Elevating HVAC Performance in Commercial Kitchens with CaptiveAire Systems
- ETS
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
Discover how CaptiveAire systems are transforming commercial kitchen ventilation—improving air quality, energy efficiency, and safety for high-demand cooking environments.
When it comes to commercial kitchens, success hinges on more than just great food. Airflow, safety, energy efficiency, and comfort all play critical roles in a restaurant or facility's long-term performance.
At Engineered Temperature Solutions (ETS), we specialize in building smarter HVAC systems that elevate operational efficiency while keeping staff safe and comfortable.
One of our recent projects involved upgrading a client's commercial kitchen with a fully integrated CaptiveAire system—complete with fire safety enhancements, advanced ventilation components, and a fully balanced air system.
Here's how we made it happen, and how this kind of solution can transform your commercial kitchen as well.
The Clients Commercial Kitchen Challenge: Outdated Systems and Poor Airflow
Identifying the Issues
Our client was dealing with an outdated kitchen system that lacked the proper ventilation and make-up air (MUA) flow needed to maintain a safe and efficient workspace. Smoke and heat lingered in the space, while their existing exhaust setup struggled to keep up.
The Risks of Poor Ventilation
Without the right balance of air intake and exhaust, kitchens can quickly become fire hazards and health concerns. Poor air quality affects not just employees but also customers, increasing the risk of code violations, penalties, and even forced shutdowns.
The ETS Solution: An All-Inclusive System Upgrade
Installing Commercial Kitchen CaptiveAire Systems for Cleaner, Safer Airflow
To modernize the space, we equipped the kitchen with a state-of-the-art CaptiveAire system. Known for reliability and energy efficiency, CaptiveAire is an industry leader in commercial kitchen ventilation. This system ensures cleaner air, consistent temperature control, and superior compliance with local safety codes.
Building a Safer Environment
Safety is always our top priority. We installed a new firewall as a key fire safety feature, adding a crucial barrier to protect both employees and assets in the event of a fire. The newly installed hood captures smoke, grease, and heat more effectively than the outdated system it replaced.
Enhancing Functionality and Aesthetics
A new stainless steel backsplash wasn’t just a cosmetic improvement—it helps maintain cleanliness, prevents grease buildup, and adds a professional look. This simple addition has a big impact on long-term maintenance and sanitation.
Make-Up Air & Exhaust: Striking the Perfect Balance
The Importance of Make-Up Air (MUA)
One of the most overlooked aspects of commercial kitchen ventilation is make-up air—the fresh air brought in to replace what the exhaust removes. Without it, your kitchen may suffer from negative air pressure, drafts, and inefficient exhaust.
We installed an Outside Air Paragon unit capable of delivering both heated and cooled MUA, keeping the kitchen comfortable throughout the year regardless of the season. This ensures proper air balance while improving indoor air quality.
Dual Exhaust Fans for Superior Performance
We also added two high-efficiency exhaust fans to support the increased cooking load. These fans are designed to work in tandem with the MUA system, rapidly removing contaminated air without overloading the system.
Balancing the Hood System
Our final step was to balance the entire air system. This involved calibrating the MUA and exhaust fans to ensure the kitchen hood operates at peak efficiency. Proper balancing prevents backdrafts, reduces energy consumption, and creates a more comfortable work environment.
Why This Matters for Other Commercial Kitchens
Industry-Wide Relevance
Whether you operate a restaurant, a school cafeteria, a catering kitchen, or a food production facility, ventilation is non-negotiable. The same principles we applied to this project can benefit countless businesses across industries that rely on safe, efficient kitchens.
Business Benefits
Energy Efficiency: Balanced systems reduce HVAC strain, lowering energy bills.
Compliance: CaptiveAire Systems meet the most stringent fire and safety codes.
Employee Comfort: Better airflow makes for a more pleasant and productive work environment.
Customer Satisfaction: Cleaner commercial kitchens produce better food and better experiences.
The ETS Difference | We Don’t Just Install HVAC — We Engineer Solutions
Customized for Your Facility
At ETS, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Every system we install is customized to your facility’s size, function, and usage. We evaluate real-world factors like kitchen layout, heat load, and operational flow to engineer a system that actually works.
Future-Ready Solutions
Our designs are built to scale. As your commercial kitchen grows, your HVAC system won’t need an overhaul—just a strategic upgrade. Plus, our systems are easy to maintain and backed by our expert service team.
Ready to Upgrade Your Commercial Kitchen?
If you're facing ventilation challenges in your commercial kitchen, don't settle for quick fixes. Partner with ETS to create a long-term solution that improves performance, reduces risk, and makes your business better from the inside out.
Contact us today to schedule a free site assessment and see how a custom-engineered HVAC system can transform your operation.
Serving Columbus, OH and Surrounding Areas
Engineered Temperature Solutions is proud to serve businesses across Columbus, Ohio and neighboring regions. From restaurants to industrial kitchens, we engineer systems that work as hard as you do.
ETS: Engineered for Efficiency. Customized for Your Facility.
