It’s critical for commercial exhaust fans to have frequent inspections, repairs and maintenance checks. Failing to complete these checks can result in devastating consequences that include: costly repairs, damaged parts, improper ventilation, moisture build-up, and mildew that increases the health and safety risk of the building.
To prevent these consequences from impacting your, business owners need to know how to properly clean the fan.
1. Clean Once a Year
Many owners are unaware that they should be cleaning the exhaust fans in their property at least once a year. Cleaning the fans yearly can help to free it of debris such as dust or grime. Failing to clean the fan can result in a significant build-up that can impact the fan’s functions.
If debris is not immediately detected (or repaired), the mechanisms used to power the device will continue to decline. In turn, resulting in a larger issue that could have been avoided by cleaning the fan yearly.
2. Free from Dust Buildup and Debris
Owners need to free the system of dust and debris that can form on its parts. To clear the system, simply wipe away any particles that have gathered on both the interior and exterior mechanisms. The exterior vents should be cleaned by wiping the slats using a warm cloth with water.
Any items that are obstructing the exterior grates should also be moved because it will affect the flow of air. Failing to remove items around the openings can cause the system to malfunction which poses a major health and safety concern to the building if it goes undetected. For owners that are unsure how to properly detect obstructions, it’s best to have a professional inspect the system to identify and remove items.
3. Repair Damage Immediately
It’s important that damage is detected and repaired immediately to prevent a major malfunction of the device. Speedy repairs are need because it can mitigate against the damage spreading into its other parts. If other areas of the exhaust fan begin to be affected by the issue, owners will likely need to replace multiple parts of it which can be a costly ordeal.
When damage is not immediately spotted, owners may unknowingly be placing their employees at an increased health and safety risk from the lack of air flow. The most common issues that can impact employees as a result of improper ventilation include: respiratory trouble, asthma, fire, mold, and mildew as the air won’t be replenished. Therefore, any issues that are noted by owners will need to be immediately fixed as a way to maintain a safe working condition.
4. Lubricate Motor and Fan
Once owners have cleared the system it’s important to use a lubricant on the motor and fan. Lubricating the fan is necessary because it ensures that the parts are able to complete their function without impact or delay. The motor and fan also tend to deteriorate quicker when compared to the remaining system because of their constant use. Lubricant is needed to maintain its function and prolong the device’s lifespan.
5. Have System Inspected by a Professional
The final tactic that owners can use to prolong the lifespan of their device is to have the system inspected by a professional. During the inspection the specialist will carefully examine all of the parts to ensure they are performing as normal. Based on this assessment, any issues that are spotted will be repaired quickly by the worker to stop it from persisting.
