What a kitchen extraction system upgrade involves
Kitchens change faster than their extraction. A new menu adds a chargrill, two more fryers appear, a combination oven replaces a range — and a system designed around the old layout is being asked to do a job it was never sized for. An upgrade targets the parts that are holding the system back and keeps the parts that still work.
We start with a performance survey. We measure the airflow at the canopy and compare it with what your current appliance line-up needs under DW/172, then check fan duty, duct velocity, make-up air, filter type and the condition of the ductwork, and record any noise or odour problems. You receive a written report with the findings in priority order: what is essential for safety and compliance, what will improve performance, and what will save energy.
Typical upgrades include replacing mesh filters with baffle grease filters, which DW/172 requires as the primary filter; extending or replacing canopies to restore overhang; increasing fan duty; adding or correcting make-up air; installing electrostatic, carbon or UV odour control; fitting attenuators and anti-vibration mounts; raising discharge terminals; adding duct access panels; and upgrading the fire rating of ductwork.
Energy is often the easiest win. Demand-controlled ventilation uses temperature and optical sensors in the canopy to slow the fans when cooking is light and ramp them up when it is not. On a kitchen running twelve to sixteen hours a day, combined with EC fans, the reduction in fan energy and in heated air thrown away is substantial.
When does a kitchen extraction system need upgrading?
When appliances have been added or changed — solid-fuel equipment such as charcoal grills and wood-fired ovens in particular, which DW/172 treats as a special case and which often need a dedicated system. When an environmental health officer, landlord or insurer has raised a concern. When neighbours are complaining about odour or noise. At a change of tenancy or a refit. And whenever smoke is visibly escaping the canopy or the kitchen is too hot to work in.
If a survey shows the system is beyond economical improvement, we will say so and price a complete replacement for comparison.