[sandeepmohan]

Originally Posted by IshaanIan

Yes it will be a commercial setup. Any pointers on what kind of HVAC commercial system would be applicable? I have zero experience outside of the ACs that we normally use at home.

You need to start with a proper heat extraction system. Fans or exhausts positioned properly to take the heat out of the space. You need get rid of the heat source first. Once you have this sorted, then you can introduce Air conditioning into the space. Consider air conditioning as something supplemental to the heat extraction system. Both need to be present.

There are air conditioning systems tailored for commercial kitchens. They have the same oil extraction filters, like you do for a traditional kitchen extractor. The outer casing is also built to withstand oil and smoke.

As another FM said, consult a professional in the space.

[Aroy]

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

None, I'm afraid. Our member Aroy might post something useful. Kitchens is not only commercial, but a specialist area of commercial.

Thad thanks for your confidence.

Actually installing Air Conditioning in a commercial kitchen involves a lot of calculations.

. Heat load of the cooking stoves
. Heat load of the workers
. Heat loss due to chimneys and exhaust fans
. Heat loss due to constant traffic to and from the kitchen

All the above points are considered when sizing AC for commercial use. It is best done by the manufacturer's HVAC experts.

[sagarpadaki]

Originally Posted by IshaanIan

Thanks this confirms my initial suspicions on the topic of having an AC installed in a kitchen. Is regular filter cleaning not enough to remedy the issue? Or will the added grease and oil buildup affect other parts that are inaccessible in terms of maintenance? Thing is the kitchen is not a home setup and will be running hot for long durations. Are there any alternatives to cooling the place down other than a desert cooler? I am looking for ultra effective yet silent fans at the very least. Hyderabad summers are terrible so hot and dry and if the kitchen runs even hotter you can get a heatstroke within 30 minutes which is something I want to tackle asap before this month becomes as hot as it is predicted to be.

I think you will need multiple units in the kitchen with a fan to circulate the cool air across the kitchen area. I remember seeing a kitchen in one of the restaurants which had three 2-ton split AC placed some distance apart and a few rotating stand fans to circulate the cool air around. The kitchen was in rectangle shape and the AC's were placed on the opposite wall where the hobs, stoves and chimneys were present. The distance between the walls was around 15 feet so I assume the oil and grease from the other area may not travel 15 feet backwards to clog up the AC. But yes, the filters may need cleaning very frequently

[revintup]

Originally Posted by revintup

2025 Feb : The AC is only drawing in 250-350 watts. LG guys are called again, they dismantle the IDU and pressure wash both the IDU and ODU. They check gas levels and says its normal. But even after the wash, its only working at <600 watts. I report the issue again and they are clueless and insists there is nothing wrong with the sensors.

UPDATE

LG dismantled the AC again, and took both the IDU & ODU to their service centre. They said they will clean it more thoroughly using some chemicals and a washer which works at a higher pressure. They kept the AC for 2 days and reinstalled it on Saturday. The cooling is back to normal. Its working at almost 900 watts (in turbo mode) now. So yes, am happy with the results.

I have to say LG attitude was very good throughout. The initial water wash cost Rs 885/-. The second time, they did not charge me anything at all.

In the end I think that the LG AC is highly sensitive to dust clogging, this could be due to some inherent design issues. Am planning to water wash the AC every 6 months from now on.

I have ordered an 'Airth' external air filter on Amazon in the hope that it will reduce the dust getting into the AC. This is mounted on top of the AC. Yes, this might 'choke' the AC, reduce the airflow and cooling but I would rather have reduced cooling due to restricted airflow than clogged interiors which would mandate dismantling every year.

[sandeepmohan]

Originally Posted by revintup

I have ordered an 'Airth' external air filter on Amazon in the hope that it will reduce the dust getting into the AC. This is mounted on top of the AC. Yes, this might 'choke' the AC, reduce the airflow and cooling but I would rather have reduced cooling due to restricted airflow than clogged interiors which would mandate dismantling every year.

Interesting product. Let us know how it performs.

If its going to choke the AC resulting in reduced cooling, thats not so useful is it? Thats only going to lead to higher energy consumption which then defeats the purpose of a high efficiency Inverter Aircon.

The better approach is to shorten the service intervals. Clean the filters more frequently, vacuum the IDU coils.