Cleaning your Kitchen Exhaust System is a very important service that needs to be done in your facility. It is also something that needs to be done regularly but it is often overlooked. If you want to prolong the life of your exhaust system and ensure that your facility is safe from a potential fire you must clean your exhaust system regularly. When searching for a provider there are a couple of important things to consider.
- Insurance Coverage (Liability and Workman’s Comp Insurance)
An honest company will have 1 to 5 million dollars in liability insurance. This is one of the very first questions that should be asked, is there insurance coverage. Required by NFPA 96 code once your provider has completed the service they must mark the hood or system with a certificate stating the date the system was cleaned. This certificate holds the company liable if the hood or system does catch fire. It also covers your equipment and your system in the event that any damage occurs during regular services. The amount of the insurance that the company carries is very important when a claim is filed for damages caused by poor work. The workman’s comp insurance is to cover the company’s technicians in case they are injured while working in your location.
- Documentation Practices
All work must be documented and certified by the company. Many departments and companies such as the local fire departments, health departments and insurance companies require documentation that there is regular maintenance occurring in your facility so it may operate efficiently and safely. Besides the sticker, you should be receiving an invoice or form stating what work was performed and this should be provided to you anytime you request it. More reputable companies will offer photo documentation of the service showing before and after pictures, most often this is upon request only.
- Company Size
When it comes to facility maintenance the Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Industry is a very competitive area. Company sizes range from nationwide operations, mid-level regional operations, and smaller local operations.
Nationwide operations cover large areas of the country and have an immense client list. Something to ask these kinds of companies is if they are a “self-performing company.” This means that all work is done by their technicians and there is no sub-contract work. Sub-contracting work can lead to inconsistencies in the service provided. These larger companies usually perform above standard work, but will have higher rates than local and regional companies. They are also slow to respond to emergency situations and lack the personal element involved in customer service.
Mid-level operations have a smaller customer list and limit their coverage area to a more manageable range. Compared to nationwide companies the service provided is the same and they have competitive rates for service. They can respond to customers in a timely manner and it also allows for a more personal relationship, due to the fact that they limit their coverage area. These mid-level companies often overshadow the larger and smaller companies because of customer relations, response times, and organization.
Small operations will have a small client list of happy and loyal customers. Smaller companies are usually limited to a large city and maybe a few outlying areas. Customer relations are great, due to the fact that the owners of the company are performing or managing the cleanings themselves. They can provide adequate service and usually have very competitive rates. These companies have limited man power, which can lead to slow response times and disorganization. Companies on this level are known to fall behind on cleaning frequency, putting clients at risk of fire.
- Reputation
Any highly regarded company will be able to provide you with satisfactory service. A good reputation is usually the deciding factor for most when deciding on a provider. Positive word of mouth feedback and an honest client list are usually good signs whether or not a provider will be able to meet your expectations.
These are just a few of the important elements to consider when selecting your provider. Always obtain multiple bids to make sure the market value of your service is true. Remember this is going to be a long term relationship you will be creating. With all this in mind and some research, choosing a kitchen exhaust cleaning company will be an easier decision.
When considering a superior kitchen exhaust cleaning in KIngman AZ give us a call at 877.454.6790 for a free inspection and quote.
