Knowledge Builders

how do you fix a ceiling fan that does not work

by Felipe Watsica Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Ceiling Fan Speeds Are Not Working

  • Run the ceiling fan for a few minutes.
  • Turn off the ceiling fan and allow the blades to come to a full stop.
  • Feel the motor housing with the back of your hand to determine if it's hot (be careful not to burn yourself). ...

Ceiling Fan Is Not Working
  1. Check the circuit breaker to confirm the power is on. ...
  2. Turn the power off the circuit breaker. ...
  3. Make sure the fan blades spin freely. ...
  4. Confirm the reverse switch is not in a neutral position. ...
  5. Verify the plug connection in switch housing is securely fastened and all color-coded cables are aligned.
May 29, 2019

How do you troubleshoot a ceiling fan?

  • Delta Electronics, Inc.
  • Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
  • Havells India Ltd.
  • Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
  • Panasonic Corporation
  • Rexnord Electronic & Control Ltd.
  • Surya Roshni Ltd.
  • Systemair AB
  • Volution Group Plc.

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 fix a ceiling fan that wobbles very bad?

How to balance a wobbly ceiling fan?

  1. Cleaning the ceiling fan. After a long period of time dust may settle on a ceiling fan that can block the fan’s motor and in turn, it keeps much ...
  2. Check the structure of ceiling fan. The very initial thing to test out the whole support of a ceiling fan. ...
  3. Examine Ceiling Fan Blades. ...
  4. Fan Balancing Kit. ...
  5. Replace the ceiling fan. ...

How to clean your ceiling fan?

  • Unplug and remove the fan from the window.
  • Locate the screws around the perimeter of the fan and open up the fan. ...
  • Clean the large debris first. ...
  • Use a solution of hot water and mild soap or an all-purpose cleaner to wipe down the blades and all fan parts inside and out
  • Reassemble the fan and reinsert it back into the window.

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Why would a ceiling fan stop working?

This could be because the circuit breaker has tripped or is off. Check your panel to confirm this. If the circuit breaker works fine, it could be a problem with loose wiring and connections. Your ceiling fan could also stop working due to internal defects namely shot ball bearings or an overheated motor.

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.

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 I troubleshoot a fan not 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...•

Is there a reset button on ceiling fans?

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 long do ceiling fans last for?

10 yearsMost 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.

How can you tell if a fan capacitor is bad?

If the fan doesn't start spinning after turning on the switch but spins by pushing the blades by hand, then the capacitor is not in good condition. If the speed of the fan has been reduced, one of the reasons can be a bad capacitor. You can confirm that by testing the capacitor using a multimeter.

How much does it cost to replace a ceiling fan motor?

Ceiling Fan Faulty Motor The average cost for repair of a fan motor is ($100 - $350) including labor and repair/replacement of the capacitor ($85 - $300), bearing ($80 - $150), or the motor ($100 - $350).

Can a ceiling fan motor be repaired?

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 can you tell if a fan fuse is blown?

Look at the fuse wire. If there is a visible gap in the wire or a dark or metallic smear inside the glass then the fuse is blown and needs to 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.

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.

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.

Why does my ceiling fan not change speeds?

If you can't change the speed of your ceiling fan, it may be because of a broken pull chain or damaged chain switch assembly. Both are easy to replace, but replacing the assembly involves cutting and splicing some wires. Another possibility is a blown or faulty capacitor or a faulty fan speed regulator knob.

Common Ceiling Fan Problems

Click on a link below to determine the cause of a ceiling fan problem and how to fix it: 1. Ceiling Fan is Not Working 2. Ceiling Fan is Wobbling 3...

Ceiling Fan Is Not Working

If your ceiling fan will not start, use the following steps to determine cause of the problem: 1. 1. Check the circuit breaker to confirm the power...

Ceiling Fan Speeds Are Not Working

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 c...

Fan Light Kit Not Working

If your ceiling fan is operating correctly, but the light kit fails, use the steps below to determine the cause: 1. 1. Check that the light bulb is...

Ceiling Fan Is Not Reversing

If you've attempted to reverse your ceiling fan for the winter, but noticed no change in the direction of the fan blades, there could be several ca...

