How to fix ceiling fan motors
- If your fan is operating but the lights won’t work, try replacing the bulb or bulbs first, but make sure they’re the correct wattage for the light kit.
- If the lights still don’t turn on, look for burn marks in the bulb socket – this can indicate a problem with the wiring.
- With the power supply turned off, examine the wires. ...
How do you fix a noisy ceiling fan motor?
Noisy Ceiling Fan
- Clean off the Blades. The simplest way to calm a noisy ceiling fan is by cleaning the blades. ...
- Tighten the Blade Screws. All ceiling fan blades will be connected to a mount on the assembly. ...
- Tighten Light-Fixture Fasteners. ...
- Examine Any Warped Blades. ...
- Secure the Upper Canopy. ...
- Lubricate the Fan Motor. ...
- Balance the Blades. ...
- Check the Pull Chain. ...
How do you reverse a ceiling fan?
Use the steps below or the video below to change the direction of your ceiling fan:
- Shut off the ceiling fan and wait for the blades to come to a complete stop
- Using a ladder or step stool to reach the motor housing, locate the direction switch
- Flip the switch in the opposite direction
- Step down and turn the ceiling fan back on
- Verify the ceiling fan blades are moving in the right direction
How to rewind a ceiling fan motor?
- Slot 16+16 = 32 Slot
- 16 Slot Fan winding Starting Turns = 330
- 16 Slot Fan winding Running Turns = 380
- Standard Wire Number = 36 Number.
Can you replace a ceiling fan motor?
If the motor does turn out to actually be the problem, you can certainly replace it. Some motors simply plug in and out of the fan. If you're not lucky enough to have one of those, you'll have to wire the new motor into place, matching the colored wires. Be sure to shut off the power to that circuit at the breaker box before you begin.
Can you fix ceiling fan motor?
If the motor does turn out to actually be the problem, you can certainly replace it. Some motors simply plug in and out of the fan. If you're not lucky enough to have one of those, you'll have to wire the new motor into place, matching the colored wires.
How do I know if my ceiling fan motor is bad?
0:251:33How to Tell if a Ceiling Fan Is Broken : Ceiling Fan Maintenance - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you have that loud humming sound a lot of times you'll just smell almost an electrical burningMoreAnd you have that loud humming sound a lot of times you'll just smell almost an electrical burning smell. That your motor out.
How do you fix a ceiling fan that won't spin?
If your fan isn't turning properly, or one or more of your speed control settings isn't working, use these ceiling fan troubleshooting tips: Step 1: Locate the ball bearings and give them a good cleaning. Add lubricant to ensure proper rotation. Step 2: Replace the ceiling fan capacitor.
Why did my ceiling fan stopped working but light still works?
If your ceiling fan stopped working but the light still works, check for a humming sound. This could be indicative of a blown motor capacitor, which is often caused by overheating. While inspecting the motor housing, look for a small black box connected to the pull cord.
What causes a fan motor to go bad?
The main causes of failure are loss of lubricant, a failed run capacitor, a failed bearing in a belt drive, a little water dripping into the windings or a voltage problem.
What is the average life of a ceiling fan?
Most ceiling fans are estimated to last for a maximum of 10 years, but the length of time your ceiling fan should last does depend on how much you use it.
What causes a fan to stop spinning?
A dried out or sticky pin is one of the most common reasons for blades to stop spinning. If they spin easily and there's no resistance, try turning your fan on and see if the pin spins. If it doesn't, the problem isn't the pin and there is probably a short in the motor.
Why is my ceiling fan humming and not spinning?
Humming, accompanied by a failure of the blades to turn, is a classic symptom of a failed capacitor. To check, turn on the fan so that the humming sound is audible and try turning the blades manually. If they start turning after a good push, you need to replace the capacitor.
What makes a fan to be humming but not rotating?
Dead capacitor is a common cause for a fan motor that hums but doesn't spin. You can tell if a capacitor is burnt out because it will often be visibly charred or cracked open.
Do ceiling fans have a reset button?
