Neglected maintenance that severely impacts a restaurant’s profitability
In the fast-paced world of food service in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, and across the North Shore and South Shore, the performance of commercial ventilation equipment plays a critical role in safety, compliance, and profitability. Yet many restaurant owners overlook the regular maintenance of their commercial kitchen hood, a costly mistake that can lead to temporary closures, hefty fines, or even devastating fires.
At AirGreen, we respond weekly to businesses suffering the direct consequences of neglected HVAC maintenance. We’re sharing our real-world expertise here to warn you—but more importantly, to guide you toward concrete solutions.
Why commercial kitchen hood maintenance is critical
Invisible grease, very real risks
A commercial kitchen hood doesn’t just capture cooking vapors—it also traps airborne grease particles. Over time, these particles build up in the filters, ductwork, and extraction motor. This greasy residue is highly flammable, which is why fire departments across Greater Montréal continually stress the importance of preventive maintenance.
Local standards and legal obligations
In the Greater Montréal area, failure to comply with municipal commercial ventilation regulations can lead to:
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Non-compliance notices from inspectors
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Substantial fines
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Suspension of operating licenses in the case of repeat offenses
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Significant increases in insurance premiums
We recently assisted a restaurant in Longueuil that was forced to shut down temporarily following a fire inspection. The cause? A hood system clogged with grease that hadn’t been cleaned in over 18 months.
Case study: emergency response in a Laval restaurant
A client in Laval contacted us in an emergency after a small fire was barely contained by staff. On-site, our commercial hood cleaning team found:
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A rooftop fan completely jammed by grease buildup
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A duct network lined with thick, flammable residue
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A kitchen hood with filters that hadn’t been changed in over three years since the restaurant’s opening
We performed a full cleaning, using professional degreasers, high-performance rotary brushes, and manual scraping techniques in the most critical sections. At the end of the service, the client received a compliant cleaning certificate, avoiding administrative shutdown.
What does a proper hood maintenance service include?
At AirGreen, our full commercial kitchen hood cleaning service includes:
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Pre-inspection of the system and identification of critical areas
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Complete cleaning of the hood, filters, vertical and horizontal ducts
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Maintenance of the extraction motor, including lubrication if needed
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Before/after photos for visual proof to provide your insurance provider
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Official cleaning certificate, compliant with the requirements of Quebec’s Régie du bâtiment and insurance companies
How often should you maintain your commercial hood?
Recommended frequency depends on your activity level:
| Type of Restaurant | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
| Fast food / heavy frying | Every 3 months |
| Traditional restaurant | Every 6 months |
| Light cooking / minimal grease | Once a year |
Good to know: Several municipalities—including Montréal and Brossard—require maintenance to be documented and performed by a certified company. Failing to follow these rules can result in immediate penalties.
Why choose AirGreen for your commercial hood maintenance?
Proven expertise in Greater Montréal
Our technicians are specifically trained in commercial ventilation system maintenance. Whether you operate a restaurant in Saint-Eustache, a catering service in Brossard, or a fast-food franchise in Laval, we understand the unique needs of every type of kitchen.
Professional tools and a meticulous approach
We use industrial-grade equipment, certified cleaning products, and strict procedures to ensure deep cleaning without damaging your system. Clients choose us for:
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Our discreet and flexible scheduling (overnight or early morning interventions available)
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Our custom annual maintenance plans, complete with automated reminders
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Our rapid response capability across the Greater Montréal region
Mistakes you absolutely must avoid
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Cleaning with household products yourself: ineffective and dangerous
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Ignoring unusual noises or vibrations: often a sign of a clogged motor
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Hiring non-specialists: beware of uncertified companies whose work could be rejected by insurers
Practical advice for restaurant owners
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Set up an internal maintenance log
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Replace or clean filters weekly, depending on usage
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Consider light monthly cleanings between professional servicing
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Have your system inspected after any kitchen configuration changes
AirGreen: your trusted partner for safe, reliable ventilation
Our mission is clear: to let you run your restaurant with peace of mind, knowing your commercial ventilation systems are maintained to the highest industry standards. We serve all Montréal boroughs as well as Laval, Longueuil, Boucherville, Repentigny, Terrebonne, and throughout the North Shore and South Shore.
Rely on our HVAC expertise to extend the lifespan of your equipment, avoid breakdowns, and most importantly, keep your staff and customers safe.