It All Starts with a Plan
Whether your dream began on the back of a napkin or in the office of a world-class architect, MCMC can help you get across the finish line with your commercial ventilation system. With experience managing hundreds of kitchen hood installations across the Metro Detroit area, our HVAC services will guide you every step of the way.
The first step is creating a hood design that matches your cooking line, space, and code requirements. We work with you and our engineering partners to ensure your ventilation system is properly sized, balanced, and ready for approval. Once the design is finalized, we move into the ordering phase, securing the hoods, fans, make-up air units, PCUs, controls, and fire systems your kitchen will need. Our sales team will guide you through each step, answer questions, and make sure you understand your options clearly.
Equipment Delivery
With the design approved and equipment ordered, the next step is coordinating delivery so the installation of your commercial ventilation system can begin smoothly. All equipment ships directly from the factory to our warehouse in Clinton Township, where it is carefully received and inspected for accuracy, completeness, and any possible damage during transit. By routing deliveries through our warehouse first, we stage and organize your equipment in advance, ensuring that every kitchen hood, fan, make up air unit, PCU, control package, and fire system is accounted for.
This extra step allows our team to resolve shipping issues before they ever reach your jobsite, preventing costly setbacks and keeping your HVAC services project on schedule. Once everything is confirmed, we coordinate with your construction team so equipment arrives when the site is ready. This approach reduces downtime, ensures installation flows smoothly, and gives you peace of mind that your system is ready to go from the start.
Pre-Construction Meeting
Before a kitchen hood installation begins, MCMC holds a pre-construction meeting to ensure your commercial ventilation system project runs smoothly. During this meeting, we review the full scope of work, outline what our HVAC services team covers, and explain what falls outside of our contract. This preparation step provides owners, general contractors, and trades with a clear roadmap, eliminating surprises once hood systems, make-up air units, or exhaust fans are ready to be installed.
Permitting is also discussed in detail. As a licensed mechanical contractor in Michigan, MCMC secures the mechanical permit for your ventilation system. The general contractor or owner must obtain the building permit that covers the entire project. If MCMC is supplying the fire system as part of your hood package, we will also handle that permit on your behalf.
This clear division of responsibility ensures compliance with Michigan code, keeps inspections moving, and allows your commercial kitchen ventilation project in Metro Detroit to stay on schedule from design through installation.
Installation Kickoff: Hood Hanging & Curb Placement
The first day of installation signifies the start of your project's development, particularly for the commercial ventilation system. MCMC’s field team begins with the kitchen hood installation, carefully hanging each piece according to engineered drawings. Proper alignment is verified before any fastening occurs, ensuring that clearances and duct paths are correct from the outset.
Simultaneously, rooftop curbs are identified, leveled, and secured in their final positions. Each curb is meticulously checked for fit and elevation to align with the roof pitch and drainage. Once approved, these curbs remain in place for the roofing contractor to flash in per code before the HVAC services equipment is installed.
This crucial phase lays the groundwork for the entire ventilation and HVAC system.
Accurate hood placement and curb alignment are essential for safe duct routing, correct airflow, and a professional finish that passes inspection on the first try. MCMC’s commitment to detail on day one minimizes rework, shortens project timelines, and ensures your kitchen buildout proceeds smoothly from start to finish.
Equipment Set & Duct Inspection
After curbs are flashed and cleared, MCMC lifts the rooftop equipment into place using certified crane and rigging crews. Each unit is set, aligned, and secured according to manufacturer specifications and local codes, ensuring the integrity of the commercial ventilation system.
When a welded grease duct is part of the HVAC services, an inspection is scheduled at this stage. Before welding occurs, the duct undergoes a light test, a method in which interior seams are illuminated to reveal any pinholes or leaks.
These steps verify system integrity, safety, and code compliance before proceeding. MCMC’s precision during equipment setting and duct testing ensures proper airflow for kitchen hood installation, prevents rework, and keeps your project on schedule.
Duct Installation & Fire Wrap Prep
With rooftop equipment in place, MCMC begins installing and welding the duct system for the commercial ventilation system. All welded grease ducts are fabricated and installed in full accordance with SMACNA and NFPA 96 standards. Once the ductwork is complete, a second inspection and light test are performed to verify each weld is fully sealed before the fire wrap is applied.
During this phase, other trades can start their work; electricians can connect power, gas contractors can run fuel lines, and the fire suppression team can begin their installation. This coordinated approach ensures that the HVAC services project remains efficient, safe, and well-prepared for final fire wrap and finishing.
MCMC’s precision welding and sequencing during kitchen hood installation ensure your system meets all code requirements and passes inspection checkpoints on the first attempt.
Fire Protection & Safety Systems
With ductwork inspected and approved, MCMC coordinates the installation of all fire protection components essential for a commercial ventilation system. Certified crews install fire wrap around welded grease ducts to meet UL 1978 and NFPA 96 standards, shielding nearby construction from heat and flame spread. Every seam and penetration is sealed for a clean, code-compliant finish.
Simultaneously, the Ansul fire suppression system is installed and connected to the kitchen hood and duct as part of our comprehensive HVAC services. This automatic system detects and extinguishes grease fires before they spread, providing vital protection for your kitchen and staff.
Once both the fire wrap and suppression lines are complete, the assembly is ready for inspection and testing by the local authority having jurisdiction.
Final Connections & System Start-Up Coordination
With fire protection complete, MCMC prepares the commercial ventilation system for final start-up. Our team verifies that all ductwork, fans, and rooftop units are properly installed, sealed, and ready for power, gas, and control connections by other licensed trades.
