How to Fix a Noisy Ceiling Fan

Lawrence Bonk Profile image

Written By:

Updated July 21, 2022

If you are just getting started in the world of indoor cooling and breeze creation, you may wonder how to fix a noisy ceiling fan. Some of the best fans, after all, are susceptible to maintenance issues that increase the overall noise level. So, what do you do if your fan is making a racket? Keep reading to find out.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Many issues contribute to increased noise and a clicking sound as you use the various ceiling fans throughout the home.
  • Start troubleshooting this issue by cleaning any dust and grease from the ceiling fan blades.
  • Next, tighten the loose screws on these blades and tighten any fasteners connecting to integrated lighting fixtures.

How to Get a Fan to Stop Making Noise

If you are wondering how to make a ceiling fan quiet, you are not alone. However, the fix depends on the issue itself, like when trying to suss out how to repair a slow ceiling fan. There are several things to experiment with here, though the process is not as complicated as learning how to make a humidifier with a fan.

Insider Tip

Make cleaning every part of your fans a part of your overall maintenance routine.

Here are a few troubleshooting steps to consider to make your ceiling fan quiet or fix a stand fan.

Clean the Blades

As a first step, clean the fan blades. Not only is this the easiest process described in this article, but dirty fan blades are responsible for a large share of noise issues. Many fans sit idle for months at a time, particularly during the winter, and the blades become caked with dust and grease, throwing off the balance. Cleaning the blades restores this balance and eliminates excess noise. As a general rule of thumb, try to clean your fan blades every one to two months, depending on usage.

Tighten Blade Screws

Ceiling fans are attached to the assembly via an integrated mount. The screws involved in this process may look decorative, but they are necessary for stability. These screws loosen over time due to rotational momentum, throwing off the fan’s balance and increasing the overall noise output during use. Tighten each screw to the best of your ability and repeat this process every few months. If you don’t know what type of screwdriver to use for this task, check the instructions.

Warning

If you spot damage on your fan’s motor housing, call a professional to avoid it getting worse.

Tighten Light Fixture Fasteners

Many ceiling fans are attached to light fixtures, such as overhead lamps. These fixtures include their own screws that can loosen over time, contributing to a drastic increase in noise. Access the light cover, check the fasteners, and make everything tighter. While you are up there, don’t forget to dust and clean the bowl that sits over the light bulb. You should also remember to replace these bulbs every few months.

STAT: Fan motors use lubrication as a way to reduce friction during operations. (source)

How to Fix a Noisy Ceiling Fan FAQs

How do I oil a ceiling fan?

It depends on where along the ceiling joist your fan resides. Check the instructions to find the appropriate location to grease up the fan to reduce any humming noise or rattling noise.

How do I use a ceiling fan balancing kit?

These balancing kits differ, so check the instructions. Generally speaking, these kits balance the ceiling fan motor and the motor housing with the rest of the components, allowing for noise-free fan speeds.

When should I call a professional?

If your motor housing appears damaged, call a pro, as fan motors will worsen over time. If your ceiling fan noises alleviate with the above steps, there is no need to call in a professional licensed electrician.
Lawrence Bonk Profile image