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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

TaskRequiredPhoto required
Before work
Disconnect power and lock the fan off before inspection or service.RequiredNo photo required
Inspect
Check the overall condition, and that the fan runs when scheduled.RequiredNo photo required
Switch off or sequence the fans that are not needed.Not requiredNo photo required

Monthly

TaskRequiredPhoto required
Before work
Disconnect power and lock the fan off before inspection or service.RequiredNo photo required
Drive
Check belt tension and alignment.RequiredPhoto required
Clean and lubricate the pulleys. Check that setscrews and keys are tight.RequiredNo photo required
Dampers and controls
Check that the dampers close fully, and that outside-air dampers are airtight.RequiredNo photo required
Check that the actuator and linkage work, and clean and adjust them.Not requiredNo photo required
Fan
Check that the blades turn the right way, against the arrow on the housing, and that they are clean.RequiredNo photo required
Check the walls, ceilings, and ducts for moisture, growth, or a musty smell. Photograph any growth found.Not requiredNo photo required

Each visit

TaskRequiredPhoto required
Before work
Disconnect power and lock the fan off before inspection or service.RequiredNo photo required
Airflow and inlet
Check that the inlet and approaches are free of obstruction.RequiredNo photo required
Check that air flows into the exhaust grille, using a smoke test. If it does not, check the dampers, ducts, and belt.RequiredNo photo required
Check that the exhaust duct downstream of the fan is sealed and in good condition.RequiredNo photo required

Each service

TaskRequiredPhoto required
Before work
Disconnect power and lock the fan off before inspection or service.RequiredNo photo required
Service
Check that all fasteners are tight, especially the wheel-hub setscrews.RequiredNo photo required
When dirty, clean the wheel and housing evenly. Uneven cleaning unbalances the wheel.RequiredNo photo required
Clean the motor exterior of dust.Not requiredNo photo required

By running hours

TaskRequiredPhoto required
Before work
Disconnect power and lock the fan off before inspection or service.RequiredNo 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.RequiredNo photo required

Annual

TaskRequiredPhoto required
Before work
Disconnect power and lock the fan off before inspection or service.RequiredNo photo required
Bearings and wiring
Grease the belt-drive pillow-block bearings. Do not over-grease them.RequiredNo photo required
Check that the wiring connections are tight.RequiredNo photo required
Ductwork
Refasten the ductwork connections, repair any leaks, and check the insulation is sound.Not requiredNo photo required

After a belt change

TaskRequiredPhoto required
Before work
Disconnect power and lock the fan off before inspection or service.RequiredNo photo required
Belt
After 24 to 48 hours of running, recheck the belt tension.RequiredPhoto required

After a speed change

TaskRequiredPhoto required
Before work
Disconnect power and lock the fan off before inspection or service.RequiredNo photo required
Motor
Check the motor current against the nameplate.RequiredPhoto 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

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 shows.

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