Question 1

What is NFPA 96 and why does it matter for my restaurant?

Accepted Answer

NFPA 96 is the National Fire Protection Association Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations. It sets the minimum requirements for the design, installation, operation, inspection, and maintenance of all commercial cooking equipment and systems. In Alberta, compliance with NFPA 96 is required by the Alberta Fire Code and is a condition of most commercial kitchen insurance policies. Non-compliance can result in voided insurance, failed fire inspections, and significant fire risk.

Question 2

How often does my kitchen hood need to be cleaned?

Accepted Answer

NFPA 96 specifies cleaning frequency based on cooking volume and type: monthly for high-volume operations (24-hour cooking, solid fuel cooking, wok cooking), quarterly for moderate-volume operations (most restaurants), semi-annually for low-volume operations (seasonal businesses, day camps), and annually for very low-volume operations (churches, senior centres). Your Northern Hood and Exhaust technician will assess your specific operation and recommend the appropriate schedule.

Question 3

What areas do you serve in Alberta?

Accepted Answer

Northern Hood and Exhaust provides NFPA 96 certified kitchen hood cleaning services throughout the Calgary region and surrounding communities, including Calgary, Airdrie, Chestermere, Okotoks, High River, Cochrane, and Red Deer. We offer same-day and emergency service for urgent compliance needs.

Question 4

How much does kitchen hood cleaning cost in Calgary?

Accepted Answer

Kitchen hood cleaning costs in Calgary typically range from $200 to $600+ depending on the size of the system, the number of filters, the length of ductwork, and the level of grease buildup. Northern Hood and Exhaust provides free on-site inspections and transparent quotes before any work begins. Visit our kitchen exhaust cleaning costs page for a detailed breakdown.

Question 5

Do you provide documentation for insurance and fire inspections?

Accepted Answer

Yes. After every service, Northern Hood and Exhaust provides a detailed inspection report and compliance certificate that documents the work performed, areas cleaned, and NFPA 96 compliance status. This documentation is accepted by Alberta insurance providers and fire marshals as proof of compliance.

Question 6

What is the difference between hood cleaning and duct cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Hood cleaning refers to cleaning the visible hood canopy, filters, and baffles above the cooking equipment. Duct cleaning (also called grease duct cleaning) involves cleaning the entire exhaust duct system from the hood to the rooftop fan and exhaust outlet. NFPA 96 requires the entire system — hood, ducts, and fan — to be cleaned, not just the visible hood components. Northern Hood and Exhaust cleans the complete system to ensure full compliance.

Question 7

Can I lose my insurance if my hood is not cleaned?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most commercial kitchen insurance policies in Alberta require proof of regular NFPA 96 compliant hood cleaning. If a grease fire occurs and you cannot provide documentation of regular cleaning, your insurer may deny the claim. Some policies require cleaning every 3 to 6 months. Northern Hood and Exhaust provides the documentation your insurer requires.

Question 8

What happens during a kitchen hood cleaning service?

Accepted Answer

A Northern Hood and Exhaust technician will: (1) cover all cooking equipment and surfaces with protective plastic sheeting, (2) remove and soak all filters and baffles in degreasing solution, (3) pressure wash and degrease the hood canopy interior, (4) clean all accessible ductwork from the hood to the rooftop fan, (5) clean the exhaust fan blades and housing, (6) reinstall all components, (7) perform a final inspection, and (8) provide a written compliance report. The process typically takes 2 to 4 hours depending on system size.

Question 9

Do you service all types of commercial cooking equipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Northern Hood and Exhaust services hood and exhaust systems above all types of commercial cooking equipment including fryers, grills, broilers, woks, pizza ovens, solid fuel equipment (wood-fired ovens, charcoal grills), and combination cooking equipment. We also service Type I hoods (grease-rated) and Type II hoods (heat and moisture only).

Question 10

How do I know if my kitchen hood needs cleaning now?

Accepted Answer

Signs that your hood needs immediate cleaning include: visible grease dripping from the hood or filters, a strong grease odour even when not cooking, reduced airflow or smoke not being captured by the hood, filters that appear dark brown or black, and it has been more than 3 months since the last cleaning for a busy restaurant. Contact Northern Hood and Exhaust for a free inspection if you are unsure.

Question 11

Are you IKECA certified?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Northern Hood and Exhaust technicians hold IKECA (International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association) certification, which is the industry standard for professional kitchen exhaust cleaning. IKECA certification ensures our technicians are trained to the highest standards for safety, thoroughness, and NFPA 96 compliance.

Question 12

What is the Alberta Fire Code requirement for hood cleaning?

Accepted Answer

The Alberta Fire Code adopts NFPA 96 as the standard for commercial kitchen ventilation and fire protection. Under the Alberta Fire Code, commercial kitchen operators are required to maintain their hood and exhaust systems in a clean condition free of grease accumulation. The frequency of cleaning must follow the NFPA 96 schedule based on cooking type and volume. Fire inspectors in Calgary and throughout Alberta check for current cleaning documentation during inspections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still Have Questions?