Ceiling Fan/Light Turning on and Off

If your ceiling fan and light kit turn on and off by themselves, don't be alarmed as this is more common than you may think. Use the following tips...

Ceiling Fan Has Airflow Issues

If your ceiling fan is not moving air, use the steps below to determine the cause: 1. 1. Confirm the ceiling fan is spinning in the right direction...

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 when a ceiling fan doesn't work?

When a ceiling fan doesn’t work at all, the first thing to do is to make sure it is receiving electrical power from its switch and from your home’s circuit breaker or fuse box.

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.

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.

What happens if a fan capacitor burns out?

If this capacitor burns out, it must be replaced or the blades won’t turn or will turn improperly.

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.

How to tell if fan blades are bent?

6 Measure to see if the blade tips hang an even distance from the ceiling. If they don’t, one or more of the blades may be bent or warped. Report this to the manufacturer. Most fan makers offer replacement fan blades.

What to do if your ceiling fan stops working?

If your ceiling fan has stopped working, there could be a danger you need to fix immediately. It could be an electrical problem, a capacitor problem, or an electronic problem. Whatever the case may be, you need to disconnect the fan power source so there is no issue at all. Unless you are an electrician you don’t have an instant answer, so the next logical step is to check the warranty.

How to tell if ceiling fan is off center?

This begins with the tip of one blade measured to the rear edge of the next. They should all have the same distance. If one is off by to 1 inch, you’ll be certain it’s off-centered. You can then begin testing different weights from a ceiling fan balancing kit to stop the 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 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 tall should a fan be?

The tallest person in the room should be the starting point for that measurement. If you’re a very tall person then you need to look at hugger fans. These fans have no down rods and fit closer to low ceilings. Most rooms are 8 feet tall, so this usually isn’t a concern. You need at least 7 feet between the fan blades and the floor to make an effective downdraft possible. This way, airflow is maximized to allow the fan blades to bring air back up to the ceiling again.

How to tell if a capacitor is bad?

The fan will run slower than usual or selected speeds won’t work correctly. At that point, it’s time to take your ceiling fan down and replace the capacitor. Be sure to choose the exact type capacitor that is recommended for your ceiling fan. Otherwise, the number of speed settings and control will not work properly.

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 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.

How to make sure fan is on?

Pull the pull chain to make sure it is on. If your fan is remote control operated, push the control’s “on” button to ensure it is on.

Why won't my Hunter fan spin?

If you can tell the fan is getting power because the motor is charged and the lights turn on , but the blades won’t spin, it could be caused by a wiring issue. You may need to replace the wiring harness. This is a service part you may acquire online at HunterFan.com or by contacting our customer service team. Note that you will need to know the model number of your Hunter ceiling fan.

What to do if you don't feel comfortable working with wiring?

Always contact a certified, professional electrician if you don’t feel comfortable working with wiring on your own.

What to do if there is a reverse switch on a fan?

01. If there is a reverse switch on the fan, make sure the switch is all the way to one side or the other and not positioned in the middle.

Can you fix a ceiling fan?

Fixing any ceiling fan issues as they arise can help your fixture last for a long time. However, there comes a time that older fans reach end of life and need replacing. Hunter carries the best selection of replacement fans with a wobble- and noise-free guarantee when installed correctly. Explore all the fans, lighting, and accessories we have to offer at Hunter Fan Company.

Can a low profile fan cause a short in the motor lead wire?

Lastly, if you have a low-profile fan, you’ll want to make sure there isn’t any wiring that’s touching the motor housing as this could cause a short in the motor lead wire. In this case, adjust the wires to ensure they are securely tucked inside the mounting bracket frame, making sure to not loosen the wire nuts.

Why does my ceiling fan stop working?

Another common reason a ceiling fan would stop working is that the power to the fan is off. This can happen if someone has pulled the chain that controls the fan. It can also happen if someone flipped the wall switch to the “off” position. Many homeowners control their ceiling fans with a wall switch instead of the chain on the fan itself. However, other people prefer to use the chain to turn the fan on and off. This confusion most often becomes a problem if you recently had a guest in your home.

Why is My Ceiling Fan Not Working on All Speeds?