There are several ways to reset a ceiling fan remote, but here's the most straightforward: With the power off, hold down the button until the light on the remote flashes. Then, press and hold it again for 15-30 seconds to resynchronize the remote with your fan.
How do you fix a fan that stops working?
Floor Fan Stopped Working? Your Troubleshooting GuideCheck the Cord. It sounds simple, but your first step should be to make sure the cord is securely plugged in. ... Check Your Circuit Breaker. ... Check for Power to Your Outlet. ... Check the Fan Fuse. ... Replace the Cord. ... Clean the Fan. ... Grease the Motor. ... Call Customer Support.More items...•
How do you fix a capacitor on a ceiling fan?
5:086:41How to Replace the Capacitor in a Ceiling Fan - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can now remove the defective capacitor. Bring the new replacement capacitor to the motor stripMoreYou can now remove the defective capacitor. Bring the new replacement capacitor to the motor strip the previously cut red and white wires combine the red wires from the capacitor.
How can you tell if a ceiling fan capacitor is bad?
The capacitor is usually a black box inside the switch housing of the fan. If the case appears burnt or melted in any way, that is also the sign of a bad capacitor and it should be replaced.
What happens when a ceiling fan capacitor goes bad?
If the capacitor is bad, the fan is still getting power, but because the start coil is compromised, it can't develop enough torque to start the fan. You can start the fan yourself, however, by giving it a push, and it will keep running. Before you do that, listen to the fan carefully, and you'll hear a humming sound.
How do I test my ceiling fan power?
Turn the fan's lights on, if it has them. Flip the switch and pull the fan chord that controls the lights to the fan. If the lights turn on but the fan doesn't work, there is most likely an issue with the fan's motor. If the lights and fan both don't turn on, then it's possible the fan isn't receiving power.
How much does a ceiling fan motor cost?
$100 to $350Replacing a capacitor usually costs $85 to $300, while replacing the fan's motor generally runs from $100 to $350.
Ceiling Fan Doesn’T Work at All
Be sure to turn off the fan’s circuit breaker before disassembling the fan or its switch!These are instructions for troubleshooting a fan that is c...
Ceiling Fan Blades Don’T Turn Properly
Most often, if the fan can be turned on but the blades don’t spin, only run at one speed, or change speeds unexpectedly, the fan’t capacitor is def...
How to Fix A Fan That Hums
If your ceiling fan makes a humming noise when it runs, you may be able to eliminate the problem by changing the control. This is a relatively easy...
How to Fix A Fan That Wobbles
Though a little wobble is typical for ceiling fans, significant wobble can be dangerous. Begin by checking for the source of the wobble. In many ca...
How to Replace A Fan’S Flywheel
A flywheel is a rubber disc that attaches the ceiling fan motor’s shaft to the blades. The rubber helps minimize vibration in the blades, but over...
What to do if you have a wobbly ceiling fan
A wobbly ceiling fan can be very irritating to live with in your home. It can be caused by a few different reasons. Whether you have Hunter ceiling fan issues stemming from improper installation or an unbalanced fan from another manufacturer, read more about troubleshooting tips for how to fix a wobbly ceiling fan.
What to do if your ceiling fan is noisy or humming
Another issue that can create a lot of frustration is noise or a humming sound coming from your ceiling fan. We engineer our Hunter fans to be whisper quiet. If you notice it’s noisy, it might be due to improper installation or issues on a manufacturer level.
Why did my ceiling fan stop working?
The purpose of a ceiling fan is to promote airflow and circulation to increase the comfort of a space, so it can be incredibly frustrating when a fan doesn't work as it should.
Identifying ceiling fan motor issues
While it may seem like the fan motor isn’t working, the motor might not be the problem at all. You could have an issue with the circuit breaker or the switch. Start by testing out the wall switch.
Motor replacement
How you replace a motor depends on your fan brand and model. Hunter ceiling fan motors come with a lifetime warranty. Should your motor fail on your Hunter fan, your ceiling fan will need to be replaced. It’s important to make sure that your fan is registered to facilitate the replacement process.
How to fix the light on a ceiling fan
Ceiling lights are important, especially if they’re your main source of light.
