---
title: "Exhaust fan checklist"
description: "An exhaust fan checklist grouped by frequency, covering belts, bearings, dampers, blades, airflow, and the checks made after a belt or speed change."
---

[Back to Templates](/templates/) Template

# Exhaust fan checklist

An exhaust fan checklist grouped by frequency, covering belts, bearings, dampers, blades, airflow, and the checks made after a belt or speed change.

[Get Started Free](https://app.fixahead.com/signup) [Download CSV](/templates/exhaust-fan-checklist/exhaust-fan-checklist.csv)

## Daily

| Task | Required | Photo required |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Before work | | |
| Disconnect power and lock the fan off before inspection or service. | Required | No photo required |
| Inspect | | |
| Check the overall condition, and that the fan runs when scheduled. | Required | No photo required |
| Switch off or sequence the fans that are not needed. | Not required | No photo required |

## Monthly

| Task | Required | Photo required |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Before work | | |
| Disconnect power and lock the fan off before inspection or service. | Required | No photo required |
| Drive | | |
| Check belt tension and alignment. | Required | Photo required |
| Clean and lubricate the pulleys. Check that setscrews and keys are tight. | Required | No photo required |
| Dampers and controls | | |
| Check that the dampers close fully, and that outside-air dampers are airtight. | Required | No photo required |
| Check that the actuator and linkage work, and clean and adjust them. | Not required | No photo required |
| Fan | | |
| Check that the blades turn the right way, against the arrow on the housing, and that they are clean. | Required | No photo required |
| Check the walls, ceilings, and ducts for moisture, growth, or a musty smell. Photograph any growth found. | Not required | No photo required |

## Each visit

| Task | Required | Photo required |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Before work | | |
| Disconnect power and lock the fan off before inspection or service. | Required | No photo required |
| Airflow and inlet | | |
| Check that the inlet and approaches are free of obstruction. | Required | No photo required |
| Check that air flows into the exhaust grille, using a smoke test. If it does not, check the dampers, ducts, and belt. | Required | No photo required |
| Check that the exhaust duct downstream of the fan is sealed and in good condition. | Required | No photo required |

## Each service

| Task | Required | Photo required |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Before work | | |
| Disconnect power and lock the fan off before inspection or service. | Required | No photo required |
| Service | | |
| Check that all fasteners are tight, especially the wheel-hub setscrews. | Required | No photo required |
| When dirty, clean the wheel and housing evenly. Uneven cleaning unbalances the wheel. | Required | No photo required |
| Clean the motor exterior of dust. | Not required | No photo required |

## By running hours

| Task | Required | Photo required |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Before work | | |
| Disconnect power and lock the fan off before inspection or service. | Required | No photo required |
| Motor | | |
| Grease the motor per the motor manufacturer. Where the motor stays below 104 °F, grease it about every 2,000 running hours. | Required | No photo required |

## Annual

| Task | Required | Photo required |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Before work | | |
| Disconnect power and lock the fan off before inspection or service. | Required | No photo required |
| Bearings and wiring | | |
| Grease the belt-drive pillow-block bearings. Do not over-grease them. | Required | No photo required |
| Check that the wiring connections are tight. | Required | No photo required |
| Ductwork | | |
| Refasten the ductwork connections, repair any leaks, and check the insulation is sound. | Not required | No photo required |

## After a belt change

| Task | Required | Photo required |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Before work | | |
| Disconnect power and lock the fan off before inspection or service. | Required | No photo required |
| Belt | | |
| After 24 to 48 hours of running, recheck the belt tension. | Required | Photo required |

## After a speed change

| Task | Required | Photo required |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Before work | | |
| Disconnect power and lock the fan off before inspection or service. | Required | No photo required |
| Motor | | |
| Check the motor current against the nameplate. | Required | Photo required |

This checklist covers an exhaust fan’s checks by frequency, with the checks after a belt or speed change. It does not cover kitchen grease exhaust. Where the fan or motor maker’s manual gives a different interval or value, follow the manual.

## Sources

- [Greenheck, *Downblast Centrifugal Roof Exhaust Models G and GB IOM*](https://content.greenheck.com/public/DAMProd/Original/10001/471558GGB_iom.pdf)
- [US Department of Energy, Federal Energy Management Program, *O&M Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency*](https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf)
- [US Environmental Protection Agency, IAQ Tools for Schools, *Ventilation Checklist*](https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2014-08/documents/ventchklst.pdf)
- [US Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 29 CFR 1910.147, lockout/tagout](https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.147)

## Import it into FixAhead

Upload this file in FixAhead's maintenance procedure import, as a signed-in owner or manager. Each frequency loads as its own procedure, with its sections, tasks, and each task's Required and Photo required marks. If your account already has a procedure with the same name, this one is skipped and the existing one stays as it is.

Maintenance procedures are on the Pro plan, as [pricing](/pricing/) shows.

## Ready to get ahead of breakdowns?

Start free. No credit card required.

[Get Started Free](https://app.fixahead.com/signup) [Book a Demo](https://savvycal.com/fixahead/30-minutes-demo)