure

      If the exhaust fan was not installed/incorrectly installed, or simply, if the makeup air from the fans is not enough to replace the air exiting from the stove area, negative air pressure can occur. Negative air pressure creates a sort of vacuum in your space, where windows and doors can shut suddenly, dust particles can settle fast onto surfaces or food, and whistle-like noises can also persist when air is let out or into space. These are very undesirable conditions for a dining or cooking area because of hygiene reasons as well as the disruption of ambiance this can create.

      Draft-back

      With negative air pressure sucking everything back into your space, the gasses that are supposed to be going out from your chimney will actually come back in, creating a health hazard. This can set off carbon monoxide detectors and threaten the safety of your patrons and employees.

      Inefficiencies in Hoods

      The exhaust hood, unaided by the sufficient amount of make-up air, will–in turn–not be able to process the amount of air it was designed to handle. Over time, you will notice a buildup of grease and grime on your kitchen surfaces. Also, unpleasant cooking and other smells will seep into all the space pockets of your building, including the dining areas, where patrons are trying to enjoy their food!

      Higher Energy Expenditures

      Insufficient replacement air in your kitchen will encourage the air from outside to be absorbed inside. This ends up throwing the heating and cooling conditions out of balance when your heater or air conditioner tries to counteract the problem. Your establishment will probably run too hot or too cold at all times, causing freezing or condensation and never really achieving a comfortable state. You, as the restaurant owner will only get a higher energy bill and a big headache trying to figure a way to finally stop this air imbalance problem. However, the problem is one for the professionals with a good diagnostic system that needs to be applied in a customized manner to every restaurant space with the care each one deserves. For help with replacement Makeup Air in your Denver-area commercial kitchen, contact APS Hoods today. © 2018 Millionairium and Farazandeh. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Millionairium and Farazandeh are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

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        Fire Restaurant Safety Tips | APS-HOODS | Denver Colorado

        What you need to know about how to master fire prevention and fire safety restaurant

        Salt Lake City, UT – While restaurants bring a lot of people joy, the fact is they are highly dangerous places. The kitchen is the culprit. Hot equipment, flames, chemicals, and paper products increase the risks of fire significantly. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that thousands of establishments report fires every year to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. In other words, as a restaurant owner, a fire could cost you a significant amount of money and could cost you your business altogether. It’s not worth the risk, especially when there are ways to prevent restaurant fires. Here are the steps to take.

        Install a Fire-Suppression System

        A fire suppression system releases chemicals when it detects a fire. The chemicals suppress the flames, and the system automatically turns off the electrical supply.

        Keep Class K Extinguishers Within Arm’s Reach

        Place K Extinguishers near all areas where fires could start, such as near the stoves and ovens. ABC extinguishers are best for areas where paper, wood, and electrical fires could occur.

        Schedule Inspections Regularly

        Inspections ensure everything is in good working order and there are no fire risks. They should be conducted quarterly unless your restaurant is a high-volume operation. If your kitchen has wood or charcoal burning ovens, you should schedule monthly inspections.

        Train Your Staff

        Fire Restaurant Safety training for staff is important. All staff should have a refresher every six months. Training should include:
        • Fat removal method
        • How to deal with a grease fire
        • Clean the ashes method
        • Where to store flammable liquids
        • The importance of keeping areas tidy
        • An emergency plan

        Maintenance Is Important

        You should have all equipment maintained at least every six months. A Fire Restaurant Safety professional can check for any loose or frayed wires and broken switch plates. A report will identify any fire hazards you’ll need to take care of to pass inspection.

        Schedule Maintenance to Prevent Restaurant Fires

        Is it time for a maintenance and Fire Restaurant Safety inspection appointment? Contact APS-Hoods for professional cleaning, maintenance, and fire protection services. We can protect your business by ensuring your kitchen’s equipment and setup have a low risk of fire. Call us today at 800-750-7313 for a free quote.

        How to Master Fire Prevention in the Workplace

        Denver, CO – Each year, fires cause serious damage to property, sometimes even resulting in injury and death. One of the most effective strategies to protect a building against fire is for management to educate everyone on staff regarding methods of fire prevention and urge them to report any possible fire hazards so that the situation can be handled quickly and properly. Although workplace environments vary, there are some common fire hazards business owners need to be aware of; following are some examples and tips on how to reduce the risk of them causing a fire.

        Flammable Liquids and Vapors:

        This is more of a threat in some environments than others. Particularly at risk are factories and industrial warehouses where large amounts of vapors and flammable liquids are kept. Flammable liquids can ignite immediately when they come into contact with a flame or spark. To decrease the risk of a fire in these areas, always be sure that solvents and flammable liquids are correctly sealed – and if a spill does happen – be sure they are safely and properly cleaned immediately.

        Waste and Combustible Material:

        In many business offices, there is a buildup of trash, paper, and other flammable items that can easily catch fire. If these objects are not discarded on a regular basis, they can provide ample fuel for a dangerous blaze. Avoid stowing rubbish on site as much as possible, or make sure it is in an assigned area, away from main buildings and any possible sources of ignition.

        Overheating Objects:

        In some cases, electrical equipment and machinery warm up during use, providing the potential for a fire. Combustible materials should be kept away from heat sources and unplug any equipment that is not being used whenever possible. Never leave any machinery or electrical equipment turned on overnight unless it is necessary.

        Overloaded Sockets:

        This is a common cause of electrical fires, but it can be easily avoided. A fire can start if faulty extension cords are used or there are too many appliances plugged into the same socket. Use one plugin each socket only, and never use appliances that total more than 3,000 watts or 13amps across the entire socket.

        Faulty Equipment:

        These fires are one of the most common types that occur in the workplace. Encourage staff to be on the lookout for any signs of loose cables or damaged plugs and replace them immediately. All electrical equipment should be checked by an expert technician on a regular basis.

        Human Negligence:

        Unfortunately, one of the most common causes of fires in the workplace is human negligence. Even though the component of human mistakes cannot be completely removed, with proper training business owners can eliminate these errors by providing effective training and guidance for their staff.

        A clean workplace is a safe workplace. For all your commercial cleaning needs in the Denver areas, call APS-Hoods today at (800) 750-7313 to schedule a consultation, or request a free quote online.

        © 2017 Millionairium and Farazandeh. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Millionairium and Farazandeh are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

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