How to fix a ceiling fan remote
Is your ceiling fan remote not working? Start troubleshooting by checking the batteries first.
What are the parts of a ceiling fan?
A ceiling fan consists of a few basic parts, namely an electric motor with a housing, blades and the “irons” that hold most types of blades in place, and a downrod or other mounting device.
Why does my ceiling fan wobble?
In many cases, wobble happens when a fan has been hung from a regular ceiling electrical box instead of an electrical box that’s rated for fans. Because of its weight and constant movement, a fan exerts far more force on the electrical box than does a light. If a fan works its way loose, it could come crashing down.
What is a flywheel on a ceiling fan?
A flywheel is a rubber disc that attaches the ceiling fan motor’s shaft to the blades. The rubber helps minimize vibration in the blades, but over time the material can crack and break. If the fan stops turning but the motor continues to hum, you probably have a damaged or broken flywheel.
Why do ceiling fans work in summer?
A ceiling fan makes a room more comfortable at higher temperatures during the summer. Because it stirs up a breeze in a room, you can set the room’s thermostat 5 to 7 degrees higher, dramatically cutting your air conditioning bills. And, in the winter, a ceiling fan can be reversed to circulate rising warm air.
How to remove a broken flywheel?
To remove the broken flywheel, you must disassemble the fan assembly. It’s helpful to take pictures of the fan as you disassemble it to make reassembly easier. Before working on the fan, be sure to turn the power off at the circuit breaker. 1 Remove the fan’s blades and open the fan switch housing.
How To Replace A Ceiling Fan Motor?
Three main factors to consider when replacing a ceiling fan motor are cost, difficulty level, and electrical skills. There are a few things you can check before fixing the fan motor.
4 Reasons Why Did My Ceiling Fan Stop Working
Your ceiling fan can stop working due to different problems, ranging from power supply problems to faulty parts. The most common reasons your ceiling fan is not turning are power faults, capacitor problems, or a bad motor. Here are a few reasons your ceiling fan is not functioning:
How Do I Know If My Ceiling Fan Motor Is Bad?
If you’re not sure if your ceiling fan motor is bad, it’s easy enough to find out by just turning the fan on high and observing how fast the blades spin. If they’re moving slowly, then you know that the motor is bad. Here are some major signs that indicate bad motor:
Can A Ceiling Fan Motor Overheat?
Overheating is one of the biggest dangers that can come with a ceiling fan motor. Some of these fans are on for hours at a time and the components become hot for a long time and begin to overheat. Listed below are some of the causes of overheating in a ceiling fan motor:
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Ceiling Fan Motor?
The cost of replacing a ceiling fan motor depends on the type of ceiling fan you have and where you purchase the replacement motor. The more complex your ceiling fan, the more expensive it will be to replace the motor. The average price for a ceiling fan motor replacement is $100 to $150
How Long Do Ceiling Fan Motors Last?
Ceiling fan motors can last anywhere from 2 to 10 years, depending on the quality of the motor. The life of a ceiling fan motor depends on the quality and the maintenance. The more you use it, the faster it shortens its lifespan. It is recommended to change ceiling fan motors every five years.
Conclusion
Replacing ceiling fan motors is a relatively easy job. With ceiling fans becoming more and more popular in warmer climates, it’s good to know how to swap a ceiling fan motor when something goes wrong. The whole process can be done in a day, using common household tools.
Why does my ceiling fan make a noise?
Noise or humming ceiling fan. Nearly every ceiling fan will have some sort of noise issue, simply because it’s an electrical appliance with moving parts. If it’s an older fan model, it will no doubt need more oiling and maintenance.
Why does my ceiling fan wobble?
The reason is typically due to fan blade balancing. If these blades are not properly spaced or have been accidentally bent, the entire fan can wobble.
How close should a ceiling fan be to the floor?
Not only can it injure somebody, but it can also harm the fan and cause the blades to become misaligned. Then you have to deal with wobbling and other sound problems. Spinning fan blades should always be at least 7-8 feet above your head.
Why do ceiling fans have LED lights?
