The typical approach to HVAC systems is simply inadequate forHere's why: Traditional HVAC systems introduce outdoor air, along with its undesirable temperature and humidity, into the kitchen through the make-up air unit. Then, the indoor air is conditioned for comfort and humidity by a separate heating and coolingConsidering the large volume of outside air that is needed to replace exhaust air in commercial kitchens, this two-step process is neither efficient nor effective. Trane has developed a A Better Approach to Kitchen Indoor Air Quality Total Kitchen HVAC Solution Total Kitchen HVAC® (TKHVAC) solution uses high-efficiency kitchen hoods with variable exhaust in combination with the Trane Total Outdoor Air Unit to provide superior kitchen conditions. conventional kitchen HVAC/MUA systems, the Total Kitchen HVAC solution uses up to 30 percent less electricity when cooling and up to 30 percent less gas when heating.

Kitchen hoods with variable exhaust controls run based on actual cooking loads, so they reduce wasteful energy use. Kitchen airflow is up to 49 percent lower, which reduces fan energy use and minimizes turbulence in the kitchen that can compromise exhaust hood performance. conditions permit, the kitchen climate is controlled by ventilationHeating or cooling automatically turns on when needed. Total Kitchen HVAC systems with the Trane Total Outdoor Air Unit replaces kitchen hood exhaust with outside air that is properly conditioned before it streams into the kitchen. The Trane Total Outdoor Air Unit (TOAU) This innovative Trane solution properly heats, cools and dehumidifies 100 percent of the outside air that is needed before itTOAU makes it easier to maintain a well-balanced HVAC system, so kitchen odors stay in the kitchen, drafts are minimized, and unwanted humidity is reduced. Trane Total Outdoor Air Unit alleviates the problems associated

with typical restaurant HVAC systems. window ac unit for horizontal windowIt produces cleaner, drier airwindow ac heater units reviews and more comfortable temperatures and uses less energy in the process.air conditioning units for a bedroom The Total Outdoor Air Unit and Total Kitchen HVAC system support Federal Leadership in High Performance and Sustainable Buildings objectives to optimize energy performance and improve indoor air quality. Trane Integrated Comfort System Variable speed exhaust hoods, Total Outdoor Air Units and HVAC control systems seamlessly integrate to create a Trane Integrated Comfort System that is highly sophisticated, yet easy to operate. Factory commissioning reduces on-site labor, speeds installation and

improves the accuracy of daily operation. Offering a proven project management process, pre-commissioned controls, simplified procurement and factory-tested comfort solutions, Trane National Accounts serves organizations across the U.S. National Accounts customers enjoy consistent results and priority service. Air conditioning keeps food and restaurant employees cool. Todd Warnock/Lifesize/Getty Images No matter how classy and upscale the restaurant, the kitchen can be a hot air trap, especially when the restaurant is in an old, poorly ventilated building. For food safety and equipment preservation, however, you must keep your restaurant kitchen cool to avoid health inspection problems. If your kitchen does not meet health department standards for any reason, including inadequate climate control, you could be forced to shut down. HVAC UnitRestaurant HVAC units provide temperatures necessary to keep the back of the house cool, and to control air quality and dust in the kitchen and customer areas of the facility.

"Successful Restaurant Design" authors Regina Baraban and Joseph Durocher indicate that air pressure points, established at the time of HVAC unit installation, prevent dust from entering the restaurant from the street and food smells from permeating throughout, in addition to keeping the kitchen cool. Keeping your restaurant kitchen cool by HVAC also permits you to hold food at safe food-handling temperatures longer. Air CurtainsAir curtains, also known as air doors, work well in regions with cooler climates or steady ocean breezes. The electronic devices are installed at entryways, activate automatically when kitchen doors open and provide a strong, steady flow of air blowing outwards. The air forms a shield in the door opening that keeps flying insects, mainly flies, from entering your kitchen. Air curtains allow you to prop open restaurant kitchen doors and let in cool air, although the devices are nosy and can be annoying if left activated for extended periods of time. ScreensScreens also let you open kitchen doors and windows to keep cool.

However, some restaurant managers are hesitant about opening doors and windows for ventilation, because it creates an opportunity for pests to enter the facility. The National Restaurant Association recommends using 16 mesh per square inch screening to keep out insects. Door and window frames should be properly installed with no cracks or openings to keep out crawling pests such as roaches and rodents. ConsiderationsHire a commercial kitchen design expert if you are planning to build or renovate a restaurant kitchen. Such specialists are well versed in local building code and health department regulations. Although their services may be costly, having your restaurant kitchen correctly designed the first time could keep you from spending extra money to fix shoddy, non-regulation upgrades and from losing money as a result of a negative health department report. References ServSafe Coursebook, Fifth Edition; National Restaurant AssociationSuccessful Restaurant Design; Regina S. Baraban and Joseph F. Durocher Photo Credits Todd Warnock/Lifesize/Getty Images Suggest an Article Correction