Should You Repair or Replace Your Ceiling Fan?

Sometimes it’s hard to know whether your ceiling fan should be replaced or just repaired. While the decision can occasionally be a matter of preference, there are some signs you should do one over the other. Here’s what to look for to know whether it’s time to call the professionals for repair or time to go shopping for a replacement ceiling fan. 

3 Signs Your Ceiling Fan Needs Repair

Not all ceiling fan issues require a brand new unit. If you’re experiencing some of these inconsistencies with your fan’s performance, it might be time to call an electrician, but not quite time to go fan shopping. 

The Fan Is Wobbling When In Use

If you’ve ever turned a ceiling fan on only to notice it wobbling with every turn of the blade, you know what a disconcerting experience that can be. A properly installed ceiling fan operating at optimal levels should not leave you fearing whether or not it’s going to detach from the ceiling at any moment. There are a number of reasons a fan might be wobbling. Sometimes it’s just a side effect of frequent use over a long period of time, but it can also indicate larger issues with the fan as well. When you notice wobbling in your fan, it’s best to call for repair. 

Your Fan’s Pull Cord Isn’t Working

Even if you have a remote control to adjust your ceiling fan’s speed or turn the light on and off, testing the pull cord is an important vitals checkpoint for all fan owners. If you notice that the pull cord isn’t working properly, this is a sign to phone in the professionals. It may be the result of a loose connection or deteriorating components within the fan. 

Your Ceiling Fan Is Slower Than Usual

Even as they age, a ceiling fan in working order should still move as quickly as they always have. If you notice your fan slowing down from previous performance speeds, an appointment with an electrician might be on the horizon. Slower ceiling speeds can result from a number of issues, including: 

• Dust and dirt buildup on ball bearings 

• Poor blade balance 

• Defective capacitor

• Damaged winding

While the first three are mechanical issues that a handy homeowner may be able to address, the latter are electrical issues that should be approached with greater caution.

Signs Your Ceiling Fan Needs to Be Replaced

Some ceiling fan issues are best handled with a total replacement. If you’re not sure what to look for, these three signs often indicate that the time to upgrade is inching closer. 

Your Ceiling Fan Is Not Working 

Okay, yes, this might seem a little obvious but it bears repeating. Many homeowners depend on their ceiling fans for proper air flow and to assist in cooling. When the fan isn’t working, the disruption to daily life can be frustrating. If your fan isn’t working at all speeds or won’t turn on, it could be a sign that the motor is starting to fail. When the motor starts to fail, it’s time to go shopping. 

Your Fan Makes Loud Noises

The best ceiling fans are quiet ceiling fans. No one wants loud buzzing, clanking noises, or other unusual sounds coming from their fans, but what you might not realize is that these sounds can be indicative of major problems. 

After checking to make sure your fan doesn’t need a simple screw tightened, fan noises are often an indication of a failing or broken motor. Buzzing, humming, and other noises can also mean that your fan’s age is getting the best of it. 

Like most household appliances, ceiling fans wear out as they age. There comes a time in every ceiling fan’s life where the best course of action is replacement. Loud or repetitive noises are one of the early indicators that fan shopping is in your future.

You Want More Energy Efficiency In Your Ceiling Fan

Sometimes, the choice to replace your ceiling fan comes down to a desire to upgrade. Repair services on your current fan won’t do much to increase its energy efficiency, so if you’re ready to get a little greener, replacement is your best option. Finding the right energy efficient fan for your home is all about blending performance and style. Dan’s Fan City offers a wide variety of fan styles with exceptional performance so you can find the energy efficient fan of your dreams. 

High Quality Replacement Ceiling Fans for Your Home

If your fan issues come down to replacing rather than repair, the experts at Dan’s Fan City are here to help. Browse our catalog to get an idea of what styles suit you best, or contact us with any questions you might have.