Newer ceiling fans will have LED lights to give you better energy savings. Often they can be dimmed, which is a great bonus. The bad part is that it needs LED dimmer switches if you use it for on/off wall switch control panels. Standard dimmers will make any LED light flicker as a result.
Where are tiny screws used on a ceiling fan?
Usually from a primary location on the ceiling where a roof support beam is located. Tiny screws are used to keep all the fan parts connected. Unless they are brand new, they aren’t very effective at keeping tight. Older screws might start to slip loose due to micro-vibrations.
Do ceiling fans need to be replaced?
Most ceiling fan warranties cover a limited amount of components in your fan. If it’s brand new you can go ahead and replace the entire unit. But if it’s more than a couple of years there will be problems that might need the fan replaced. The first step is to have someone look at the fan to check all the parts.
Do all motors have a capacitor?
Every motor should have a resistor or a capacitor to control electricity. A resistor is more prone to letting a motor get too hot despite limiting the electricity to the motor. Most imported fan motors, unless they are checked for quality, will have resistors instead of capacitors.
What to do if your ceiling fan is not working?
If your ceiling fan is operating correctly, but the light kit fails, use the steps below to determine the cause: Check that the light bulb is securely fastened into the socket. Confirm the bulb has not burned out. If so, turn the power off and replace the light bulb. Restore power and resume normal use.
Why won't my ceiling fan turn on?
If your ceiling fan won't turn on or your speed settings are not working properly, you may notice a sharp change in the airflow. To determine the cause of the fan speed malfunction, follow the steps below: Clean and lubricate the ball bearings. Replace the ceiling fan capacitor.
How long does it take for a ceiling fan to adjust?
To determine the cause of your noisy fan, use the steps below: If you've recently installed the fan, allow 24 hours for the ceiling fan to adjust. If your ceiling fan has a light kit, tighten any loose screws securing the glassware. Confirm the light bulbs are firmly threaded into the socket.
Why does my ceiling fan shake?
If your ceiling fan wobbles or shakes, it may be due to several factors such as bent blade brackets, loose screws, or dusty or warped fan blades. Use the steps below to determine the cause of the problem:
What to do if you have a short in the wiring?
If so, you may have a short in the wiring and you will need to fix or replace the wiring. Verify the light bulb's wattage does not exceed the light kit's wattage limit. Some ceiling fans are equipped with a wattage limiting device, which disables the fan's light kit.
Can a ceiling fan be reversed?
Some ceiling fans are not able to be reversed. If a reversible ceiling fans is something that you desire to ensure your ceiling fan is working with your heating and cooling system year-round, consider purchasing a ceiling fan with a reverse on the remote or wall control.
How much does a ceiling fan motor cost?
However, a quick check of ceiling fan parts sites reveals that the cheapest motors are almost $50, and most of them run at least $100 or more. Given that the cost of a fan is frequently $70 to $80, and even the most of the more expensive ones aren't much more than $150, it might well be cost-effective to simply replace the fan itself rather ...
What are the things that can fail on a ceiling fan?
There are three basic things that can fail on a ceiling fan: the blades, the capacitors and the motor. Of these, the blades are by far the easiest and cheapest to replace. Unfortunately, they're also the part that's least likely to fail.
Can a capacitor be replaced?
Capacitors are also cheap and easy to replace, but they can be hard to find. However, if you think you might have a motor problem, it could really be a capacitor. If the fan runs slowly, despite the speed setting, or if the motor hums to indicate that it's working but the blades won't spin, the problem is probably with the capacitor.
Can a fan have more than one speed?
Unfortunately, if your fan has more than one speed, you may find that it has a capacitor with more than one microfarad rating, and therefore more than one wire. If that's the case, refer to the schematic on the side of the capacitor that tells which wires go where.
About Pro Referral
Evaluate your options by comparing quotes, asking questions and confirming availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ceiling fan repairs average between $85-$175. However, depending on the complexity of your electrical work, repairs could cost as much as $300.
Ceiling Fan Repair
Your ceiling fan plays an important part in keeping your home comfortable. No matter the season, a ceiling fan helps circulate conditioned air, making your heating and cooling system more efficient. It can even lowering heating and cooling costs.
