
Typically, fans provide years of trouble-free operation with relatively minimal maintenance. However, this high reliability can lead to a false sense of security, resulting in maintenance neglect and eventual failure. Due to their prominence within process systems -- without the fan operating, the system shuts down -- fans need to remain high on the maintenance activity list.

This article is adapted from Operations and Maintenance Best Practices Guide, a publication of the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP), Operations and Maintenance, Washington. For more information contact DOE-EERE Information Center. Call (877) 337-3463 or visit www.eere.energy.gov/femp/operations_maintenance.