Smoke vents systems are installed in our homes and buildings to act as an active fire protection measure. These are openings found on the rooftops and are intended to vent heat and smoke produced when there is a fire in the building because of buoyancy action. Such and similar vents are referred to as gravity vents.

The vents also prevent grease and steam vapours from staining the kitchen ceiling and walls, allows the low-level escape routes to be clear from smoke thus reducing damage that could be caused on the building by smoke. These systems have three main components, which are the exhaust fan, return air fan, and the ventilation hood. However, depending on the function of the vent hood, it can be categorised either as a steam hood or as grease hood.

It is a requirement by the insurance companies, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and health inspectors that all vents in restaurants be inspected properly at least two times a year. This is because they attract a lot of dust particles, greases vapour, smoke particles, and steam. Therefore, periodic cleaning of the heat and smoke vents prevents excessive accumulation of oils, dust, grease, and smoke. Typically, a dirty vent creates favorable conditions for bacterial growth while grease can move further to the fan chambers in the system thus causing damage to the air and exhaust fans.

How the system works

The exhaust fan removes the smoke, while the air fan allows fresh air to replace the smoky air being removed by the exhaust fan. On the other hand, the vent hood prevents the smoke from spreading or remaining in the building. In most cases, ductwork and dampers are integrated into the scheme too.

Tips on How to Clean Smoke Ventilations 

Essentially, you can either do it yourself if you have the required tools and equipment or hire professional services to do the cleaning for you. Nevertheless, it is important that you go through the instruction manual to understand all the special precautions and cleaning instructions before you commence the cleaning process. Below are some useful guidelines on cleaning vent hoods

1. Being an electric gadget, it is preferable that you switch the power to the smoke barrier off before you begin cleaning it. You can prepare a degreasing solution or purchase a degreaser. It is prepared by mixing equal portions of water and ammonia along with a degreasing dish washing liquid.

2. Remove the filters in the venting unit and place them in the degreasing solution. Let them soak for a while after which you can use a toothbrush or scrub brush to brush off the loosened grease and dirt. Next, wash the filters in warm water to remove the grease that may have accumulated, rinse them, and allow them to dry out before fixing them back to the system. Conversely, bear in mind that the charcoal filters cannot be washed therefore need to be replaced.

3. The exterior surface of the smoke vents can be cleaned with a mild detergent or regular kitchen degreasing agents using a damp cloth or sponge. Avoid spraying the solution in the exhaust fan motor or light fixture because it can cause the hot light bulb to disrupt or shatter the normal functioning of the entire system.

4. Finally, examine the vent that joins the system to the outside of the building and clean it properly in case it is clogged with grease and dirt.