The ceiling fan industry is worth over 10 billion dollars. When you think about it, that makes sense. Whether the primary purpose is lighting, decor, or air circulation, lots of people have ceiling fans in their house.
Like all other appliances that require home maintenance, ceiling fans don’t last forever. If you’re wondering whether you need to replace your ceiling fan, here are 5 warning signs that you need a new fan.
Unusual Sounds
Ceiling fans that are operating correctly should be almost completely silent. Depending on the fan, there may be a gentle or consistent noise that is normal. But if your fan is making any unusual noises, it may be time to think about replacing it.
Any type of loud buzzing, squeaking noises, thumping, or creaking could be cause for concern. These sounds are usually indicators of broken motors, old pieces that are no longer efficient, or worn out or faulty pieces.
The Ceiling Fan Is Shaking
If you notice that the blades of your ceiling fan are wobbling or the fan itself is shaking, there might be cause for concern. Before you decide it’s time for a new fan, there are a couple of things you should check. There could be a build-up of dust on the blades, loose screws, or blade misalignment.
If you address the fixable issues above and the fan is still shaking, you know there is a bigger issue. Shaking or wobbling tells you that the fan is worn out. It might also indicate that the pieces holding the fan together and securing it in place are worn out or compromised in some way.
Diminishing Speeds
When you first got your fan, did it have distinct different speeds? Are you having trouble telling the difference now? Well, the longer a fan is used, the more worn out the components get and the slower the speed is.
A fan with only a slow setting isn’t effective at circulating air around the room. Since it’s possible a worn-out capacitor or faulty switch is the culprit, it may be worthwhile to have a repair company take a look at it before replacing the fan altogether.
It Won’t Turn On or Off
If your ceiling fan isn’t responding to its switch, you obviously have a problem. The ceiling fan’s motor might be dead or there may be a bigger internal wiring issue.
Since this could be a serious electrical issue, you should call a professional electrician to take a look. If you end up needing a new fan, they can probably provide installation services for you.
Recurring Issues
Is your ceiling making weird noises even after it’s been checked? Are the blades are still wobbling after you tightened the screws? If so, it might be time to call a replacement company.
Regular maintenance can help increase the lifespan of your ceiling fan, but eventually, all ceiling fans need to be replaced. You don’t want to keep throwing money at an old ceiling fan when it would be cheaper in the long run to replace it.
Since ceiling fans can last anywhere from three to twenty years depending on the quality, it can be hard to tell when they should be replaced. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to consult with an expert.
Keep up Your Home Maintenance
Now that you know the biggest warning signs that indicate you need a new ceiling fan, it’ll be easier to keep up with your home maintenance. Think about these five things the next time you ask yourself whether the ceiling fan needs to be replaced.
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