How should mechanical makeup air for commercial kitchen exhaust systems be controlled?

The correct approach to controlling mechanical makeup air for commercial kitchen exhaust systems is to have it automatically start with the exhaust system. This method ensures that as the exhaust fans are engaged to remove smoke, heat, and odors from the kitchen environment, an equivalent amount of makeup air is brought in simultaneously.

Automatic control provides several benefits: it maintains a balanced airflow within the kitchen, preventing negative pressure that could lead to backdrafts or the draw of unconditioned air from outside. Moreover, this system helps ensure that proper ventilation standards are met, enhancing safety and comfort for the kitchen staff.

All other methods lack these efficiency and safety measures. For instance, manual control can lead to inconsistencies depending on operator input, while continuously running makeup air might not be energy-efficient or necessary when the exhaust isn’t in operation. Independent control of makeup air, while possible, may lead to ventilation imbalances and is typically not ideal for the coordinated operation required in busy kitchen environments.