We get a lot of questions about heated makeup air units and makeup air in general. People often ask us if they need a tempered make up air unit or want to know why their local codes are requiring them to have one. Some customers wonder if they need a makeup air unit at all, while others want to know if they are required to replace one that has become inoperable. We’re going to answer all of those questions and more!
Does My Commercial Kitchen Really Even Need A Makeup Air Unit?
The short answer here is YES. The International Mechanical Code (IMC) requires you to have a makeup air unit if you operate a commercial kitchen you do need a makeup air unit. Specifically, IMC Section 508.1 (Commercial Makeup Air) states:
“Makeup air shall be supplied during the operation of commercial kitchen exhaust systems that are provided for commercial cooking appliances. The amount of makeup air supplied to the building from all sources shall be approximately equal to the amount of exhaust air for all exhaust systems for the building.”
But Why Do I Need Makeup Air Anyways?
There are several reasons you need makeup air. Simply stated, when you exhaust air out, you need to replace the air you remove with fresh new air. This is to help ventilate as well as preserve and maintain air quality. This is particularly important for commercial kitchens exhausting grease and smoke as well as cooking odors. If you don’t have makeup air, you are going to experience a variety of problems including unbalanced air pressure and poor control of temperature and humidity.
Do I Need A Heated Make Up Air Unit?
Every makeup air unit will help keep your doors from being too difficult to open or slamming shut thanks to negative air pressure. And every makeup air unit will help you avoid dangerous back drafts around your commercial vent hoods and cooking appliances. But there is something that not every makeup air unit will do. Not all of them are designed to preheat the outside air. When a makeup air unit does this, it is said to be a tempered makeup air unit or a heated makeup air unit.
Why Does The Outside Air Temperature Matter?
Using unheated outdoor air to ventilate a facility located in an area with cold winters can quickly create uncomfortably cold temperatures for the workforce as well your dining patrons. Heated makeup air systems temper the outside air, preheating it before in enters your HVAC system. This improves both the comfort and the safety of those inside. For areas where is gets very hot, a makeup air unit with cooling is also available.
What Are The Benefits Of A Heated Makeup Air Unit?
There are a few main advantages to using a heated makeup air unit that you can add to the long list of benefits of using a general makeup air unit, such as better air pressure balance and avoiding dangerous back drafts.
Increased efficiency
First, by helping you more effectively and efficiently heat large volumes of air, a heated makeup air unit will help take the burden off of the rest of your HVAC system. and provides even greater control over maintaining proper temperature in your establishment.
Saves money
This increased efficiency can also add up to savings on your heating bills because your heating unit will not have to used as much to make up for the difference in air temperatures. Heated makeup air units are more efficient at heating air than just having your HVAC system do it. Your makeup air unit will preheat the air making your entire commercial kitchen hood system much more efficient – and effective – on very cold days.
Code compliance
Another potential benefit is meeting code requirements set forth by the IMC. In addition to requiring makeup air units in all commercial kitchens, section 508.1.1 (Makeup air temperature) of the IMC also specifically states that:
“The temperature differential between makeup air and the air in the conditioned space shall not exceed 10°F (6°C).”
How Do I Know If I Need A Heated Makeup Air Unit?
If you aren’t sure, you should always first check with your local authorities for specific requirements. However, in general, heated make up air units are highly recommended for any location where the low temperature in winter falls below freezing. This includes the northern half of the United States and all of Canada.
Watch this short video explaining what a heated makeup air unit is and when you might need to use one:
What size Makeup Air Unit Do I Need?
Based on the IMC requirements that your total makeup air should be equal to your exhaust, you will typically get about 80% from your actual makeup air unit and about 20% from your building’s HVAC unit. If you need help determining what size is best for you, our customer service reps are always happy to help and can be reached at 877-394-9731 or by email at customerservice@hoodfilters.com.
Are Heated Make Up Air Units Used For Other Industries?
In addition to commercial kitchens, tempered make up air units and make up air units with heating and cooling coils are used in dozens of different applications:
• Laboratories
• Manufacturing Facilities
• Paint booths
• Warehouses
• Specialized and industrial applications
• Underground parking garages
• Mechanical and boiler rooms
• Environments with forced air exhaust systems
Free Shipping On All Heated Makeup Air Units
HoodFilters.com carries a complete line of direct gas fire heated make up air units for commercial and industrial kitchen applications. Our makeup air units are built to last to provide exceptional performance for years of trouble-free service. All models are ETL and UL listed, with high quality burners for extreme efficiency. FREE shipping is offered on all models including untempered makeup air units, so visit our online store or call 877-394-9731 to order yours today. Have questions? Give us a call or send us an email. Our customer support team is here to help you!