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HOODMART BLOG

The Role of Makeup Air Units in Balancing Airflow with Commercial Kitchen Hoods
• September 11, 2025
Categories: HOOD FACTS, Hoods
Why Makeup Air Units Matter in Commercial Kitchens
In any busy commercial kitchen, good airflow is essential. Without it, you're left with hot, smoky conditions and overworked equipment. That’s where makeup air hoods come in.
These systems work with your exhaust hoods to keep air pressure balanced. As the hood pulls air out of the kitchen, a makeup air unit brings fresh air back in—helping maintain comfort, meet safety codes, and support energy efficiency.
At HoodMart, our makeup air hoods packages are engineered to deliver consistent airflow, reduce fire risk, and keep your kitchen operating smoothly.
What is a Makeup Air Unit?
A makeup air unit is a key part of your kitchen’s ventilation setup. It brings in fresh, filtered air to replace the air being pulled out by the exhaust hood.
Without it, you risk creating negative air pressure - which can cause smoke and heat to linger, make doors slam, and pull in air from unwanted places like bathrooms or storage areas.
Here’s why balanced airflow matters:
• Better hood performance: Exhaust systems work more efficiently when there’s a steady supply of incoming air.
• Code compliance: Proper ventilation helps meet standards like NFPA 96 and UL listings, whi...
  
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How Much Does a Commercial Hood System Cost?
• September 05, 2025
Categories: Hoods
Running a commercial kitchen means paying close attention to every detail, especially when it comes to how you ventilate the space. A well-designed and properly working commercial hood system isn't just nice to have; it's essential for keeping your a...

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Fire Suppression Systems: Essential Safety for Commercial Kitchens
• July 31, 2025
Categories: Fire Suppression
The Critical Role of Fire Suppression Systems Commercial kitchens are high-risk environments with open flames, hot surfaces, and flammable oils. A fire can start in seconds—and spread even faster. That’s why having a reliable fire suppre...

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When to Choose a Ventless Hood Over Traditional Ventilation Systems
• July 24, 2025
Categories: Ventless Hoods
Running a kitchen comes with tough calls—like figuring out how to fit a fryer where there’s barely room for a blender. Ventilation can be just as tricky. If you’re weighing the pros and cons of a ventless hood versus a traditional s...

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A Look At How Exhaust Fans Maintain Air Quality in Commercial Kitchens
• July 17, 2025
Categories: FAN FACTS, Fans
Keeping the air fresh in a commercial kitchen can feel like an uphill battle. One minute you're frying the daily special, and the next you’re standing in a cloud of steam and smoke. Not ideal—especially when customers are expecting a grea...

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