Case study · Emergency repair

Emergency Kitchen Exhaust Fan Motor Replacement – Manhattan

A restaurant's rooftop kitchen exhaust fan motor failed in the evening and smoke filled the kitchen, so the restaurant closed for the night. We sourced a replacement motor that same evening, had a supplier open after hours for us, and changed the motor overnight so the kitchen could reopen in the morning.

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LocationRestaurant rooftop, Manhattan
EquipmentRooftop kitchen exhaust fan
ProblemFailed fan motor, smoke in the kitchen
ResultMotor replaced overnight, restaurant reopened in the morning
BeforeAfter Rooftop kitchen exhaust fan housing with the failed grey motor on the left, and the same fan with a new yellow replacement motor installed on the right
The failed motor in the fan housing (left) and the new motor installed (right).

What we found

  • The motor driving the rooftop kitchen exhaust fan had failed.
  • With the fan down, smoke had built up in the kitchen and the restaurant had closed for the night.
  • A replacement motor was needed that night, after normal supplier hours.

What we did

  • Went to get a matching replacement motor that evening and had a supplier open after hours for us.
  • Removed the failed motor from the fan housing on the roof.
  • Set the new motor in place and reconnected the wiring.
  • Started the fan and confirmed it was running properly.
  • Finished overnight, so the kitchen could reopen in the morning.

On the roof that night

New yellow replacement motor on the rooftop next to its paperwork, ready to be installed
The replacement motor on the roof, ready to go in.
Technician working on the wiring of the new motor inside the exhaust fan housing
New motor set in the housing and being wired.
The failed motor after removal, resting on the roof
The failed motor after removal.

Our recommendation: don’t wait for the fan to quit

When a kitchen exhaust fan goes down, the kitchen can’t operate. Motors rarely fail without warning: noise, heat, belts that slip and rising current draw all show up on a planned visit well before the shutdown.

We can include your exhaust fans in a scheduled maintenance plan, with a written photo report after each visit. If your fan is already down tonight, call us at (646) 946-5584.

Request kitchen exhaust service

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