Every kitchen has one, at least, and every kitchen needs to maintain them. Here are a few tips for keeping a ventilation system in good working order.

• Have the hood professionally serviced on a regular basis. Service should include changing the belts: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Keep extra belts on hand. This can allow for a quick fix if a belt unexpectedly fails. Having the part on hand can also shorten emergency service calls, ultimately saving you money.
• Listen for noise from the hood. If something suddenly sounds different, that’s a sign that a problem may be developing. Reach out to the company that services the hood to schedule a checkup.
• Wipe down the hood daily and clean the removable filters. If the filter fits in the warewasher, remove excess grease off with a degreaser before it goes in that unit. Doing so will help prevent grease migration up to the rooftop and the unit’s motor, which can lead to premature failure.