How to Fix a Wobbly Ceiling Fan
Ceiling fans are critical to keeping you cool in the summer, especially in homes without air conditioning. But if yours is wobbly, it can become a source of anxiety, make you sweat, and defeat the purpose of putting it on.
If your ceiling fan has started shaking slightly or is shaking so hard that it looks (and sounds) like it’s about to take off, it’s best not to delay repairs. This is because the longer it rattles, the more it can damage your ceiling, damage or break your fan, or, in a pinch, fall over.
While any electrical repair should be left to the professionals, here are a few initial steps you can take to determine the cause of the oscillation and try to fix it.
What makes your ceiling fan swing?
While a small swing ( up to 1/8 inch ) is normal for ceiling fans, you’ll want to look into something more. Some of the more common causes include :
- Dirty, damaged or deformed blades
- Loose equipment and/or other fan parts
- Mount that is not securely attached to the ceiling
At first, it may not be entirely clear what is causing your fan to rattle – and this is normal. The troubleshooting and repair processes are the same.
How to fix a wobbly ceiling fan
Even if you know what’s causing your fan to shake, it’s best to follow the steps below to set it up. Start with the simplest and cheapest solutions and work your way up:
clean fan
If you’re not familiar with the process, this December 2021 Lifehacker article will guide you through it. Sometimes—if your ceiling fan is incredibly dirty—cleaning it thoroughly can stop it from shaking. But if it doesn’t, it’s the next step.
Check ceiling mount
First, loosen the bracket housing to see how the fan is attached to the ceiling – either a 2′ x 4′ crossbeam with screws or an electrical box with a fan attached to an adjustable fan bracket. If the electrical box does not state that it is designed for a fan , you will need a professional to replace it. If this is not a problem, gently wiggle the bracket, and if it is not secure, use a screwdriver to tighten the fastener.
Fasten all loose parts
While you are standing on the stairs, (carefully) check all ceiling fan fasteners and mounts, as well as the blades, blade brackets, and any lights or other parts, to make sure they are secure . If they are not, tighten them with a screwdriver (or any other tool suitable for the job).
Adjust fan blades and arms
Then measure the vertical distance from the ceiling to the tip of each fan blade. The spacing should be the same for all blades, so tighten the mounting screws that attach to the motor housing at any deviations.
Then spend a few minutes inspecting each fan blade and arm to make sure none of them have warped, bent, cracked or otherwise damaged over time. If they are, you’ll either need to buy replacement blades (usually from the manufacturer) or call in a professional to replace the entire ceiling fan.
Use a balancing kit
After doing all of the above steps, if your fan is still wobbly, you might want to consider using a balance kit . One of these may come with a ceiling fan, but if it doesn’t, it’s easy to find in hardware stores. Follow the instructions included with the kit. If your fan is balanced, the blades don’t need to be replaced, and the oscillation is still a mystery, it’s best to either call a professional or install a new ceiling fan.