Best Make Up Air Heater Solutions for Commercial Kitchens

Make up air heaters and related parts ensure balanced ventilation, safe combustion, and comfortable kitchen environments. Below is a quick comparison of selected products for commercial make up air systems and heaters.

Product	Type	Primary Use
Broan MD8TU 8″ Universal Make-Up Air Damper	Make-Up Air Damper	Air intake control for exhaust systems
Fireye Flame Safety Control Kit for Make Up Air Unit Heater	Flame Safety Control	Flame detection and safety for gas-fired units
Commercial Kitchen Make Up Air Metal Mesh Filters (2-Pack)	Air Filters	Pre-filtration for supply fans and heater intakes
Dura Heat EUH1465 Electric Forced Air Heater	Electric Forced Air Heater	Spot heating for small commercial/industrial spaces
HOODMART 12′ Kitchen Hood System With Makeup Air	Complete Hood System	Exhaust and integrated makeup air for kitchens

Broan MD8TU 8″ Universal Make-Up Air Damper

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The Broan MD8TU is a universal make-up air damper designed to provide controlled air intake where exhaust systems require compensation. The listed dimensions are minimal on the product sheet, indicating a compact 8″ diameter damper suitable for many ventilation ducts.

Key features include suitability for integration into exhaust systems and a universal fit approach. Dampers like this are used to balance negative pressure in a conditioned space and to prevent backdrafts when proper balanced air is not present.

Installation considerations: ensure duct sizing and actuator compatibility. This unit is primarily a mechanical damper; for automated or motorized operation check additional actuator or control requirements with local code and HVAC design.

Fireye Flame Safety Control Kit For Make Up Air

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The Fireye M4RT1 Flame Safety Controls Kit is a flame supervision assembly intended as a replacement or maintenance kit for gas-fired makeup air unit heaters. It includes the flame control module, a 10 ft GTO cable, flame rod, and connector.

Features on the product listing note pre-purge and pre-ignition timing presets, and a single recycle on flame loss. These parameters are relevant for compliance with combustion safety protocols and for preventing nuisance lockouts or unsafe restart attempts.

Use cases: installers will value compatibility with existing M-series controls and the included harness components. Ensure that the control kit matches the manufacturer’s wiring and safety sequence for your specific make up air unit and that commissioning verifies correct flame detection behavior.

Commercial Kitchen Make Up Air Metal Mesh Filters

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This two-pack of 20″ x 25″ x 2″ metal mesh filters is specified for supply fan, heater and make up air unit intakes. The construction is aluminum framed with media designed to capture dirt and dust in commercial kitchen environments.

Key product traits: rigid heavy-duty construction and corrosion resistance, making these filters practical for harsh environments where grease, particulates, and moisture are present. The filters act as pre-filters ahead of more efficient media when protecting fans and heating coils.

Operational notes: regular inspection and scheduled replacement or cleaning are essential to maintain airflow and avoid increased fan energy use. Consider MERV requirements and grease capture needs for hood-proximate intakes; metal mesh typically serves as a first-stage filter rather than final filtration for fine particulates.

Dura Heat EUH1465 Electric Forced Air Heater

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The Dura Heat EUH1465 is a 1500W electric forced air heater that uses PTC ceramic technology. Its design emphasizes rugged steel construction and a pivoting base for directional airflow.

Relevant listed features: 5,120 BTU output equivalent, steel housing for durability, and selectable heat/fan-only settings. As an electric forced air unit, it provides localized heating and can be used in garages, small workshops, or areas where gas-fired makeup air units are not feasible.

Integration considerations: electric forced air heaters are typically standalone and not a direct substitute for dedicated makeup air unit heating in large commercial hoods without proper airflow balancing. Use for spot heating or supplemental heat where HVAC capacity is limited, and verify electrical service and circuit protection for continuous operation.

HOODMART 12′ Kitchen Hood System With Makeup Air

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The HOODMART 12′ Kitchen Hood System is a comprehensive commercial hood assembly that includes an exhaust fan, low-profile supply fan, internal supply plenum, grease baffle filters, and accessories. The system lists supply and exhaust fan capacities suitable for a 48″ x 12′ hood.

Key features include a 3000 CFM exhaust fan, a 2400 CFM low-profile supply fan, stainless steel construction, welded seams, and included installation hardware. The included supply fan provides tempered makeup air to help maintain kitchen temperature and ventilation balance.

Design notes: integrated hood systems are intended for full kitchen installations and require coordination of hood capture rates, make up air supply capacity, and local code compliance. Professional design and installation are necessary for correct air balance, grease management, and safety controls.

