Maintenance is a necessary recommendation by manufacturers of electrical or mechanical devices for optimal performance of these devices. Home appliance like ceiling fans are readily affordable by most homes and they offer more air circulation than standing or table fans. Therefore, making our home more comfortable with lower energy cost.
By failing to conduct routine fan maintenance, your fan may develop faults more quickly or experience a reduction in cooling power. Knowing how to maintain ceiling fans is key to preserving its smooth performance. Fortunately, you don’t need to be technically savvy to carry out basic fan maintenance and this guide simplify it further. In this article you’ll learn how to lubricate fan bearings, clean fan motor and fan blades to keep all units in good working order.
Follow these ceiling fan maintenance tips to keep your fans in great working condition.
1. Clean the Fan Motor
Routine check of the fan motor is an essential part of your ceiling fan maintenance. Although, the ceiling fan motor’s cover is designed to prevent dust from getting to the motor, but overtime some may still get in. To clean the fan motor, simply apply a handheld vacuum to the slits on the top of the motor cover. This will help blow away the excess dust that has accumulated from your fan’s motor.
2. Lubricate the Fan Bearings
Basically, fans that are recently manufactured may have no need for regular lubrication, but occasion could arise when it becomes necessary. If your fan makes a squeaking or grinding noise while it is on, it might need lubrication.
However, many topnotch ceiling fans are designed to require but no oiling. Others may have a small plastic storage on top of the motor where you should add a few drops of machine oil periodically. Most times, there’s a small hole at the top of the fan to insert the lubricating motor oil.
Ceiling fans with sealed motors could be more difficult to lubricate. To do this, follow these steps:
Switch off the power source then disconnect and remove the fan from the ceiling.
Unscrew the fan blades from the motor base.
Open the motor cover or shell.
With the top and bottom bearings exposed, add the lubrication.
3. Tighten the Screws
If your ceiling fan makes rattling noise while is turned on, there are chances a screw or other part of the fan system is loose. Check all the components and with a spanner or screwdriver tighten any slack or unscrewed part. In addition, check for any missing screws and replace them to ensure your ceiling fan is safe for use.
4. Dust the Fan Blades
Use a feather duster or clothe to remove all dust from the blades and exposed parts of the ceiling fan. A good amount of dust can accumulate on ceiling fan blades. For safety ensure to stand on a stable platform if your hand can’t reach from the floor and wear a nose mask while cleaning to help avoid inhaling dust.
You can easily clean the blades with an old towel. Simply wrap a fan blade with a towel and apply pressure to the blade to clean off dust into the towel. Repeat these steps for each fan blade. Be sure to rinse the towel after every blade to get rid of accumulated dust. Once you’re done cleaning, wash the towel with soap for another use.
In conclusion, use the model number to contact the manufacturer or a professional for assistance with any malfunction that is beyond you. And this is cost free if your warrantee has not expired. The proper functioning of your ceiling fan is essential to the comfort of your home. Observing a routine maintenance is the best way to keep your ceiling fan working smoothly for a long time.
