A noisy ceiling fan can be very frustrating. It can disturb you while trying to sleep. It can also break your concentration when you are doing any task. And most importantly, a noisy ceiling fan could be an indication of mechanical malfunction. You would definitely not want to have a malfunctioning fan spinning over your head.
There are many reasons for a ceiling fan to make noise. But the most prominent reason for a ceiling fan to make noise is due to vibration. A ceiling fan spins constantly. As a result of which, it can produce a good amount of vibration. Luckily, there are many methods to solve ceiling fan noise.
In this article, we will discuss the ways by following which you can eliminate ceiling fan noise and stop ceiling fan squeaking.
1. Tightening The Fan Blade Screws
You can fix a ceiling fan making rattling noises by tightening the screws on the fan blade. The fan blades on your ceiling fan are connected with the central rotating body with screws. As the fan blade spins constantly, the screws holding the fan blades can get loose over time. It can make your ceiling fan unstable, causing a rattling noise.
Most of ceiling fan companies use Philips head screws to attach the fan blade with the fan body. So, take a Philips head screwdriver and properly tighten the screws. Make sure to apply an equal amount of torque on every screw because the variance of torque can make the fan wobbly. You can use a torque screwdriver to aid the tightening process.
2. Cleaning The Fan Blades
Dust accumulated on the fan blades can play a substantial role in producing excessive fan noises. Fan blades, because of their rotating motion can collect the specks of dust floating around in the room. The specks of dust can create friction with the air when the fan blade spins. This produces excessive fan noises.
Cleaning fan blades is an easy task. You can clean the fan blades by using a thick rag or a towel. Use a ladder to reach the fan blades. After that, use a moist rag or towel to clean any dust accumulated on the edges. Also, make sure to properly clean the top and the bottom part of the fan blade. After doing so, use a dry rag to dry the fan blades.
3. Tightening The Fan Lights
Many modern ceiling fans these days come with a light attached to them. The lights can rotate with the fan or they can be stationary as well. Nevertheless, the attached lights can get loose over time and produce a knocking noise. This type of ceiling fan making a knocking noise can be easily fixed by properly fastening the lights with the fan body.
The lights on the ceiling fan are mostly fastened with a screw. So just simply tighten the screw. If the light on your ceiling fan is not attached by a screw, then try rotating the light housing. By doing so, you can tighten the light housing and reduce any noise coming from it.
4. Fixing Bent Fan Blades
Fan blades can get bent because of being used in an environment where too much external wind is involved. This problem generally happens when an external wind force collides with the fan blades. Warped fan blades are the prime cause of loud fan noises. They can also pose serious health and safety hazard.
Fixing bent fan blades can be a difficult task. You will need specialized tools and equipment for proper repair. The best course of action would be to seek the help of professionals. And if possible, remove the bent fan blades and replace them with new ones. You can find replacement fan blades in the shop where you bought the fan from.
5. Lubing The Fan Motor
If you are using a fan for a long time and hear your ceiling fan squeaking, then the chances of your fan motor clogging up are very high. The fan motor can get clogged up for many reasons. Dust build-up can be the main reason behind it. Fortunately, you can easily solve this issue by properly lubing your fan motor.
The method of lubing a fan motor can be tedious. At first, take the fan down from the ceiling. After that, carefully lay the fan down on a flat surface. Then, take out the fan motor cover. You will find an exposed fan motor. Gently apply a sufficient amount of lubricant to the motor. You can find fan motor lubricant in any hardware shop.
6. Balancing The Fan Blades
Your fan should always remain stable while rotating. If you find your ceiling fan making a clicking noise and being wobbly then be sure that your fan blades are out of their alignment. This is a very common issue for ceiling fans. Bent blades and uneven weight distribution on the fan blades can cause this problem.
This issue can be solved by using a fan blade balancing clip. This clip can be found in online stores or on any fan store. Simply attach the balancing clip on the fan blades and turn on the fan. Look out for fan wobble. If the fan still wobbles, then change the position of the clip. Keep changing the clip position until the wobbling stops.
7. Checking The Upper Fan Cover
All ceiling fans have a plastic cover where the fan mount meets with the ceiling. Due to constant rotation, the vibration produced by the fan can easily loosen up the fan cover. Loose fan covers can be the main reason for the ceiling fan making a clicking noise.
In order to solve this problem, take a ladder, and reach the top of the ceiling. After that, properly secure the fan cover with the ceiling. You can use a screw to properly secure the fan cover in its place. You can also use duct tapes for fastening the cover.
8. Tightening The Motor Cover
Just like the upper fan cover, there is also a motor cover on every fan. The motor cover can detach from its mount because of the vibration from the fan motor. Causing a constant ticking noise whenever the fan runs. Similar to the above method, this problem can be solved by properly placing the motor cover in its mount.
If the mount holding the motor cover is broken, you can use duct tape or nonflammable glue to properly secure it in its place.
9. Changing The Fan Capacitor
If your fan struggles to rotate when you power it on, then you are most probably dealing with a failing capacitor. A strange buzzing noise coming out from the fan while rotating is also a sign of a failing capacitor.
You will need very good technical skills if you want to change the fan capacitor yourself. Start by disconnecting all electrical connections to the fan. After that, unmount the fan from the ceiling and disassemble it. You will find a circular tube-shaped component. That component is the capacitor. Replace the broken capacitor with the new one.
You can find a new fan capacitor in any hardware store. Make sure to properly match the model of the capacitor. Your capacitor may also be rectangular in shape depending on the model of your ceiling fan.
10. Mending The Ceiling Fan Mount
The ceiling fan mount is a mechanism that holds the fan from the roof. It bears all the weight of the ceiling fan. It can degrade over time because of being constantly used. A bad ceiling fan mount can be the reason for the ceiling fan making a grinding noise. The mount can collide with the ceiling causing the grinding noise.
The first step of solving this problem would be to properly observe the ceiling fan mount. Start by detaching the ceiling fan from the roof. After that, do a thorough check of the mount. The mount should not exhibit any movement and stay in its place if any force is applied to it. If the mount wobbles, then immediately replace it.
11. Change The Fan
If none of the above methods worked for you, then you most probably have a defective ceiling fan. A ceiling fan can make noise if there is an internal problem with the fan motor. Moreover, it can also make noise because of having manufacturing defects.
So, if you just bought a ceiling fan and if the warranty still covers it, then replace the fan immediately. And if you are using an old fan, then maybe it is time to consider buying a new one.
Conclusion
There are many additional reasons for a ceiling fan to make noise. For example, using a faulty dimmer can cause a ceiling fan to make noise. Using a faulty remote can do so as well. Sometimes, running the fan on the inverter can also produce excessive noise.
Be very careful while working on electrical appliances. Maintain utmost safety while working on the ceiling fan. Make sure to disconnect all electrical connections from the fan before replacing any parts. If possible, disconnect the fan connection from the main circuit breaker. If you do not have any experience of doing such tasks, always ask for professional assistance.
