If your ceiling fan is spinning too fast, you may be feeling a chill in the air. Fortunately, there are a couple of different ways you can modify its RPM to reduce the wind chill in your home. First, you can check to see if the blades are balanced. You can also check the pull chain switch. If all else fails, try lubricating the motor.
Fixing a malfunctioning ceiling fan
To fix a malfunctioning ceiling fan, start by checking the wiring. The problem could be due to loose or damaged wiring. Using a circuit tester to check the wiring can help identify the issue. If the wiring is damaged, a licensed electrician should be contacted. Depending on the cause of the malfunction, the fan may need to be completely replaced or repaired.
If the ceiling fan wobbles, you may need to replace the motor. This can be caused by a wire that is too loose or is overheating. The best thing to do is to contact a professional electrician or handyman. They will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the right solution.
Checking the balance of blades
If your ceiling fan is wobbling when running at high speeds, you may need to check the balance of the blades. If the blades don’t match up, you can adjust the balance by sliding a balance clip down each blade. Start at the tip of one blade and slowly work your way up. Once the blades are balanced, you can add weight to the fan’s blades.
The first step is to check the blades manually to make sure they are properly balanced. You can do this by looking at them with a ruler or yardstick. If the blades are not aligned correctly, you may have bent the blade irons. If this is the case, bend them back into alignment.
Checking the pull chain switch
If your ceiling fan is not turning on or is running too fast, it’s possible that the pull chain switch has broken or gotten worn. This means that you need to replace it. The pull chain is a relatively delicate device and should be handled carefully. Do not pull too hard or apply too much pressure, as it can snap. In most cases, however, it’s easy to replace the pull chain and restore its proper operation.
To remove the pull chain switch, you first need to open it. This may require using a “U”-shaped metal wire or spring clips. Then, you can use a screwdriver to carefully remove the old chain. You can then replace the switch by purchasing a new one from your local hardware store.
Lubricating the motor
The motor of a ceiling fan is very important to the efficient operation of the fan. Without the proper lubrication, the moving parts can get dried out, slowing down the fan. The motor lubricant works in a similar way to the oil that is used in car engines.
When your ceiling fan slowly slows down, it is often due to buildup of dirt and oil inside the ball bearings. Most ceiling fans have two ball bearings that help spin the blades. As these bearings become clogged, the blades have a difficult time spinning. To remove the dirt and oil from the ball bearings, wipe them clean using a wet wipe.
It is important to note that cooking oil does not work as a lubricant for fan motors. This oil will quickly oxidize into a sticky gum and make the fan motor difficult to start. Instead, use lubricant with the appropriate molydenum disulfide composition. This lubricant is available in a wide range of prices and is more effective than rendered oils.
Checking the capacitor
If your ceiling fan is running too fast, then it may be time to check the capacitor. This is a fairly simple repair that requires little electrical experience and less knowledge. All you need is a multimeter (ideally an analog model) and the leads to your ceiling fan. Connect the leads to the capacitor and set the meter to the correct range (10,000 ohms to 1 million ohms). If the capacitor does not spark, then the fan may be damaged or faulty.
Another easy way to determine whether the capacitor is faulty is to check the voltage. The voltage at the capacitor is usually indicated in the ceiling fan’s owner’s manual. Make sure the voltage is at the correct level and then place the black and red nodes on the capacitor’s terminals while the power is on. If the voltage is low or the circuit breaker is halfway flipped, then the capacitor is not functioning properly.
