Even the slightest creaking sound can be annoying and annoying. This sound can be a warning of a serious problem. So don't ignore it.
Step
Step 1. Turn off the fan and wait until the fan blades stop completely
Step 2. Hold each blade and try to wiggle it to check if any of the fixing screws are loose
If the blade is loose, tighten it. Loose blades usually don't cause squeaks, but they are possible. Also make sure the lamp is securely attached. Sometimes the lamp can shake in the socket.
Step 3. Check for dust adhering to the surface of the fan blades, especially at the top
The weight of the dust can cause an imbalance. This causes uneven pressure on the fan engine and eventually makes the fan creak and wear out faster.
Step 4. Check the light bulb if the fan is equipped with lighting
Some types of lighting bulbs are equipped with accessories in the form of wide rubber bands. This accessory wraps around the “neck” of the light bulb and separates the bulb from the metal blade so it doesn't creak when the fan is unbalanced or rocked.
Step 5. Tighten the screws that secure the position of the bulb
The screws used are generally knurled heads which should only be tightened by hand as excessive pressure when tightening these screws can shatter the glass.
Step 6. Test the fan to see if the above steps work to get rid of the squeak
If not, continue to the next step.
Step 7. Rebalance the fan blades
This process can be done with a Balancing Kit which is usually sold at home supply stores and electrical appliance stores. This ballast pack features an adhesive ballast material that is similar to thick plaster. These weights can be attached to the top of the fan blades. Follow the instructions on the package, or if you're very patient, try gluing in the weights a little at a time to balance the fan blades.
Step 8. Double check if the creak is gone
If not, there is a possibility that the fan engine shaft bearings are starting to wear out and this can cause the fan engine to overheat and “break”. This can also cause a fire. Most suspended fans use closed shaft bearings that cannot be lubricated. However, if you really want to save the fan, you may be able to disassemble it. Use a light engine lubricating oil on the axle bearings if you can access them after disassembling the engine.
Tips
- Hanging fans generally creak because the fan blades are out of balance. So, by removing accumulated dust, etc. from the fan blades, then balancing them if needed, you can usually reduce or eliminate the squeaking.
- Some other things that can cause squeaking include: loose screws, the fan is not anchored properly to the ceiling, fan blades are not evenly spaced when measured from the ceiling to the tip of the blades, loose fan screws connecting the fan to the hanger or the fan blades are not the same height. Checking these things is usually more effective than using weights.
- Light bulbs with loose parts can also creak when there is a “wobble” that causes the components to rub against each other.
Warning
- Unplug the hanging fan before disassembling it, especially a fan that uses a pull chain, because electricity is still stored in it even if the fan is turned off.
- Never adjust or do anything while the fan is still running.
- If you use ladders to clean or adjust fan blades, use a safe technique.
