How to Repair a Ceiling Fan

Introduction

It's a scorching hot day and your ceiling fan just broke. You now have two options — call the fan repair company or haul that step ladder from the basement and repair the ceiling fan yourself. If you are reading this you probably have your foot up that step ladder already so read on for tips on how to get your ceiling fan up and running again in no time.

There are several reasons you might be embarking on your Do-It-Yourself ceiling repair job. It could be because your fan is dead or that there is an annoying hum resonating from it. Whatever the case, you can find specific instructions on each below.

How to repair a ceiling fan that doesn't work properly

If your ceiling fan does not work properly it is probably because of a power problem. You should make sure that there is no interruption in its circuit either in its switch or its fuse box. Once you have made sure that the fuse box is not the problem, you can check the fan switch following the steps below.

Tools needed

• Screw driver
• Pliers
• Voltage tester
• Wire nut

Step by step to repair your ceiling fan

1. Switch off the power that leads to the fan. You can then safely unscrew the cover plate from its electrical box.
2. Locate the screw terminals on the switch's side and with the aid of the voltage tester, make sure they are not charged before you gently pull out the switch.
3. Once you have unscrewed the wires from their terminals, straighten them out with the pliers. Now twist their two ends together and fit them into the wire nut.
4. Turn the circuit back on and check the fan. If it is working you should consider replacing the busted switch.

How to repair a ceiling fan that hums

If your fan did not come with an anti-hum feature you might have to consider replacing its control. Before you make your replacement purchase, make sure that its amperage rating is equal or higher than that required by your fan. You must also make sure that it is compatible with your fan.

Tools needed

• Screw driver
• Wire nuts
• Pliers
• New anti-hum fan control
• Voltage tester

Steps

• Make sure the fan is off and that you have cut its power at the fuse box.
• Detach its faceplate and switch. For extra precaution, use the voltage tester to make sure the wires are not charged before you disconnect the wires.
• Using the pliers, straighten the wires and bind them together to the wires of the replacement fan control.
• Attach the wire nuts, screw the control to the electrical box then fix back the faceplate. You can now switch the fan power back on

Conclusion

The processes given above are fairly simple to carry out and will definitely help save on some hard earned cash. They are however not to be carried out if you are unclear on how you should handle some of its elements. Instead call up a technician to repair your ceiling fan.

Caution: Do not try to fix your fan if you don't have basic knowledge on electricity and how do the fan work!

Thank you for reading our guide - How to repair a ceiling fan.

If you still can't fix your fan and want to buy another one. Check out the best rated ceiling fans on our site.