Content

• To step
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

A ceiling fan that is out of balance will shake and that can cause a lot of noise. That's especially annoying because it's right above your head. But luckily you can do something about it. Read this article to find out how to get your ceiling fan back in line quickly and efficiently.

To step

1. Check the fan blades for dust and other dirt. There are times when you skip your fan when cleaning your house, but if you never clean the blades, a lot of dust will accumulate on the fan blades, causing the blades to become unbalanced. And then the fan can start to swing. Turn off the fan and keep the blades still while you clean the blades one by one at the top, side and bottom with some mild all-purpose cleaner.
   • After cleaning, turn on the fan and check if the fan is still wobbling. If it still does, one of the blades is probably misaligned.
2. Check that the screws securing the blades are tight. Look at the center piece and find the point where the blades attach to the mechanism. Tighten screws that are loose.
   • Another thing you can do at this point is to remove the fan blades from the mechanism for better cleaning. There may be dust in the slots between the blades and the flywheel, which can cause the fan to become unbalanced. Unscrew the blades completely, clean them well and then tighten them again.
3. Measure the alignment of the blades. Measure the distance between the end of each blade and the ceiling with a folding rule or long ruler. Do this with each leaf.
   • If there is a difference between the distances, try bending a blade down or up at the point where the blade is attached to the flywheel. Do this carefully, otherwise parts of the fan may break. Use a little pressure to better align the blade.
4. Buy a set with a clamp and weights. You can buy an inexpensive set that is meant to balance fans. Usually the set consists of a U-shaped clip and some self-adhesive weights. If the problem is severe, you may need several sets, but usually one is sufficient.
5. Place the clamp in the center of the blade. Place the clamp on the center of one of the blades and see if the rocking decreases when you turn the fan back on. Then turn off the fan and set the clamp on the next blade in the same position. Try to figure out which blade the clamp provides the least amount of swing on. That is the tray on which you have to place the weights.
6. Determine the best place for the weight. Now that you know which blade has the problem, use the clamp to determine where on the blade the weight should be placed. Move the clamp in 5-10cm increments from the center to the end. Every time you turn on the fan again to see what the effect is. The weight will have to be placed where the swing is least.
7. Stick the weights on the fan. Remove the clamp and replace it with an adhesive weight from the kit. Stick the weight on top of the sheet. You will probably have to remove a piece of foil before the weight can be glued.
   • If the fan is still swinging you can add a weight to the same tray. If the rocking has gotten worse, you will have to remove the weight and use the clamp to find a better place for the weight.

Tips

• Most fans with long rods are always swinging no matter what you do. If necessary, replace your fan for one with a shorter rod.
• Even with cheaper and older fans, the fluctuation often cannot be remedied. Make sure you buy a good quality fan when replacing it.

Warnings

• Be careful while standing on the ladder and never do anything while the fan is running.

Necessities

• Ladder
• Cleaning agent and cloth
• Screwdriver
• Balance set for fan blades