Not maintaining proper duct design can lead to which issues?

• A. Grease buildup, reduced airflow, and uneven agent distribution
• B. Improved filtration
• C. No change in performance
• D. Lower energy consumption

Answer: (A)

Not maintaining proper duct design leads to grease accumulating inside the ducts, which creates a real fire hazard and blocks the flow of air. That grease buildup narrows passages and increases resistance, so the fans have to work harder and the overall airflow through the hood and duct system drops. When airflow is reduced, cooking smoke, heat, and vapors aren’t removed as effectively, which can compromise short- and long-term kitchen ventilation performance. In a kitchen fire suppression setup, ducts and nozzles are meant to deliver extinguishing agent to all parts of the fire, including areas inside the ductwork. If the duct design is poor or becomes blocked, the agent can’t reach certain sections evenly, leaving some areas under‑covered and delaying suppression. So the combination of grease buildup, reduced airflow, and uneven agent distribution is exactly what happens when duct design isn’t properly maintained.