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Is your ceiling fan making scraping noise? In this guide, we’ll be showing different ways on how you can fix a noisy ceiling fan.
A noisy fan is one of the most irritating household annoyances. So much such that when it starts making those weird noises, people just stop using it.
But when the summer heat kicks in, it’s impossible to live indoors without a ceiling fan or an air conditioner. Luckily for you, I’ve written this article to help you understand different ways on how to make
A-List of Steps on How to Fix a Ceiling Fan Making Scraping Noise
Below are simple steps to make a ceiling fan quiet. Follow each step through, and you’ll be able to eliminate the scraping noise or other noises your ceiling fan makes.
1. Clean and inspect the blades
Dirty blades are the leading cause of noisy fans. They affect the balance of the blade, consequently causing wobbling and shaking.
Use a dust cloth to clean the blade on both sides. You can also use a paper towel or damp cloth. The top side of the blade is usually much dirtier, so you may need to use a damp cloth to remove the dust layer.
Ensure that you wipe all moisture after cleaning the blades. Most blades are made of particleboard and wood composite and water should not be left on their surface longer than necessary.
During cleaning, check the blades for any damages. Additionally, check if the blades are straight.
A damaged, warped, or misaligned blade will result in the ceiling fan making scraping noise. Such blades also task the fan mount and motor. Fortunately, most manufacturers offer replacement blades.
Just ensure that you order the right model and size to match your fan.
Include regular blades cleaning in your routine. This will safeguard your fan and increase its longevity according to A Proud Home.
2. Tighten your Blades
Blades may become loose over time. First, check the area where the blades mount to the brackets.
Secondly, inspect the connection between the brackets mount and the spinning part of the motor.
Use screws or whichever fastening system is used to securely fasten the blades to the brackets.
Move to the brackets and ensure they are well screwed into the motor unit.
Please note that using the wrong screwdriver tip can trip the screws. Therefore, get a screwdriver that corresponds to the screw head.
If loose blades are the problem, make a point of tightening them at least once in every six months.
3. Fasten the Light Fixtures
This applies if your fan comes with a light fixture. Ensure that the shades, bulbs, and globes are tightened. Mostly, thumbscrews are used to secure shades and globes.
These screws can easily be tightened by hand. You can also add silencer bands to the screws for a snug fit. The bands are available in any shop that stocks fans and accessories.
For light fixtures, avoid using tools. Tools may overtighten the screws causing the glass to crack. If the globe is broken, you need to replace it.
4. Don’t forget the Motor Cover
The reason for the ceiling Fan making scraping noise could be dragging brackets.
When the fan’s brackets are pulling against the motor housing cover of the fan shroud, you can expect some level of noise.
This problem can be solved by tightening and loose screws. Additionally, ensuring the blade brackets are tightened will prevent them from rubbing against the motor cover.
5. Take care of any Wobble
Wobbling in fans has many causes. First, some parts of the fan unit may be loose or damaged. Tightening and replacing the worn-out parts will take care of the problem.
Secondly, the mounting could be the issue. Tightening the mounting, in this case, is the only option. Below are steps to follow when tightening the mounting.
- Turn off the power. Since tightening the mounting involves working with tools around wiring, you are better off safeguarding yourself against electric shocks.
- Remove the canopy by unscrewing screws on the cover. After that, slide down the canopy. It will come off quickly as long as the screws are loose.
- Test for power in the wiring. Use a voltage tester for this. In case there is still power, you need to figure out where your power source is located and switch it off before proceeding. Only continue working on the fan when there is no power passing through it.
- Tighten the screws between the electrical box and fan mounting. All you need is a screwdriver to complete this task. Ensure the electric box is securely fixed. Any form of movement is an indication that the box is not fitted correctly.
6. Blade Balancing
Blade balancing is easy when you have the right tools. Fortunately, most of the fans today come complete with a balancing kit.
This kit comprises of a plastic clip and a variety of stick-on weights. To balance the blades, fit the clip on the blades and let the fan run.
You may need to move the clip to find the most effective position for reduced noise. Put weights at the top of the blade, at the center, and across the clip. Repeat this process until you identify the problematic blade.
The process of changing the clip position and adding weight may seem tedious, but it is the only sure way to keep the blades balanced.
7. Check the Fan Motor
A motor that has run of lubricating oil may make grinding noises. The solution here is to lubricate it using a quality general lubricating oil.
The process involves pouring lubricant into the main shaft, located just above the motor. Oil drips from this point into the bearing.
To ensure lubrication is done right, you may need to take down the fan from the ceiling. You can also choose to take down some parts to allow easy access to the lubrication area.
Lubrication, just like blade cleaning, should be done regularly. Since the fan comes with movable parts, you have lubricated it to minimize wear and tear.
Once you have tried all options, ensure that you check for efficiency at all speeds available. If the problem is resolved, the fan will run quietly even at high speed.
Final Thoughts on Ceiling Fan Making Scraping Noise
Above are some of the best ways to fix a ceiling fan, making scraping noise. Follow each step highlighted and, in the end, and you should be able to fix any kind of noise your fan makes.
Don’t forget regular maintenance to keep all the parts working correctly and prevent incidences of noise in the future. Also read: Quiet Wine Cooler: Top 7 Quietest Wine Fridges for Red and White Wine