For restaurants in Miami-Dade, the kitchen exhaust system is one of the most important — and most regulated — parts of a build-out. It affects safety, comfort, inspections and even whether your dining room stays cool. Here’s what restaurant owners should understand before opening or renovating.
Why exhaust matters
Commercial cooking produces heat, smoke, grease and moisture. Exhaust hoods capture these at the source and move them outside through ductwork and an exhaust fan. Without proper exhaust, kitchens become hot and unsafe, and contaminants spread into the rest of the building.
Types of kitchen hoods
- Type I hoods: used over equipment that produces grease and smoke, such as fryers, griddles and ranges. These have specific construction, duct and clearance requirements.
- Type II hoods: used over equipment that produces heat and steam without grease, such as some ovens and dishwashers.
Which hood you need depends on your equipment and menu — and is determined during design and permitting.
Don’t forget make-up air
Every cubic foot of air an exhaust hood removes has to be replaced. Without planned make-up air, the building is pulled into negative pressure, which can cause:
- Doors that are hard to open and slam shut
- Hot, humid outdoor air pulled in through gaps
- A dining room that never cools down
- Poor hood performance and smoke escaping into the kitchen
Make-up air needs to be designed together with the exhaust and the air conditioning. Learn more about our ventilation systems.
Coordination with other trades
A restaurant exhaust system touches several trades: the hood supplier, fire suppression contractor, roofer, electrician and general contractor. Clear coordination keeps the project on schedule and helps inspections go smoothly.
Tips for restaurant owners
- Finalize your cooking equipment list early — it drives the hood and exhaust design.
- Bring your HVAC contractor in during planning, not after the kitchen is designed.
- Budget for make-up air and its effect on air conditioning loads.
- Allow time for permits and inspections.
Bottom line
A properly designed exhaust and make-up air system keeps your kitchen safe, your dining room comfortable and your opening on schedule.
Talk to a Licensed Miami-Dade AC Contractor
Advanced Cooling Inc. has installed air conditioning, ductwork and ventilation systems across Miami-Dade County since 2002. We are a Florida Certified Air Conditioning Contractor (License CAC1821074) and focus on installation and replacement work for homeowners, business owners, property managers and general contractors.
Ready to plan your project? Call (305) 519-6560 or email [email protected], or fill out our online estimate form, to request an estimate, or learn more about our Exhaust Systems service.