Sometimes, your ceiling fan might work some of the time, but it will not work on all speeds. This is usually a sign that something is wrong.

Why does my ceiling fan make a buzzing noise?

It is also important to contact an electrician if your fan turns on, but the blades will not turn. When this happens, the light might still work even if the fan does not. You might also notice a humming or buzzing sound. This could mean that there is a problem with one of the fan’s internal components. For example, the wiring between the fan and the power source might be loose or defective. This can happen at the switch or where the fan connects to the ceiling.

Why is my fan motor not turning?

Similarly, the fan motor might be faulty. The motor is essential because it propels the fan blades. However, the motor relies on the fan’s capacitor, which helps the fan blades start turning. If the capacitor has gone bad, the motor will turn on, but the blades will not rotate. It is also possible that the fan’s flywheel broke. This is a rubber piece that connects the blades to the motor.

Why does my fan keep wobbling?

A wobbling fan typically means that there is an internal issue or the blades are unbalanced. This can happen if the fan is not hanging properly or another part has broken down. It can be a sign of a serious and potentially dangerous problem.

Why does my ceiling fan go bad?

The fan might still run, but the motor will get hot quickly and have trouble at different speeds. Ceiling fans can also have problems if other internal parts are damaged or old. For example, ball bearings that are dirty or need lubrication can keep the fan from working properly.

How long does a ceiling fan last?

The average lifespan of a ceiling fan is around 10 years. However, your fan might last longer or wear out sooner, depending on the type of fan you have. Additionally, how often you use the fan can affect how long it lasts. For example, if you keep your fan running all the time, then it might wear out earlier. It is also important to clean your fan regularly. When the fan or its components get dirty, this grime can build up and start to interfere with the fan’s functioning.

Why are my ceiling fans not lighting?

One of the most common causes of ceiling fan bulbs not lighting is burned-out or damaged LED lights.

What happens when you power on a fan?

When you power on the fan, the electric current starts producing heat. This makes the wires either expand or contract.

What is LED ceiling fan?

A ceiling fan with LED lights is a pretty efficient appliance for those who are always after more value in a product. Not only do its fan blades dry off all your sweat, but the bulbs also lighten your dark room. Honestly, that’s all one wants after a long, tiring day at work.

Where are the screws on a ceiling light kit?

Next, find the screws keeping the light kit intact. In almost all ceiling units, they are present underneath the fan blades. Once you detect these screws, unscrew them.

Why are my light bulbs not working?

Too loose or too tight connections often restrict the performance of the light kit, resulting in the bulbs not operating properly.

Why do my sockets get burned?

Mostly, the sockets get burned when there is an electrical short circuit in the wiring. So the best way to inspect it is:

Can you replace a damaged socket with a new one?

Alternatively, you can also substitute the damaged socket with a new one.

What to do if ceiling fan doesn't work?

The first thing you need to do is to make sure that power is actually reaching your fan. If you have a light fixture attached to the fan and the ceiling fan doesn’t work, but the light does, then you know that the power supply is sufficient. This means that you will likely have to do a bit more detective work to uncover the culprit ...

Why does my ceiling fan make a humming noise?

Humming Sounds. If your ceiling fan quit working, but the light still works , and you hear a humming sound, you might be looking at a blown motor capacitor. They can burn out for a number of reasons, the major two reasons being old age or overheating. Checking this part of the fan is also relatively simple. Just as you did before, disconnect all ...

How to tell if fan motor is dead?

While you have the wiring open, you need to use a voltmeter to test the actual connections. Start with the fan motor itself. If the voltmeter shows that you are getting current to the motor, but nothing is happening, then it is a sign that your motor is completely dead.

How to tell if a fan blade is frozen?

If you find that the blades are unable to spin, then the bearings in the motor are likely frozen . The bearings could be replaced, but it is a rather costly repair. Many people find that it is actually cheaper for them to purchase a brand new fan instead of investing in the repair.

Why won't my fan blades turn?

If you can tell that your motor is running, but the blades won’t turn, the issue may be a broken flywheel. This is not a particularly common problem, but you may find that it has broken over the years. It can be very easy to replace a flywheel, and the parts are relatively inexpensive for most fan models.

