Restaurant Exhaust Fan Not Working? 6 Checks Before You Call

When a restaurant exhaust fan stops, check the breaker and the hood control panel first; many hoods are interlocked with fire-suppression and make-up air systems. Weak draw usually means grease-loaded filters or a slipping belt; a squeal points to a loose or worn belt or failing bearings. Belt, motor and bearing work on the roof needs a technician. We repair fans and motors; hood and duct grease cleaning is a separate contractor.

6 checks you can do safely

1. Check the breaker. Exhaust and make-up air fans are often on separate breakers.
2. Check the hood controls. Confirm the fan switch is on and no interlock or suppression panel has shut it down.
3. Clean the filters. Grease-loaded baffle filters choke airflow.
4. Listen for a squeal. A squeal at start-up usually means a loose or worn belt.
5. Check make-up air. If the kitchen pulls doors shut or smoke rolls out, make-up air may be off or unbalanced.
6. Don't run the line without exhaust. Cooking without a working hood is a fire and code risk.

When to call a technician

• The fan won't start with power confirmed.
• Grinding or squealing from the roof.
• Smoke rolls out of the hood.

Stay safe

Unplug the appliance (or switch off its breaker) before touching anything inside it, and never open a sealed refrigeration system, a gas valve or a microwave. If a code points to a part, the part has to be tested before it is replaced; we do that on the $75 diagnostic visit, credited toward the repair.

Frequently asked questions

Do you clean restaurant hoods?

No — we repair exhaust and make-up air fans, motors, belts and bearings.

How fast can you come?

Standard calls are $100; emergency calls within 2 hours are $300.

Related repair guides

• Commercial Ice Machine Not Making Ice? 7 Checks Before You Call
• Commercial Dish Machine Not Reaching 180°F or Not Cleaning? 7 Checks
• Commercial Fryer Won't Light or Hold Temperature? 6 Checks
• Combi Oven Problems in Las Vegas Kitchens: Scale, Steam and Cleaning Faults
• Commercial Washer or Dryer Down? 7 Checks for Laundromats and On-Premise Laundry

Browse all repair guides by appliance