Here are five proven maintenance tips to extend the lifespan of your industrial fans:
1. Keep Blades, Housing & Components Clean
Dust, dirt, and debris are your fan’s worst enemies and buildup on the blades, housing, or guards reduces airflow efficiency, causes imbalance, and increases wear on bearings and motors.
Best practice:
Schedule cleaning based on your environment (monthly in dusty or debris-prone areas, quarterly in cleaner facilities).
Things to note:
- Always power down and follow lockout/tagout procedures before cleaning.
- Use non-abrasive tools and mild cleaners to protect coatings and finishes.
A clean fan not only performs better but also stays balanced which reduces vibration and protects key components.
2. Lubricate Bearings with Precision
Bearings are critical to smooth operation and without proper lubrication, friction builds up, causing overheating, premature wear, or total failure.
Hartzell’s recommendations:
- Use high-quality grease, following your fan’s Installation, Operation & Maintenance (IOM) manual.
- Spin the shaft while applying grease until you see fresh lubricant purging from the seals.
- Avoid over-lubricating, as too much grease can trap heat and damage seals.
Lubrication intervals vary by application, but in high-demand environments, greasing may be required multiple times per week. Keep a detailed log to track dates, quantities, and observations.
3. Inspect Fasteners, Belts & Mounting Hardware
Vibration is normal during operation, but it can loosen bolts, nuts, and belts over time. Left unchecked, loose components can lead to misalignment, excessive noise, and premature wear.
Inspection checklist:
- Tighten all bolts and fasteners.
- For belt-driven fans, inspect belt tension and alignment using a tension gauge.
- Replace belts showing cracks or visible wear.
- On new installations, recheck belt tension after the first 24 hours of operation.
Hartzell’s accessible fan designs make these inspections quicker and safer, which significantly reduces downtime.
4. Monitor Vibration & Motor Health
Every fan has a unique sound and vibration pattern under normal operation, and any change in these could signal imbalance, bearing wear, or motor issues.
What to do:
- Perform regular “listen and feel” checks for unusual rattling, humming, or shaking.
- Use handheld vibration meters for precision monitoring.
- Watch for signs of overheating, reduced airflow, or unusual noises from the motor.
For critical applications, consider installing thermal and vibration sensors to catch issues before they escalate into failures.
5. Replace Worn Components with OEM Parts
Running a fan with worn or damaged components can cause major damage to the entire system, and it often costs more to repair than to replace parts promptly. Keeping spare parts on the shelf will minimize your downtime when there are issues with any critical fans in your facility.
Why OEM Parts Matter:
- Hartzell OEM fan parts are engineered for the exact performance specifications of your fan.
- Genuine components preserve warranty coverage and ensure safety compliance.
- Our parts team can help you identify and source the correct replacements quickly.
If you spot a damaged blade, noisy bearing, or cracked belt, replace it before the problem spreads.
Bonus Tip: Keep a Maintenance Log
Even a basic spreadsheet or binder documenting inspections, cleanings, and repairs can help you:
- Spot recurring issues
- Improve scheduling
- Support warranty claims
- Maintain safety compliance
The Bottom Line
Extending the life of your industrial ventilation equipment comes down to consistent, proactive care, which includes cleaning, lubrication, inspections, monitoring, and timely part replacements. All of these can add years of reliable performance and prevent expensive downtime.
At Hartzell Air Movement, we pair rugged engineering with meticulous testing and a 5-year warranty to deliver fans that stand the test of time. With disciplined maintenance, you can maximize your investment’s value for decades.
Need help building a maintenance plan or sourcing OEM parts? Contact Hartzell Air Movement today!
Phone: 800-336-3267
Email: info@hartzell.com
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