Pollution Control Unit (PCU) Service
Specialized cleaning and maintenance for environmental compliance and optimal performance
What is a Pollution Control Unit?
Pollution Control Units (PCUs), also known as electrostatic precipitators or ESPs, are air filtration systems designed to remove smoke, grease particles, and odors from commercial kitchen exhaust before they are released into the atmosphere.
Many jurisdictions require PCUs for restaurants in certain areas, particularly those with close neighbors or in locations with strict air quality regulations. These systems help reduce the environmental impact of your kitchen operations and maintain good community relations.
Like any sophisticated equipment, PCUs require regular professional maintenance to operate efficiently. Without proper cleaning and service, they can become ineffective, waste energy, and fail to meet environmental standards.
Our PCU Services
PCU cleaning and maintenance
Electrostatic precipitator service
Filter replacement and cleaning
Performance testing and optimization
Environmental compliance verification
Odor and smoke control solutions
Key Benefits
Environmental Compliance
Meet local air quality and environmental regulations.
Neighbor Relations
Maintain good relationships with neighbors by controlling emissions.
Schedule PCU Maintenance
Keep your pollution control system working efficiently
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Pollution Control Unit (PCU)?
A PCU is an air filtration system installed on your kitchen exhaust to remove grease particles, smoke, and odors before air is released outside. They are required in many areas, especially kitchens near residential properties, to meet environmental and nuisance regulations.
How often should PCU filters be cleaned?
PCU filters should be cleaned or replaced every 1-3 months depending on your cooking volume and the type of cooking (charbroiling and frying produce more particulate). Regular cleaning ensures compliance and prevents grease buildup that can create fire hazards.
Are PCUs required by law?
Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Many cities and counties in the DMV area require PCUs for commercial kitchens, especially those near residential areas or that produce significant smoke and odors. We can help determine if your kitchen needs one and what type is appropriate.
What types of PCUs do you service?
We service all major types including electrostatic precipitators (ESP), UV systems, carbon filters, and combination units. We handle filter cleaning and replacement, electrode cleaning, UV bulb replacement, and full system maintenance.
Client Reviews
What Our Clients Say
“We were getting complaints from the business next door about the smoke. Qwick came out, assessed what we needed, and got our PCU working properly. Neighbors are happy, we're compliant, and I don't have to deal with it anymore.”
Derek M.
Restaurant Manager, Falls Church VA
“With Korean BBQ the smoke is constant so we need our ESP running right. Qwick does deep cleans on our unit every other month and it runs like the day it was installed. They know exactly what they're doing with these systems.”
Sung-ho Park
Seoul Fire BBQ, Annandale VA
“Our old PCU company would clean the filters and call it a day. Qwick actually gets into the whole unit — electrodes, UV bulbs, everything. Night and day difference in performance. Wish we'd found them sooner.”
Marcus Bell
Bell's Char House, Georgetown DC
Service Options
PCU Service Options
PCU maintenance depends on your unit type (ESP, UV, carbon) and size. Contact us for a free assessment and we will put together a plan that works for your kitchen.
Filter Cleaning
Request a Quote →Routine cleaning of ESP cells, carbon filters, or UV bulbs.
- Complete filter removal & wash
- Electrode / cell cleaning
- UV bulb inspection & replacement
- Performance verification
Deep Maintenance
Request a Quote →Full breakdown and restoration of your PCU system.
- Full unit disassembly
- Power supply & wiring inspection
- All media replaced or restored
- Airflow & efficiency testing
Ongoing Service Contract
Request a Quote →Scheduled PCU maintenance at predictable pricing.
- Bi-monthly or monthly cleaning
- UV bulb replacement included
- Priority scheduling
- Compliance documentation
Certifications & Compliance
Licensed, Insured & Compliant
NFPA 96 Compliant
All hood cleaning meets or exceeds NFPA 96 fire safety standards with full documentation provided.
Licensed & Insured
Fully licensed and insured for commercial kitchen maintenance in Virginia, Maryland, and DC.
Certified Technicians
Our team is trained and certified in commercial kitchen exhaust system cleaning and maintenance.
Health Code Compliant
Services designed to help your kitchen pass local health department inspections.
Related Services
Complete Kitchen Maintenance
Where We Offer This Service
PCU Service across the DMV
From Our Blog
Insights About PCU Service
Ghost Kitchens Are Booming in the DMV — Their Maintenance Is a Nightmare Nobody Talks About
Ghost kitchens promised lower overhead and faster launches. What nobody mentioned was the ventilation, HVAC, and maintenance reality of running a high-output kitchen in a space that was never designed for one.
The Anatomy of a Restaurant Kitchen Fire: A Minute-by-Minute Breakdown Every DMV Owner Must Read
What actually happens when a grease fire ignites in an unmaintained exhaust system? A minute-by-minute breakdown, the real costs, and the prevention playbook every restaurant owner in Virginia, DC, and Maryland needs.
Why Your Kitchen Staff Keeps Quitting (Hint: It's Not Just the Pay)
You raised wages, offered bonuses, and still can't keep line cooks longer than a season. The real reason your kitchen staff keeps walking has nothing to do with their paycheck — and everything to do with the environment you're asking them to work in.