Depending on the type of restaurant you operate, commercial kitchens can generate significant heat and smoke while cooking. An effective hood system captures and removes heat, smoke, steam, and other cooking odors generated during food preparation. This is essential not only because it improves air quality inside the kitchen (and throughout the entire restaurant for that matter), but it is also a critical fire safety mechanism.

Your commercial kitchen cannot operate without a hood system. The problem is they consume a lot of energy, especially when operating at full capacity. To help restaurant owners reduce energy consumption and save money, Florida Power & Light Company offers rebates on kitchen demand control ventilation (DCV) systems that operate more efficiently.

What to Know About Kitchen Demand Control Ventilation Systems

While traditional hood systems operate at full capacity even when appliances are idle, a kitchen DCV system relies on sensors to detect cooking on the range. Three main types of sensors are typically used to detect cooking levels – temperature, optic and infrared sensors. Depending on what signals the sensors send, the DCV system will respond accordingly with appropriate exhaust fan levels. Installing these responsive systems can save up to 50 percent in ventilation-related energy costs.

How to Apply for a Rebate

To learn more about the FPL program and apply for the rebate, we recommend contacting your general contractor or working with an experienced construction consultant who can ensure your hood system qualifies for the rebate and is correctly installed. They can also complete your rebate forms.

If you have questions about commercial kitchen equipment and installation, contact our team of experts at Seacoast Consulting Group.