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Community Kitchen
In modern projects, particularly in multi-family residential projects, community kitchens are increasingly common. They serve as a gathering space for larger groups that might be harder to accommodate within a single apartment or unit. Due to their size, community kitchens often require powerful exhaust systems exceeding 400 CFM. We provide makeup air solutions to replenish lost air quietly and effectively, facilitating communal gatherings without noise or unpleasant odors. This exemplifies how we foster community connections.
Explore the Elements that Makeup the Makeup Air System (MUAS)
This system comes with all the products necessary to have exhaust and makeup air in kitchens.
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Makeup Air System (MUAS)
A MUAS automatically compensates for an exhaust system with fan-powered, proportionally adjusting makeup air. Designed for residential kitchen supply systems that have exhaust needs of up to 750 or 1200 CFM.
Duct Heater (optional)
Controlled via discharge air temperature, the heater automatically varies its modulating heat output to deliver air at the temperature set point, even as the air flow rate and outdoor air temperature vary.
Silencer
Sound attenuation silencer for circular ducts. The silencer effectively reduces noise in the duct.
Exhaust Fan
The fan exhausts the amount of air equal to the makeup air.
Ventilation is crucial for a successful community kitchen within a multi-family residential community, ensuring a comfortable and healthy environment for all participants.
Project Engineer
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Regulations and Factors
Important to know
IMC 2021, Section 508 Details the amount of makeup air needed, the temperature of the makeup air, and proper air balancing.
NFPA 96, Chapters 12 & 14 Minimum safety requirements for cooking equipment details requirements for listed appliances and the need for makeup air (14.6).
NFPA 96, Chapter 8, UMC, Section 511, & IMC 2021, Section 506.5.1 Details the features, equipment, and installation processes for fire protection amongst commercial kitchen exhaust fans.
Air Quality and Hygiene Cooking emits harmful VOCs and grease. High-powered exhaust systems swiftly remove them, while balanced ventilation improves indoor air quality.
Noise Reduction and Customization Ventilation away from cooking reduces noise, improving indoor environment. We offer customizable solutions with duct silencers for noise reduction.
Integration with HVAC Ventilation systems operate independently of HVAC systems, ensuring seamless integration without disrupting HVAC design.
Energy Efficiency Utilizing high-efficiency equipment with variable speed controllers reduces unnecessary energy consumption.
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Designing a MUAS with Exhaust
How to size the unit?
Simply match the exhaust fan capability with either the MUAS 750 or the MUAS 1200. If the CFM is 750 or less, use the MUAS 750. If it is more than 750, opt for the MUAS 1200 to match that outgoing air.
Do I need a silencer?
The LD silencer reduces the "perceived" noise of a kitchen ventilation system by 50–60%. This is particularly important with range-hoods where the airflow rate is generally high (300+ cfm).
What about exhaust?
The rule of thumb for range hood fan size is “for every 12” of stove width, the exhaust fan must be able to move 100 CFM of air.”
Featured Products
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MUAS
For balancing residential kitchen exhaust. Flexible installation options for homeowner convenience and provides the exact amount of air needed.
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MERV 10 Filters
Replacement filters to keep incoming air filtered. This pleated filter features fibers that do not absorb moisture nor do they support microbial growth.
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MUAH
Keep incoming air at an ideal temperature with an electric duct heater. The heater maintains discharge air temperature set point.
Discovery Questions
Good to know
Can I use a Makeup Air System with multiple exhaust fans?
The MUAS will not replace the air exhausted from any other system besides the kitchen exhaust system. This happens because the MUAS is interlocked with the kitchen exhaust system.
Can you install a MUAS in a vertical position?
We suggest installing the supply air register as close to the kitchen exhaust range hood as possible.
Can the components be installed with a 90 degree bend?
Yes. Due to its component-based, field-assembled nature, the MUAS offers flexibility in the installation process as far as location and point of orientation are concerned. However, Fantech recommends that the installation location be suitable for periodic inspection and maintenance. The MUAS does not require installing the individual system components in a linear (straight line) arrangement.
Should you use a heater with a MUAS?
Yes, you can split the components into segments to support tight spaces. Be mindful of the location of the heater when altering the air path through the device. Install the components a minimum of 24 inches before and after the heater to ensure linear airflow across the elements. Non-linear air flow can create pockets of low air that can cause the element to overheat and shorten the elements life.
Is it possible to change the output temperature of the heater?
If you are in an area that experiences cold weather in the winter time, you will want to have an additional MUAH heater to temper the air coming into your home.
How often should the filter be changed?
Yes, it is possible; however, Fantech has programmed the heater to optimize its performance over a wide range of CFM settings. Remember, for the maximum temperature gain, we recommend lower CFM rates.
Supporting Assets
See Successful Projects with MUAS
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Mercer Way Home – Mercer Island, WA
The 3-story home is 4,300 ft2 with 5 bedrooms, 4-1/2 bathrooms, and a 3 car garage. Sitting just off the coast of Lake Washington, residents are showered with views of the lake from almost every angle.
To protect the health & safety of the occupants and to satisfy the IRC code, Doug Quinn, General Manager of Bob’s Heating, chose our MUAS.
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Jenson-DeLeeuw Net-Zero Energy House – Harvard, MA
The 2,000 SF energy-independent home completed in 2018, combines light-filled, comfortable living spaces with full integration into nature. It is carefully sited and angled on a gentle elevation amid a rustic rural landscape.
Paul Lukez Architecture added this solution right overhead the kitchen. A unobscure soffitt houses a MUAS that automatically brings in fresh air as the exhaust air is taken from the envelope.
