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

1. [Templates](/templates/)

# 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.

[Download CSV](/templates/exhaust-fan-checklist/exhaust-fan-checklist.csv)

- Or [start on the free plan](https://app.fixahead.com/signup), no card.

- A signed-in owner or manager uploads this file in FixAhead, and it loads as one procedure per frequency.

## Daily

| Task | Required | Photo required |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Before work | | |
| Disconnect power and lock the fan off before inspection or service. | Yes | |
| Inspect | | |
| Check the overall condition, and that the fan runs when scheduled. | Yes | |
| Switch off or sequence the fans that are not needed. |  | |

## Monthly

| Task | Required | Photo required |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Before work | | |
| Disconnect power and lock the fan off before inspection or service. | Yes | |
| Drive | | |
| Check belt tension and alignment. | Yes | Yes |
| Clean and lubricate the pulleys. Check that setscrews and keys are tight. | Yes | |
| Dampers and controls | | |
| Check that the dampers close fully, and that outside-air dampers are airtight. | Yes | |
| Check that the actuator and linkage work, and clean and adjust them. |  | |
| Fan | | |
| Check that the blades turn the right way, against the arrow on the housing, and that they are clean. | Yes | |
| Check the walls, ceilings, and ducts for moisture, growth, or a musty smell. Photograph any growth found. |  | |

## Each visit

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

## Each service

| Task | Required | Photo required |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Before work | | |
| Disconnect power and lock the fan off before inspection or service. | Yes | |
| Service | | |
| Check that all fasteners are tight, especially the wheel-hub setscrews. | Yes | |
| When dirty, clean the wheel and housing evenly. Uneven cleaning unbalances the wheel. | Yes | |
| Clean the motor exterior of dust. |  | |

## By running hours

| Task | Required | Photo required |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Before work | | |
| Disconnect power and lock the fan off before inspection or service. | Yes | |
| Motor | | |
| Grease the motor per the motor manufacturer. Where the motor stays below 104 °F, grease it about every 2,000 running hours. | Yes | |

## Annual

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

## After a belt change

| Task | Required | Photo required |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Before work | | |
| Disconnect power and lock the fan off before inspection or service. | Yes | |
| Belt | | |
| After 24 to 48 hours of running, recheck the belt tension. | Yes | Yes |

## After a speed change

| Task | Required | Photo required |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Before work | | |
| Disconnect power and lock the fan off before inspection or service. | Yes | |
| Motor | | |
| Check the motor current against the nameplate. | Yes | Yes |

Where the fan or motor maker's manual gives a different interval or value, follow the manual. It leaves out kitchen grease exhaust.