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.

Most fan maintenance activities center on cleaning housings and fan blades, lubricating and checking seals, adjusting belts, checking bearings and structural members, and tracking vibration

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.

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