Five Common Ceiling Fan Problems
Installing a ceiling fan is not complicated, but you may start noticing problems after you’ve put it up. Following is a list of common ceiling fan issues. Depending on how comfortable you are working with electricity, you might be able to fix them yourself. If you want to ensure a professional job, call a licensed electrician.
1. The Fan Doesn’t Turn On
You flip the switch and nothing happens. In this case, check to make sure that the current is delivering power to the fan.
- Turn off the power.
- Check the circuit breaker. If it has flipped off or there are damaged fuses, replace the fuses and reset the breaker.
- Check the wire connections and secure them if necessary.
- You may have to check if there is power in the wall switch. It’s best to call an electrician for help with this.
2. It’s Wobbly
A wobbly fan might need to have its screws and hardware tightened.
- Turn off the power to the fan.
- Sweep away any dirt that might be weighing down the blades.
- Tighten all the screws.
- Make sure that your outlet box can support a fan.
- If you are still having trouble, call an electrician.
3. The Blades Don’t Turn Properly
If the blades don’t turn properly, the problem is with the fan’s capacitator. You’ll have to replace it if it’s faulty.
- Remove the old capacitator and bring it to the store to make sure you get a matching one.
- This is a tricky job to do by yourself. For the best results, call an electrician.
- If you replace the capacitator and the fan still doesn’t run, it probably has a dead motor.
4. The Fan Is Too Noisy
A fan will sound noisy for the first day or two after it’s installed. This is normal. If it continues past that, try the following.
- Check for any cracked or broken blades.
- Clean dirt and dust from the blades as these can weigh them down and make the fan unbalanced.
- Tighten all the visible screws.
- Tighten the down rod.
- Replace the fan control with a control that has a low-noise feature.
5. The Blades Are Unbalanced
Blades that aren’t balanced are the most common cause of ceiling fan troubles. You can buy a blade balancing kit at most hardware stores. This is a set of weights that you can use to test the blades and adjust them.
- If your fan still wobbles after you balance the blades, it may have been installed improperly.
- You may be able to fix the problem by removing the fan and reordering the blades.
Get Help for Your Ceiling Fans
If you’re bothered by a noisy, wobbly or improperly turning fan, SESCOS can help you get it fixed. Our experts will have it working quickly or advise you whether you need to replace it. For sales, installation, and service of ceiling fans and other electrical appliances, call SESCOS today.