Common ceiling fan problems we fix
Fan wobbles or shakes
The usual causes are loose blade screws, bent blade arms, blades that are different weights, a loose downrod or canopy and a box that is not fan-rated. We check each in that order. Our wobble guide explains how to tell which one is yours.
Fan is noisy: clicking, humming, grinding or rattling
Clicking often comes from a loose blade or a cracked blade arm. A hum can be a failing capacitor, a dimmer switch on a fan circuit or a control that is not compatible with the motor. Grinding usually means worn bearings, and that is often a sign the fan is near the end of its life.
Fan does not spin, or spins slowly
A dead or slow fan can be a failed capacitor, a bad pull chain switch, a loose connection at the canopy, a burned-out remote receiver or a tripped breaker. A capacitor is inexpensive, and often the fastest fix.
Some speeds do not work
If high works but low does not (or vice versa), the capacitor or speed switch is the likeliest cause.
Remote or wall control problems
Dead batteries, a lost sync between the remote and receiver, a failed receiver or the wrong control type can all cause problems. See remote and wall control installation.
Light does not work
Bad bulbs, a failed socket, a light kit that has lost its connection or a bad remote/receiver. Read about light kits.
Fan trips the breaker or flickers
This is a safety issue. Turn the fan off and call us. It can be a short in the motor, a loose wire or an overloaded circuit.
Reverse switch does not work
Some fans have a small switch that fails or gets stuck. In DC fans reversing is done by remote and requires a working receiver.
How we diagnose a ceiling fan
- Ask what you see and hear and when the problem began.
- Check the power source: breaker, switch, wiring and connections at the canopy.
- Check the controls: pull chain, wall control, remote and receiver.
- Check the mounting and balance: box, downrod, blade arms and blades.
- Test the motor and capacitor when needed.
- Explain your options and prices before we replace anything.
Repair or replace: how we decide
The decision comes down to the price of the fan, the price of the repair and the age of the fan. As a rough guide:
- Repair when the fan is a good model, the problem is a low-cost part (capacitor, receiver, pull chain switch, bulbs or a loose mounting) and the motor is otherwise quiet and smooth.
- Replace when the fan is a cheap model, the motor is noisy or worn, blades are warped or the repair would cost more than half of a comparable new fan.
Replacing a builder-grade fan with a DC-motor fan can also cut running costs. See our AC vs DC motor guide.
Why fans fail sooner in Arizona
Fans here run harder and longer than in most of the country. Long cooling seasons put many hours on the motor and bearings. Dust from monsoon season and desert winds clogs canopies and motors. Patio fans in direct sun can warp blades and fade finishes. Capacitor failures and warped blades are the usual results. A yearly check of blade screws and canopy tightness prevents many failures.
Simple checks you can do first
- Check that the breaker and wall switch are on
- Replace the remote's batteries
- Look for a loose canopy or blade screw with the fan off and cooled
- Clean blades and check for warped blades by measuring from blade tip to the ceiling at the same point on each blade
Do not remove the fan canopy or touch wiring unless you have turned off the breaker and tested the wires.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my ceiling fan wobbling?
Common causes are loose screws, bent blade arms, uneven blades or a box that is not fan-rated. We check the mounting first, since a loose box is the most serious cause.
Why does my ceiling fan hum?
Humming can come from a failing capacitor, a dimmer switch on the fan circuit or a control that does not match the motor.
How much does ceiling fan repair cost?
Small repairs like a capacitor, receiver or blade tightening cost far less than a new fan. We quote the repair before starting, and we tell you if replacement is better value.
My fan works on high only. What is wrong?
It is usually a bad capacitor or a worn pull chain switch.
Is a wobbling ceiling fan dangerous?
It can be, especially if the box is not fan-rated. Turn it off until it has been checked.
Ceiling Fan Repair across Gilbert and the East Valley
We provide this service in the neighborhoods and cities below. Call with your address if yours is not listed.
Related guides
Which Way Should a Ceiling Fan Spin in Summer and Winter?
Ceiling fan direction explained: counterclockwise in summer, clockwise in winter. How to switch it, why it works and what settings to use in Arizona.
Why Your Ceiling Fan Wobbles and How to Fix It
Why does a ceiling fan wobble? Check loose screws, blade balance, downrod and the ceiling box. Step-by-step fixes and when to call a pro in Gilbert, AZ.