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Even premium fans make a rhythmic humming sound, but sometimes you need to know how to make a ceiling fan quieter. This annoying sound can get louder over time, causing homeowners to choose between cooling and excessive ceiling fan noise. You can fix your ceiling fan humming noise with a few maintenance tips. So, stay tuned to learn how to stop ceiling fans from humming.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Even the quietest pedestal fan can develop strange noises over time, but basic maintenance can keep the rattling sound at bay and make your fan last longer. For example, dirty fan blades can cause excessive noise from the unit and cleaning the fan with a plastic bag or damp cloth can alleviate the problem.
Insider Tip
Ensure that your light dimmer switch is entirely off or on because setting the control in the wrong position can cause a humming sound.
STEP 1 Check for Unbalanced Blades
Depending on how fast your fan blades spin, an unbalanced set of ceiling fan blades will cause a rattling noise. Fan blades can get damaged, and if you live in a humid climate, they can deform over time. You can perform a ceiling fan blade realignment or replace the set after removing them from the blade brackets.
STEP 2 Tighten Loose Screws
Ensure the connection screws are secure, and then check the junction box. Next, check the canopy and the ceiling mount parts. If all the screws from the ceiling mount to the motor housing are secure, loose screws are not the issue.
STEP 3 Check for Loose Wire Connectors
Wires can touch the edge of the inside of the junction box where the electrical wiring is stored. You can stop the rattling noise by removing slack from the wiring and making the wires more manageable. If you’re uncomfortable with dangerous electrical equipment, do not attempt this on your own.
STEP 4 Check the Motor Housing
Plastic parts and pieces of debris can become stuck in the motor housing, resulting in a humming noise as they shake around the operating fan. To investigate this issue, you must completely disassemble the motor housing and remove the fan from your ceiling.
Warning
Always disconnect your ceiling fan motor from the circuit breaker before opening the motor housing; otherwise, you can electrocute yourself while working.
STEP 5 Lubricate the Motor
Lubricating your ceiling fan motor is an essential maintenance task that often gets overlooked. Using machine oil, you can lubricate the motor and the ball bearings in the fan ring assembly.
STAT: The US EIA (Energy Information Agency) found that Utah had the lowest energy cost per month in the US, with an average bill of $75. (source)
