If you are new to the world of breeze-creating appliances, you may wonder how to fix a squeaky ceiling fan. Some of the best fans are ceiling fans, and they can certainly make their fair share of squeaking sounds during use. If you’re experiencing a noisy overhead fan, we have a quick fix. Turn it off and let it stop completely. Tighten screws and bolts connecting blades to the motor housing. Apply lubricating oil (we have a guide to oiling a ceiling fan if needed). Balance the blades using a kit or adjust weights. Clean the fan to remove dust and check for loose or damaged parts, and repair if needed. Finally, turn on the fan to test it.
Is your ceiling fan noise still persisting? There may be other elements involved. The lack of lubrication in the ceiling fan motor can lead to a clicking sound or a sizzling sound. This could also be an electrical issue, which should be addressed by a qualified electrician. If you have identified that the problem is indeed related to the lack of lubrication, it’s recommended that you reach out to a professional for repair and maintenance.
So, what are the best ways to go about troubleshooting this issue and resolving it? Keep reading to find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Ceiling fans are prone to squeaking or making other unwanted noises as you use them.
- To address the issue of a noisy ceiling fan, start by cleaning the fan blades with a microfiber cloth and a cleaning solution.
- Next, tighten the light fixture fasteners and any loose screw in the upper canopy and tighten up the blade screws and junction box.
How to Get a Ceiling Fan to Stop Squeaking
Each fan is different, and each source of noise is unique, like if you hear your ceiling fan humming, similar to when learning how to fix a stand fan. Still, there are some common reasons for the added noise, which should lead you to learn how to clean fan blades and other techniques. To clean ceiling fan blades, first, turn off the fan and use a damp cleaning cloth to clean dirt or dust away. Be sure to look carefully for any accumulated dirt so you can remove it with a clean cloth. To ensure that everything is thoroughly cleaned, repeat this process until all the dirt has been removed from the fan.
Some of these universal tips can also help you learn how to fix a slow ceiling fan.
Insider Tip
You should clean the fan blades every two to three months to prevent recurring noise.
Here are a few useful steps to perform to reduce that squeak, though these all won’t be helpful when learning how to fix a fan that won’t spin. For other issues with your fan, we have more articles, like if your ceiling fan is making noise, as well as fixing a noisy ceiling fan. And if your fan is completely unusable, we have a guide to help with removing a ceiling fan so that you can replace it.
Clean the Blades
Fan blades are magnets for dust, grime, and anything else they latch onto during their spinning travels. In other words, regular cleaning of those fan blades helps, as dirty blades throw off the balance of the appliance, resulting in that tell-tale squeak. Take a microfiber cloth and a cleaning solution recommended by the manufacturer, and give the blades a thorough cleaning. If you still notice visible dust or humming noise, use a damp cloth to give the blades an extra wipe-down. In most cases, this will fix the issue.
Tighten the Blade Screws
Restoring balance is the name of the game here, and if cleaning the blades didn’t work, tighten all of the screws that attach these blades to the ceiling fan mount and other components. Go in with your preferred screwdriver and tighten until you notice that the blades start spinning in a more recognizable and even pattern. While you are up there, examine the blades for warping and other types of damage, as this also impacts balance and increases unwanted noise during use.
Replace any loose blades or warped blades as soon as possible with replacement blades that fit the fan’s design specifications.
Tighten Other Screws
If that doesn’t work, it is time to perform more maintenance steps to get to the bottom of things. Start by tightening the light fixture fasteners and any screws involved with the main housing or canopy. These upper canopies loosen over time, and ensuring they are fastened properly can significantly reduce any and all squeaking noises.
STAT: A ticking sound could be caused by one of two things: an error when you installed your fan, or an ongoing operation causing parts like the blade nuts and screws to loosen. (source)
