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.
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
- US Department of Energy, Federal Energy Management Program, O&M Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency
- US Environmental Protection Agency, IAQ Tools for Schools, Ventilation Checklist
- US Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 29 CFR 1910.147, lockout/tagout
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.
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