At Locklear's Commercial Kitchen Cleaning, our CERTIFIED technicians complete thorough and reliable cleaning of commercial kitchen exhaust systems. (HOODS) All of our services are performed in accordance with NFPA 96 (National Fire Protection Association Standard 96) to ensure your system is safe, compliant, and operating efficiently. This includes hood, duct, exhaust fan and filters. Our certified team delivers results that meet fire safety standards and exceed expectations!

If your kitchen starts showing these signs, it’s time to pick up the phone:

Excessive Smoke: If smoke isn’t venting properly, it could mean your exhaust system is clogged with grease buildup. Excessive grease buildup on ceiling tiles and walls can indicate an improperly functioning exhaust system.

Excessive Heat: Hotter-than-usual conditions in your cooking area can signal restricted airflow.

Strange Noises, Vibrations or Slipping Belts: A worn or loose fan belt can affect performance and increase fire risk. You may notice vibrations or rattling when fan is running, squealing when turning on the exhaust fan or fan seems to start slower than usual.

Fan Belt Check.

We go beyond cleaning—because a safe, efficient kitchen requires attention to the details you don’t always see.

One of the most overlooked but critical components of your kitchen exhaust system is the fan belt. This small part plays a big role: it drives the exhaust fan that pulls smoke, heat, and grease-laden air out of your kitchen. When a fan belt wears out or snaps, your entire ventilation system can fail—leading to overheating, smoke buildup, and even fire risk.

That’s why we check your exhaust fan belts.

It just makes sense. We’re already up there, so taking a few extra minutes to inspect the belt for wear or cracking helps prevent costly breakdowns and emergency service calls down the line. If we notice a problem, we’ll let you know! Regular fan belt checks = fewer surprises, more uptime, and a safer kitchen.

It’s just one more way Locklear’s keeps your commercial kitchen running clean, safe, and smooth.

Lubricating Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Fans.

Ensuring your commercial kitchen exhaust fan operates efficiently and has a long service life starts with consistent, thoughtful maintenance. One crucial yet simple step in that maintenance is lubricating the fan bearings during service visits. This small task takes minimal time and effort, yet it significantly benefits the system’s performance and longevity.

Since routine maintenance often involves accessing the rooftop or mechanical spaces, it's practical to take advantage of that access to perform key upkeep—like lubricating the fan bearings—while on site.

Using the right type and amount of lubricant is just as important as the act of lubrication itself. Manufacturers typically provide either permanently lubricated (sealed) bearings or grease-able (re-lubricatable) bearings. Because kitchen exhaust fans operate at high speeds and temperatures, grease-able bearings are more commonly encountered.

Sealed Bearings:

These usually don't require maintenance under standard operating conditions for 7–10 years. After that period, replacement is typically necessary.

Grease-able Bearings:

Often pre-lubricated at the factory, these don't usually need additional lubrication for the first six months. Afterward, they should be regularly serviced to prevent wear and overheating.