If MCMC has been contracted to perform the gas piping, this work is completed and pressure-tested at this stage. Once utilities are connected, our technicians coordinate the system start-up, checking fan rotation, airflow, and temperature control to confirm the HVAC services operate safely and efficiently.
This phase ensures your HVAC and kitchen hood installation systems are fully prepared for final balancing and inspection.
Air Balancing & Final Inspection
With the installation of the commercial ventilation system complete, MCMC’s certified air balancers verify that all exhaust and makeup air systems are performing to design specifications. Each kitchen hood, fan, and rooftop unit is tested for proper airflow (CFM), pressure, and temperature balance. Adjustments are made to dampers and fan speeds to ensure safe and efficient performance throughout the kitchen.
Once balancing is complete, MCMC coordinates the final inspection with the local authority. This includes confirmation of hood clearance, duct sealing, fire wrap compliance, and overall system operation. Our team works directly with inspectors to ensure full compliance with NFPA 96, IMC, and Michigan mechanical codes, as part of our comprehensive HVAC services.
When approved, your system is certified ready for daily use.
Training, Closeout & Warranty
Once final inspections are approved, MCMC completes system commissioning of your commercial ventilation system and provides hands-on owner training. We walk your team through the operation of kitchen hood installation, hoods, fans, makeup air units, and controls—covering basic maintenance, filter changes, and safety features.
All closeout documentation is provided, including balancing reports, inspection sign-offs, equipment data sheets, and warranty information. MCMC reviews warranty terms and manufacturer procedures to ensure you know exactly how to maintain coverage with our HVAC services.
This final step provides you with confidence that your HVAC and ventilation systems are operating correctly, efficiently, and safely from the start.
Preventive Maintenance Enrollment
After start-up and training, MCMC offers enrollment into our Preventive Maintenance Program to protect your investment in your HVAC services and commercial ventilation system. Regular service keeps your HVAC and ventilation systems running safely, efficiently, and within manufacturer specifications.
Our licensed technicians perform seasonal cleanings, inspect filters, tighten electrical connections, check refrigerant levels, and verify fan performance. Enrolled customers receive priority scheduling, discounted service rates, and reduced downtime through proactive care.
This step ensures long-term performance, energy efficiency, and continued compliance with NFPA 96 and local codes, all backed by MCMC’s trusted service team, which also specializes in kitchen hood installation.
Ongoing Support & Emergency Service
MCMC remains your trusted mechanical partner long after installation of your commercial ventilation system. Our team provides ongoing support, priority response for service calls, and expert troubleshooting to keep your HVAC services and kitchen operations performing at their best.
If an issue arises, our technicians are available for emergency HVAC and refrigeration service to minimize downtime and protect your kitchen operations. All service work, including kitchen hood installation, is performed by licensed, Michigan-certified professionals who are familiar with your equipment and its installation history.
With MCMC, you get reliable follow-through, fast response, and the assurance that your commercial kitchen systems are always in capable hands.
Expert HVAC Services for Your Home
Exhaust Hood
Make-Up Air Unit (MUA)
Make-Up Air Unit (MUA)
The kitchen hood is the centerpiece of the commercial ventilation system. Mounted above cooking equipment, it effectively captures heat, smoke, grease vapors, and odors, ensuring the kitchen remains safe and comfortable. MCMC offers expert kitchen hood installation with Type I grease hoods that are built to NFPA-96 and UL-710 standards, guaranteeing reliable performance and compliance with code, all part of our comprehensive HVAC services.
Make-Up Air Unit (MUA)
Make-Up Air Unit (MUA)
Make-Up Air Unit (MUA)
The make-up air unit in a commercial ventilation system replaces the air removed by the exhaust fan with tempered fresh air. This process prevents negative pressure, enhances comfort, and minimizes energy waste. MCMC ensures that MUA systems are properly interlocked with exhaust fans during kitchen hood installation for balanced operation.
Exhaust Fan
Make-Up Air Unit (MUA)
The exhaust fan in a commercial ventilation system pulls contaminated air from the kitchen hood and expels it outside the building. Proper fan sizing is crucial for effective grease and smoke removal while ensuring balanced airflow throughout the kitchen. MCMC verifies fan performance through light testing and balancing as part of their HVAC services to meet code and manufacturer specifications.
Exhaust Ducts
Pollution Control Units
Grease ducts are essential in a commercial ventilation system as they transport contaminated air from the kitchen hood to the fan or PCU. To prevent grease leaks and reduce fire risk, these ducts must be welded and sealed in accordance with SMACNA and NFPA-96 standards. MCMC provides comprehensive HVAC services, including the installation, pressure testing, and wrapping of ducts per code before the final inspection.
Pollution Control Units
Pollution Control Units
Pollution Control Units
A PCU, part of a comprehensive commercial ventilation system, filters grease, smoke, and odor from the exhaust air using multi-stage filtration and optional odor control media. PCUs are essential in many city locations where kitchen hood installations vent indoors or near public areas. MCMC provides HVAC services to install and service PCUs, ensuring compliance with local air-quality regulations.
Fire Protection Systems
Pollution Control Units
Pollution Control Units
The fire suppression system is field installed to detect and extinguish cooking fires, making it an essential component of a commercial ventilation system. It utilizes fusible links or sensors that trigger chemical nozzles while also shutting off gas and power. MCMC can provide pre-pipe options and collaborates with certified fire contractors to ensure compliance with NFPA-17A and local code, alongside their HVAC services and kitchen hood installation.