Ceiling Fan Troubles? Wired Up Has Got You Covered This Summer

If you look up from wherever you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ll see a ceiling fan above you. Many homeowners don’t give these small appliances much thought until they stop working. To help you better understand how to identify and resolve issues with your ceiling fan, we’ve put together a series of answers to some common questions.

Why Does My Ceiling Fan Hum?

If your fan is humming, the cause is probably vibration in the motor. However, this can also be caused by loose screws or wiring issues, or your fan’s motor might need to be lubricated. In most cases, a simple hum won’t be cause for alarm and can be ignored. If you’ve noticed the noise getting louder, Wired Up will be glad to look at your fan and offer expert advice about repairing or replacing the unit.

Why Does My Ceiling Fan Shake While It’s Running?

The most common cause of a shaky fan is a loose connection between the unit and the ceiling, causing an uneven spin. Another common cause is uneven blades, causing unequal weight distribution. Uneven blades can damage your fan’s motor, leading to it wearing out sooner than it should. Blades can even be affected by the weight of a tiny amount of dust buildup, so keep them clean.

My Ceiling Fan Doesn’t Work—Do I Need to Replace It?

Not necessarily. If your fan isn’t working, see if power is still running to the lights and outlets nearby. Check your electrical panel to see if the circuit breaker has tripped. If everything is okay and your fan still isn’t working, it’s time to schedule a ceiling fan repair or replacement. Wired Up Electric can help you diagnose the problem and, if need be, install a new ceiling fan for you.

Why Doesn’t My Ceiling Fan Work but the Light Does?

If your ceiling fan light still works, but the fan isn’t working, then your fan’s motor most likely has gone bad. You won’t want to undertake a project like that on your own and should turn to a trained electrician to make sure your motor is replaced properly.

My Ceiling Fan Keeps Tripping the Breaker—Is That Dangerous?

If your fan keeps tripping its circuit breaker, then there is a high chance that you have serious wiring issues such as a short circuit or a ground error. Because the issue could be a short circuit, you’ll need to address this immediately with an electrical service professional. A short circuit can cause fire, electrocution, or electrical burning and can’t go unattended.

Which Way Should a Fan Turn in Winter and Summer?

You’ll want to run your fan counterclockwise in the summer and clockwise in the winter for optimal temperatures in your home. A counterclockwise fan will generate a downdraft, keeping cool air down and warmer air from getting stagnant. On the other hand, a clockwise-spinning fan will pull air upward and keep your room at a comfortable temperature.

Can I Add Lights to My Ceiling Fan?

If you have a ceiling fan without lighting, you will not have to replace your whole unit, as you can add light kits to existing ceiling fans. Many home improvement stores have lighting kit options for existing fans for DIY installation, but electrical work is always best done by trained professionals.

Do You Have Other Questions? We Have Answers

If you have more questions about your ceiling fan or other electric devices in your home, Wired Up can answer them for you. If the answer to your question involves replacing a fan or installing a light kit, we can get that done for you. To learn more, give us a call at 434-660-9897 or make an appointment online today.