Why is my fan constantly in motion?

From here, you should check the wiring. Because the fan is constantly in motion, it is very probable that you simply have a loose connection.

Can you hang a fan from a bracket?

Some models have a hanging device where you can leave them hang from a mounting bracket while you look inside. If not, then you will need a second person to hold the fan for you while you work. Do a simple visual check for wires that are short, disconnected, or loose. It might be a relatively simple fix, and you can rehang the fan right away.

How to balance a ceiling fan?

To do this, take some coins and attach them to the ceiling fan’s blades. Tape each coin before testing the fan by turning it on.

Why does my ceiling fan keep wobbling?

Ceiling fans defy gravity and are professionally balanced to ensure that they don’t come crashing down. However, extra weight can lead to the fan wobbling because it’s become unbalanced. One of these issues is when you don’t clean the fan of dirt, mold, or debris.

What does it mean when a ceiling fan is wobbling?

Fixing Unbalanced Ceiling Fans. A wobbling ceiling fan signifies that there’s an underlying problem with your fan and that it needs to be fixed. Not only are loose ceiling fans dangerous, but they also produce noise and may cause permanent damage to the fan’s blades. That’s why it’s critical that you get them fixed before it becomes ...

Why is my fan tilting?

The last problem you may encounter with your fan is that it’s been wobbling because the blades have become unbalanced. Over time, a fan’s blades can break down and bend which can cause the whole system to tilt. While there’s not always a fix for this, it’s best to prevent this from happening before there’s a problem.

How much dirt does it take to make a ceiling fan wobble?

With dirt, it only takes a small half a gram to cause the whole system to wobble. That’s why it’s essential to clean your ceiling fan regularly.

Why does my fan make a loud noise?

The very first issue you may have a problem with is that the screws have come loose over time and need to be tightened. This is the most common problem amongst wobbly fans and tends to make the most amount of noise.

Is it dangerous to have a ceiling fan?

Not only are loose ceiling fans dangerous , but they also produce noise and may cause permanent damage to the fan’s blades. That’s why it’s critical that you get them fixed before it becomes a bigger problem.

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1.Videos of How Do You Fix a Ceiling Fan That Does Not Work

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21 hours ago If it still doesn’t work, you’ll need to find the remote receiver in your ceiling fan’s mounting bracket – but be sure to turn off the power to your fan at the circuit breaker first. 04. If your fan is a pull chain with an accessory remote installed, make …

2.Ceiling Fan Not Working? Troubleshooting Guide

Url:https://www.delmarfans.com/educate/basics/ceiling-fan-troubleshooting/

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16 hours ago  · Sometimes, ceiling fan problems are easy to fix. But, this might also be a sign that there is a more serious issue. One thing that can keep your fan from working correctly is the reversing switch. Make sure to press the switch fully to one side or the other. If it is stuck in the middle, then your fan might not run.

4.How to Fix a Ceiling Fan - Hunter Fan

Url:https://www.hunterfan.com/pages/how-to-fix-a-ceiling-fan

22 hours ago  · If your ceiling fan light is not working but fan blades are, try all these methods one-by-one until you determine the root cause of the issue. Replace the damaged bulb. One of the most common causes of ceiling fan bulbs not lighting is burned-out or damaged LED lights. Some ceiling fans have one bulb, while others have two or more than that.

5.How To Fix A Ceiling Fan – Troubleshoot 5 Common …

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29 hours ago  · Some models have a hanging device where you can leave them hang from a mounting bracket while you look inside. If not, then you will need a second person to hold the fan for you while you work. Do a simple visual check for wires that are short, disconnected, or loose. It might be a relatively simple fix, and you can rehang the fan right away. Otherwise, you might …

6.My Ceiling Fan Stopped Working: What’s Wrong? | ABC Blog

Url:https://www.abchomeandcommercial.com/blog/ceiling-fan-stopped-working/

15 hours ago Take household antibacterial cleaning wipes or a damp cloth and rub down the top of the ceiling fan’s blades. If there’s a buildup of residue, then you may want to add a few drops of dish soap or dusting solution to your damp cloth. This will help get rid of all the small particles and break down any unwanted bacteria.

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