Kitchen Exhaust Fans
Kitchen Exhaust Fans | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Rockford
Rockford homeowners and restaurateurs turn to HEP when they want their kitchens to smell fresh, their living rooms to feel perfectly temperate, and every breath to be reassuringly clean. Our team designs, installs, and maintains whisper-quiet exhaust fans that pull grease and smoke out of the air before it can settle on your countertops—or your lungs. Paired with precision-tuned heating and air-conditioning systems, these fans keep humidity in check, protect your equipment from heat damage, and help lower utility bills all year long.
Behind every service call is our obsession with ventilation and air quality. From high-capacity hoods above commercial ranges to energy-efficient make-up air units in family homes, we engineer airflow solutions that meet local codes while exceeding your expectations. Count on HEP for prompt scheduling, transparent pricing, and technicians who leave your space cleaner than they found it—so the only thing you notice is a fresh, comfortable environment that lets you cook, dine, and breathe with confidence.
FAQs
Why is proper kitchen exhaust ventilation especially important in Rockford homes and restaurants?
Rockford experiences humid summers, cold winters, and year-round temperature swings that keep windows closed much of the time. Without a correctly sized exhaust hood and fan, moisture, grease vapors, smoke, and odors become trapped indoors, leading to lingering smells, slippery surfaces, mold growth, and poor indoor air quality. A dedicated kitchen exhaust system pulls contaminants outside while balancing replacement (make-up) air so your heating and cooling equipment can maintain comfort and efficiency.
How do I determine the right size kitchen exhaust fan and make-up air unit for my space?
Sizing starts with the cooktop or appliance type, hood style, and duct length. For homes, the accepted rule of thumb is 100–150 CFM per linear foot of hood. In commercial kitchens, Illinois Mechanical Code requires minimum capture velocities based on appliance category (light-, medium-, or heavy-duty). After calculating exhaust CFM, we size a tempered make-up air unit to supply roughly 90–100 % of that airflow so your HVAC system isn’t starved for air. Our technicians perform an on-site assessment and use ACCA Manual D and SMACNA standards to ensure correct duct diameter, static pressure, and fan motor selection.
Are there local codes or permits required for kitchen exhaust fan installation in Rockford?
Yes. The City of Rockford follows the Illinois Mechanical Code with local amendments. Permits are required for new installations, hood replacements, and any duct or gas-line modifications. Commercial kitchens must comply with NFPA 96 fire-suppression guidelines, grease duct construction standards, and rooftop fan service clearance rules. Our company handles the permit application, schedules inspections, and provides stamped drawings when needed so your project passes on the first try.
Can upgrading my exhaust and ventilation system improve overall indoor air quality and energy bills?
Absolutely. High-efficiency ECM exhaust fans use up to 70 % less electricity than older PSC motors. When paired with variable-speed make-up air and energy-recovery ventilation (ERV), you remove pollutants while capturing up to 80 % of outgoing heat in winter or cooling energy in summer. Cleaner air reduces allergy and asthma triggers, and balanced airflow prevents negative pressure that can pull outdoor allergens or combustion gases back into the building.
How often should my kitchen exhaust and HVAC ventilation components be cleaned or serviced?
Residential range hoods should have filters washed every 1–3 months and the fan/duct inspected annually. Commercial kitchens in Rockford must follow NFPA 96 cleaning intervals: quarterly for high-volume (e.g., fryers, char-broilers), semi-annually for moderate volume, and annually for low-volume or seasonal operations. Rooftop fans, make-up air units, and ERVs need belt, bearing, and filter checks twice a year—ideally at the start of heating and cooling seasons.
What does a professional kitchen exhaust fan installation involve, and how long does it take?
For a typical residential retrofit we: 1. Conduct airflow calculations and site measurements. 2. Install or modify ductwork using 26-ga galvanized steel with smooth interior joints. 3. Mount the hood, fan, and back-draft damper; seal with high-temp mastic. 4. Provide dedicated electrical wiring and a code-compliant disconnect. 5. Test CFM, static pressure, and verify make-up air balance. Most home projects finish in one day. A commercial hood system can take 2–5 days depending on roof penetrations, fire-suppression tie-ins, and curb fabrication. We finish with a full performance report and owner training on filter cleaning and safe operation.