You probably have a ceiling fan in your bedroom. They are great additions to any room since they provide coolness in hot times. They’re also a lovely design element that adds to the room’s ambiance. As long as it does not squeak.
Bearings are used to guarantee that the fan blades rotate smoothly and quietly. However, when bearings grind against each other, the friction created eventually wears them down (hence the squeak sound). If you have one of these ceiling fan models, you should lubricate it yearly.
Let’s go through why some fans require oil while others do not. We’ll show you how to tell if your fan needs to be oiled. Finally, we’ll explain how to oil a ceiling fan while still attached to the ceiling.
Table of Contents
Do You Really Need to Oil Ceiling Fan
Older models of fans did not have sealed ball bearings. The friction caused by the bearings’ movement progressively wore them down, resulting in rust and corrosion. This eventually causes the fan to stop working properly. Motor oil lubricates the bearings to restore smooth, steady movement.
Some older classic ceiling fan types may come with refurbished motors with sealed ball joints, eliminating fan oil requirements. In some cases, even self-lubricating ceiling fans may need to be oiled.
Squeaking, grinding, or clicking sounds may occur during operation if the fan is nearing the end of its lifespan or has bearings that have been caked with dirt. This is prevalent when fans are used regularly or in a smoky or filthy environment.
Which is The Best Oil for Your Ceiling Fan
To lubricate your fan, use non-detergent motor oil. Detergent should be avoided because it can clog the bearings. Avoid using penetrating oils. They’re adequate for freeing stuck screws but not for lubricating a fan. When it comes to finding the best technique to oil your fan, your options are limited.
The metal parts inside the fan motor can be cleaned with lubricating oil. Spraying fluid into the lubricating hole can be advantageous if followed up with a suitable weight of oil. Parts cleaned with lubricating fluid will wear out faster if no oil is added.
It’s recommended to consult the manufacturer’s instruction handbook that came with your ceiling fan when you bought it to see if it requires oil. If you’ve misplaced or lost the manual, you can go to the manufacturer’s website or conduct an online search.
Steps to Oil a Ceiling Fan
As one of the most ignored and undervalued home improvement projects, ceiling fans can accomplish a lot in a home. They can improve the aesthetic appeal of a room and keep the air flowing. They can be an excellent complement to any room, both indoors and out.
Shut Off the Power Button
When getting your ceiling fan lubricated, it’s usual to switch off the electricity. Preventing electric shock is one of the reasons for this approach. However, there is another reason to unplug the power cord.
The motors of most fans are powered by electricity, and the oiling procedure will undoubtedly result in the generation of static electricity.
The static charge created will cause the oil and dust to stick together, reducing the oiling’s effectiveness. During ceiling fan oiling, the power supply should be turned off to protect the circuit board and motor of the ceiling fan.
Remove Fan Blades
Remove the blades from the fan with your screwdriver and place them on the floor. After that, remove the fan’s motor from the canopy and set it on a workbench. Put on electricians’ gloves before disconnecting the motor wires from the ceiling’s electrical socket to prevent electric shock.
Remove Motor Cover
If you need to conduct this job on your own, there are a few things you must do first. Unscrew the screws that hold the motor cover in place with a screwdriver or a wrench. After that, scrub the entire unit of any existing greasy oil film.
Scrub off the extra oil with a clean, soft cloth using a cleaning product. It can take a few scrubs to get all of it out.
Apply Oil
Inside the engine, look for the ball bearings. Clean the bearings of any caked-on filth or debris. Use a little pointed tool to get past them and into the small crevices inside the motor if necessary.
Next, lubricate each bearing with a few drops of motor oil to coat both the inner and outer edges. Place the bearings back into the motor after applying the oil.
Put The Motor Cover And Fan Blades Back
Reconnect the motor to the canopy or ceiling by reassembling it. The blade brackets should then be screwed back into the motor housing, followed by the fan blades. Make sure that the motor assembly and blade iron brackets are securely fastened.
Final Thoughts
Ceiling fans aren’t simply decorative; they also help you save money on your energy bill. They do, however, require routine maintenance, just like any other piece of machinery, to ensure that they last as long as possible.
A ceiling fan can be oiled in several different ways. Ceiling fans, on the whole, don’t require much upkeep to function well. Following the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions, on the other hand, can help your ceiling fan last as long as possible.
