Having a wobbly and unbalanced ceiling fan at home can make you feel terrified about the possibility of it falling on you. Moreover, this issue can cause serious damages to the bushings and bearing of the fan’s motor, and it is likely for you to keep hearing an annoying loud noise each time the fan is switched on. Thus, it is important that you make sure the fan is properly installed on the ceiling to prevent these issues and keep you from feeling anxious each time you stand near or under it.
Balancing a Ceiling Fan – Know the Basics
Initially, you must check the fan and be sure that dirt has not accumulated yet on it. By doing so, you can prevent dust from falling off on your furniture and other areas near the fan. You should also inpect the blades carefully and see to it that none of these parts are warped, bent or uneven. After all, having a properly balanced fan is literally of no use when the blades are warped since you will have to replace them before you can start using the fan again. In case there is a need to replace the blades, be sure that the new ones are compatible with the unit. Purchase replacement parts from the same manufacturer to avoid compatibility issues.
Wobbly fan blades can create strange noises while reducing the unit’s efficiency. So, to ensure maximum circulation of air and functionality of the fan, the blades should remain balanced. Fortunately, it is rather simple to balance ceiling fans, as long as you apply the right techniques in performing this task.
How to Balance Your Ceiling Fan
Here are some simple steps that you can follow to keep your ceiling fan balanced and performing as it should.
1. Switch the power off.
Naturally, you need to make sure that the fan is switched off before you can start installing or removing it from the ceiling. This way, you can prevent any safety problems as you correct its unbalanced position, or when you are installing it for the first time. After turning off the fan, consider flicking the switch on and off to make sure that the motor is indeed not working anymore. Then, you can proceed to the next step.
2. Check the fan’s blades.
If you are trying to balance your ceiling fan, begin by checking all of its blades. Look for any damages or warped appearance, as this may require replacement. In case you notice any damages to the blade, be sure to contact the manufacturer to have that part replaced. Aside from defective blades, you should inspect the screws in each blade, and be sure these are not loose. Just tighten loose screws to prevent the blades from being wobbly, which may cause safety hazards.
3. Measure the dimensions of each blade.
When checking the balance of the fan’s blades, check carefully to determine the one that is out of balance. The quickest way to do this is by using a yardstick, which you can hold up to the ceiling. Then, measure the distance of each blade from the ceiling. With this technique, you can already identify the blade that is unbalanced and wobbly. Afterwards, mark the blade with an adhesive, so you can take note of this part that needs to be corrected.
Another way to identify the odd one out in the blades is by using a balancing kit, which often comes along with the package. If the manufacturer did not include this kit in the package, then you may simply use some metal washers, which you can place at least half way down the blades’ length that you are trying to balance. In case you have a balancing kit available, secure the weight by using a clip that may be attached to the blade. By doing so, you can fully determine the blade that is causing the wobbly appearance or quality of the fan.
4. Use the weights to test the balance of each blade.
After placing the washers or balancing weight, you may already switch the fan on and check if there is no more wobbling issue with it. If you still notice that the fan is slightly wobbly, you may place a few more washers as needed to meet the desired level of the unbalanced blade. Just keep on moving around the weights or washers until you are able to find the correct position that can distribute the weight evenly.
Further Information You Need to Know
The best thing about ceiling fans is that they help save more floor space, particularly when you have a small home. In addition, ceiling fans come in a number of styles, sizes, shapes and designs, which add to the aesthetic appeal of your home. So, these fans are not only functional, but they are also excellent decorative items that can enhance your home’s appearance.
However, installing this type of fan can be quite tricky. In fact, it is more challenging to install a ceiling fan, as compared to other types of fan since you also need to check if each blade is balanced. When the blades are wobbly, the fan tends to produce a strange sound that can get quite disturbing. Most importantly, there are safety issues linked with wobbly and unbalanced blades since the motor may become damaged easily, and the entire unit is likely to stop functioning properly over time.
So, to ensure your and your family’s safety, as well as the condition of the fan, make sure the unit is balanced once installed on your ceiling. You may wither use a fan balancing kit that can quickly fix the wobble. As the blades move once the fan is switched on, check which part is unbalanced. You may either observe the blades as they move or use tools such as a yardstick to measure the distance of each blade from the ceiling.
Then, you can use blade balancing kits that often come with the fan you have purchased. If there is none, you can always buy one from the hardware. This kit comes with a plastic adjustment clip and adhesive weights, which you can stick on the blade to keep them balanced. There are also series of instructions on how to put these weights, so you can put them easily.
