Your electrostatic precipitator collects grease and smoke particles from your kitchen exhaust. When the collector cells are coated in grease, the unit stops working — and you're out of compliance. Here's what professional ESP cleaning involves.
What Happens During an ESP Cleaning
1. Power Down and Lockout The technician disconnects power to the ESP unit. ESPs run on high voltage — this is not equipment you want to work on energized.
2. Cell Removal The collector cells (heavy metal plate assemblies) are pulled out of the housing. Depending on the unit, there may be 2-8 cells. Each one is coated in accumulated grease.
3. Soaking Cells are soaked in a professional-grade alkaline cleaning solution. This breaks down the grease that's baked onto the plates. Soak time varies from 30 minutes to several hours depending on buildup.
4. Power Wash After soaking, cells are power washed to remove all remaining residue. The plates need to be completely clean for the electrostatic charge to work properly.
5. Inspection While cells are out, the technician inspects: - **Ionizer wires** — thin tungsten wires that create the electrostatic charge. They break over time and need replacement. - **Power supply** — the high-voltage transformer that energizes the cells. Checks for proper output. - **Pre-filters** — mesh filters upstream of the ESP that catch large particles. Usually replaced during cleaning. - **Post-filters** — carbon or HEPA filters downstream. Replaced on schedule. - **Housing** — checks for grease buildup, drain blockages, and structural issues.
6. Reinstall and Test Clean cells are reinstalled, power is restored, and the unit is tested. The indicator light should show green (operating normally). The tech verifies proper current draw on the power supply.
7. Documentation The service is logged with date, technician name, work performed, and any issues found. This documentation is what the NYC DEP inspector wants to see.
How Long Does It Take?
- Single ESP unit: 1.5 - 3 hours
- Multiple units or rooftop ecology: 3 - 5 hours
- Heavily neglected unit (first cleaning in years): 4 - 6 hours
What It Costs
Pricing varies depending on your unit type, number of cells, and service frequency. Contact us for a quote — we offer both single-visit and quarterly contract options.
How to Choose an ESP Service Provider
Look for:
- Experience with your specific ESP brand (Smoke Hog, CaptiveAire, Ecology, Halton)
- Proper documentation for DEP compliance
- Willingness to set you up on a quarterly schedule
- Can bundle with hood cleaning, air balancing, and fan service
Avoid:
- Companies that "clean" without removing the cells (this doesn't work)
- Providers who can't produce documentation for DEP
- Anyone who doesn't know what ionizer wires are
- The cheapest option — if the price seems too good to be true, corners were cut
How Often Should It Be Done?
| Restaurant Type | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
| Heavy charbroiling (steakhouse, BBQ) | Monthly |
| Moderate cooking (full-service restaurant) | Quarterly |
| Light cooking (café, bakery with frying) | Every 6 months |
| Any NYC restaurant under DEP oversight | Quarterly minimum |
Related Articles
- NYC Local Law 38: ESP Requirements
- Kitchen Air Balancing in NJ
- How Often Should Equipment Be Serviced?
Looking for ESP cleaning? Visit our Pollution Control Service page or schedule service today.