Buying Guide For Make Up Air Heaters And Components

Choosing the right make up air heater and associated components requires attention to ventilation balance, combustion safety, filtration, and installation context. Below are the key factors and comparative perspectives to assess before purchase.

Understand System Role And Capacity

Make up air units (MUAs) serve to replace exhausted air and maintain neutral or slightly positive pressure in a conditioned space. Determine whether you need a dedicated heated make up air unit, a supply fan only, or localized electric forced-air heating for spot comfort.

• CFM Matching: The makeup air supply CFM should align with exhaust hood CFM to prevent negative pressure. Oversizing or undersizing can cause drafts, poor hood capture, or energy waste.
• Heating Load: For heated MUA, compute the required heating input (BTU/h or kW) based on incoming air temperature, desired supply temperature, and airflow.

Fuel Type And Safety Controls

Selecting between gas-fired and electric makeup air heaters hinges on available utilities, code restrictions, and safety. Gas-fired MUAs require flame supervision controls, venting, and combustion air considerations.

• Flame Safety Controls: Kits like Fireye provide flame detection and timing sequences. Ensure the control is compatible with the burner system and meets local code.
• Electrical Requirements: Electric forced-air heaters require appropriate circuit capacity and are often simpler to commission but may have higher operating costs depending on local electricity prices.

Filtration And Grease Management

Commercial kitchens produce grease and particulates. Makeup air that supplies untreated air into the kitchen should be filtered to protect fans and heating elements, and to limit grease deposition.

• Pre-Filters: Metal mesh filters handle larger grease droplets and protect equipment. They are often washable and act as a first stage filter.
• Final Filtration: In some installations, secondary filters or media with higher MERV ratings are used to protect coils and improve indoor air quality.

Integration With Hood And Exhaust

Make up air systems must be coordinated with the exhaust hood. Considerations include:

• Placement: Supply diffusers should deliver tempered air without interfering with hood capture zones.
• Controls: Interlocks between hood exhaust and MUA ensure that when exhaust operates, supply follows to maintain balance.
• Short-Cycling Prevention: Balanced systems and dampers (e.g., Broan MD8TU) help prevent rapid on/off cycling.

Durability And Materials

Kitchen environments are corrosive due to grease and moisture. Material selection affects longevity:

• Stainless Steel Hoods: Provide higher corrosion resistance and meet many code requirements for commercial installations.
• Aluminum Frames For Filters: Offer lightweight corrosion resistance for pre-filters, but inspect for grease loading frequency.

Controls, Automation, And Safety Features

Modern MUA systems may include:

• Variable Speed Fans: Allow modulation of supply based on demand and energy savings during low-cook periods.
• Pre-Purge And Post-Purge Timing: Important for gas burners to ensure safe ignition and shutdown sequences.
• Interlocks And Sensors: Use pressure sensors or hood switch interlocks to maintain required makeup and exhaust relationships.

Installation And Commissioning

Proper installation affects performance and compliance. Key steps include:

• Load Calculations: Perform airflow and heat load calculations to size the heater and supply fan.
• Electrical And Gas Connections: Match the appliance rating with onsite service and provide dedicated circuits or gas mains as required.
• Commissioning: Balance the system using airflow measurement and verify safety control operation, flame detection, and sequencing for gas units.

Maintenance And Accessibility

Design for maintainability to ensure long-term performance:

• Filter Access: Filters should be easily accessible and replaced or cleaned on a scheduled basis to preserve airflow.
• Control Accessibility: Flame detectors and control modules should be placed for serviceability and testing.
• Fan And Motor Service: Ensure space for motor replacement and belt changes if applicable.

Comparison Perspectives

When comparing components, consider these lenses:

• Performance vs. Energy Use: Higher-capacity heaters may deliver required temperatures but at greater operational cost; consider variable speed options where available.
• Initial Cost vs. Lifecycle Cost: Stainless steel hoods and integrated systems have higher upfront cost but can reduce maintenance and replacement over time.
• Safety vs. Simplicity: Gas-fired MUAs require more complex safety controls but are often more energy-efficient for large volumes of air; electric units are simpler but may cost more to operate depending on energy prices.

Regulatory And Code Considerations

Local mechanical codes and health department regulations influence makeup air design. Confirm requirements for:

• Minimum Makeup Air Rates for cooking equipment
• Exhaust Hood Certification and grease containment
• Combustion Safety devices and venting clearances for gas-fired equipment

Final Selection Checklist

Use this checklist when evaluating products:

• Does the unit’s CFM match the hood exhaust requirements?
• Is the heat output sufficient to temper incoming air without overworking the HVAC?
• Are flame safety controls appropriate for gas-fired units and compatible with existing systems?
• Are filters rated for grease and easily maintained?
• Does the hood and MUA assembly meet local code and installation best practices?