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.
- Or start on the free plan, 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.