Occasionally, ceiling fans can become erratic or stop working completely. Often, a simple clean and re-tightening of loose screws will solve the problem. If not, more advanced repair methods can be used to fix the fan.
If a ceiling fan isn’t working at all, first check to make sure it’s receiving power from its switch and the home’s electrical panel. Find the circuit that serves your fan–usually, it’s the same one that services any ceiling lights in the room or area. Look for a circuit breaker that has flipped. If it has, flip it all the way off and then back on. This will reset the breaker and allow you to test the fan.
Many problems with ceiling fans arise due to a lack of maintenance over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent dirt and dust from building up in the fan and causing humming, rattling, or other issues.
Sometimes, even if a fan is clean, properly installed, and all of its parts are securely fastened, it can still make squeaking sounds while in operation. WD-40 is an inexpensive, effective lubricant for a variety of household items and will help prevent squeaking in a ceiling fan.
A wobbling ceiling fan is another common problem that can be difficult to resolve without climbing on a ladder. A kit that includes a plastic clip and multiple small weights can be used to balance a fan. The process is relatively simple, but it can take some time to determine which of the blades is causing the imbalance.