A shaky ceiling fan is bothersome because it often makes noise. However, when a ceiling fan shakes it adds stress to the fan's bearings and the screws holding the fan's parts in place: a shaking ceiling fan is dangerous because it can reach the point where it falls down. Fixing a shaky ceiling fan will also add to its life span.
Instructions
Dirty, Loose or Damaged Fans
1. Look to see if there is dust or dirt on the ceiling fan blades. Gently clean the blades with a cloth or brush.
2. Tighten any loose screw in the ceiling fan. Examine all the screws, including screws that hold the blades in their holders and screws that attach the blade holders to the motor. Tighten screws on the plate where the fan is attached to the ceiling. Many fans also have light fixtures: tighten screws on the light fixture as well.
3. Examine the blades to see if any are out of alignment. If the fan has four blades, place one blade pointing directly at you. Check to see if the blade lines up with the one directly across from it. Check each blade in the same way. If a blade does not line up with the one directly across, it is probably bent. Gently bend the blade holders so that opposite blades are aligned directly across from one another.
For a fan with five blades, measure the distance between each of the five blades. If one blade is closer to one of its neighbors than the other, it most likely is bent. Gently bend the blade holder of a bent blade with your hand so that each blade is equidistant from the others.
4. Check each blades for signs of warping. Remove all the blades and place them on top of each other. If one does not snugly fit into the others, the blade is warped and must be replaced.
Imbalanced Fans
5. Measure the distance between the top of each blade and the ceiling with a measuring tape. (The top of each blade is the side closest to the ceiling.) If any of the blade tops is higher or lower than the others, gently bend the blade's bracket up or down by hand so that its on the same level as the others.
6. Check for any wobble in the middle of the fan where the blades are attached. If there is a wobble, the blades could be out of balance.
7. Balance the blades on your ceiling fan using a fan balancing kit. A balancing kit includes a weighted material that clips on each blade. Follow the directions on the balancing kit to install.
Tags: each blade, bend blade, directly across, across from,