Makeup Air in California Restaurant Kitchens

Swamp coolers, also known as evaporative coolers, are an energy-efficient and cost-effective solution for keeping commercial kitchens cool and comfortable. These devices work by using the process of evaporation to cool the air, making them a popular choice for commercial kitchens in hot and dry climates.

The way a swamp cooler works is by drawing hot and dry air through a wet pad, which cools and humidifies the air before it is distributed throughout the kitchen. The water in the pad evaporates, releasing heat, and the cooled and humidified air is then circulated through the kitchen. This process can lower the temperature of the kitchen, making it a more comfortable environment for cooks, servers and other staff to work in.

Swamp coolers are also a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional air conditioning systems. They use significantly less energy and do not emit harmful greenhouse gases. This makes them a great choice for commercial kitchens where replacement air is required to replace air exhausted by the grease exhaust system. Additionally, swamp coolers are also more cost-effective than traditional air conditioning systems, as they require less energy to operate and require less maintenance.

Another advantage of swamp coolers is that they are relatively simple to install and maintain. The pads that need to be replaced periodically, the float valve and drive belt need to be inspected and parts are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace.

The use of swamp coolers in commercial kitchens is governed by a number of codes and regulations. These codes vary by state and local jurisdiction, but some of the most common codes and regulations that may affect the use of swamp coolers in commercial kitchens include:

1.?????Building codes: Building codes regulate the construction and installation of swamp coolers, including requirements for electrical and plumbing connections, ventilation, and fire safety.

2.?????International Mechanical Code (IMC): The IMC provides guidelines for the installation and maintenance of mechanical systems, including swamp coolers. It covers the design, installation, and operation of evaporative cooling equipment, including the requirement of make-up air units when using swamp coolers.

3.?????National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 96: NFPA 96 sets standards for the design, installation, and maintenance of commercial kitchen ventilation systems, including swamp coolers. It includes requirements for exhaust hoods, ductwork, fans, and other components, as well as guidelines for cleaning and maintenance.

4.?????OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards: OSHA regulations cover the health and safety of workers in commercial kitchens, including standards for temperature, ventilation, and indoor air quality.

5.?????Energy codes: Energy codes set standards for energy efficiency and conservation in commercial buildings, including requirements for HVAC systems such as swamp coolers.

It's important to note that compliance with codes and regulations is the responsibility of the owner, designer or the contractor, they should consult with the local authorities and hire certified professionals to comply with codes and regulations.

Swamp cooler maintenance is important to ensure that the unit is operating efficiently and effectively. Some of the key maintenance tasks that should be performed on a regular basis include:

1.?????Cleaning the water distribution system: The water distribution system should be cleaned regularly to remove any buildup of mineral deposits or debris. This can be done by flushing the system with a solution of water and vinegar, or a specialized cleaning solution.

2.?????Replacing the evaporative pads: The evaporative pads should be replaced at least once a year, or more frequently if they become dirty or damaged. The pads can be removed, hosed off and dried before re-installing them.

3.?????Checking and cleaning the water pump: The water pump should be checked for proper operation, and any debris or buildup should be removed. It is also important to check the water level and adjust it as necessary.

4.?????Lubricating the bearings: The bearings on the motor and fan should be lubricated as per manufacturer's recommendations.

5.?????Inspecting the electrical connections: The electrical connections should be inspected regularly to ensure that they are tight and in good condition.

6.?????Checking the belt: The belt should be checked for wear and tension and if necessary, adjusted or replaced.

It's important to schedule regular maintenance service, an annual service should be scheduled with a professional and certified contractor to ensure that the unit is operating at peak efficiency and to extend the life of the unit. Additionally, it's important to keep records of the maintenance, including the date, scope of work, and any issues found, to demonstrate that the system is being properly maintained.

The California Mechanical Code (CMC) provides guidelines for the installation and maintenance of mechanical systems, including swamp coolers, in the state of California. The CMC is based on the International Mechanical Code (IMC), but with some specific modifications and additions for California.

According to the California Mechanical Code, swamp coolers must be installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the standards set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). The code also requires that all mechanical equipment, including swamp coolers, be inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

The CMC also requires that any evaporative cooling equipment that is used in commercial kitchens must have a make-up air unit, to ensure that the kitchen is properly ventilated and to prevent the buildup of heat and humidity.

Additionally, the CMC requires that the swamp cooler be equipped with an automatic shut-off device that will shut off the water supply to the unit in the event of a low water level.

For fire safety, Section 511.3 of the California Mechanical Code and section 8.3.1 of NFPA 96 (2021 ed), states in part “Where the fire-extinguishing system activates, make up air supplied internally to a hood shall be shut off.” This is to reduce the amount of fresh oxygen supplied to a fire.