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Like any machine with moving parts, ceiling fans need proper oiling to work properly. Some newer fan models are self-lubricating and do not require much maintenance. Let’s learn how to oil ceiling fan.
Why should you oil the ceiling fan?
As the weather warms and the days get longer, homeowners are pulling out their hammers and screwdrivers to lubricate old ceiling fans so they can use them more during the long summer season.
Ceiling fans are considered one of the most important parts of any household because they can have a big impact on your energy bill.
For example, a ceiling fan can reduce air conditioning consumption by 14%. A ceiling fan is an excellent way to keep your energy expenses down during the hot summer months, and it is pretty simple to maintain.
But oiling a ceiling fan is not just about saving money. It can keep your ceiling fan running for years. However, if you do not lubricate the ceiling fan once in a while, it may eventually start to make noise or even stop working completely.
How much oil does the ceiling fan need for maintenance?
To avoid overfilling or overfilling the unit, you should always determine how much oil your ceiling fan needs during maintenance. Now that there is little oil in the bearings, the bearings will not get enough lubrication, which will cause severe squeaking and burn the engine. On the other hand, excess oil could leak from the cover if you overfill the unit.
Therefore, it is important to use only a decent amount of oil, saving you from both scenarios. When repairing a ceiling fan, you will want to use oil to:
- lubricate the motor and bearings,
- engine cooling assistance
- Protect against corrosion and corrosion.
The amount of oil you need depends on the type of fan you have.
Most ceiling fans have either a plain or ball bearing. The plain bearing type requires more frequent lubrication, while ball bearings only need to be lubricated yearly. In general, you can change the fan oil every 6 months.
How to Oil a Ceiling Fan
Whether you have a fan that requires regular lubrication or a fan with a built-in lubrication system, you always need to know how to lubricate your fan. Even those with an integrated oil mechanism will need to be greased at some point.
To oil the fan, make sure you have the following:
- Ladder
- Paper towels
- With a straw, spray WD 40 degreaser in an aerosol can or clean.
- Engine oil that hasn’t been treated with detergent (supplied in the balancing kit in your package – or you can buy it from a hardware store)
The steps are as follows:
- Climb the ladder to gain access to the ceiling fan
- Locate the oil hole on the fan motor. It is usually near the bottom and is marked.
- Spray the WD 40 degreaser over the entire surface with a straw. This will release any dirt that has stuck to the bearings. Spray abundantly and let evaporate for an hour or two.
- After drying, prepare one or two ounces of oil and pour it into the oil tank.
- Rotate the blades by turning the rotor by hand. Let the fan run for a few revolutions.
- Now, collect more oil and pour it into the tank until full.
Note that the above steps work for fans with an oil hole. Like fans with a built-in oil system, those that don’t will need to pour oil on the engine seams to see if it works. If not, you will need to contact an expert to help you.
Remember that all types of fans must be lubricated. In addition to lubrication, to extend the life of your fan, you should also clean the ceiling fan daily. Even if you oil it, if the outside of the fan is still prone to damage, it is a good idea even to oil it.
Start by wiping the dust off the fan once a week with a duster to avoid scratching the blades. Perform deep cleaning once a month or once every two months, depending on the workload of your fan.
How to Oil a Ceiling Fan without Taking It Down?
Look at the instructions.
It’s possible that your ceiling fan needs to be oiled if it starts up slowly or makes a noise. Most fans come with a manual. Try to find the manual and read it carefully.
However, if you have lost or find it difficult to understand, do not worry. This article will help you handle the job perfectly. However, you can lubricate the ceiling fan without disassembling it by following the steps below.
Turn off the power.
Make sure the ceiling fan power is off. You can turn off the circuit breaker for extra precaution if someone accidentally turns on the fan switch.
Ensure you create a stepladder.
Steps will help you reach the ceiling and ensure you are completely safe before climbing. Secure the ladder by placing it on level ground.
Locate the oil leak
Locate around the top of the engine. This is a small hole. It is generally located at the top of the engine. If you can’t find any small holes marked “oil hole,” most likely it’s a ceiling fan for permanent lubricant.
Check the oil level.
To check the oil level, you’ll need a pipe cleaner. Make a J-hook out of it and insert your thumb into the hole. You don’t have to add oil if it comes out with oil. If it is dry, the oil must be added.
Buy oil for electric motors.
You need non-detergent electric motor oil for the ceiling fan, so you should not use general motor oil. If you can’t find it at your local store, you can buy it online. See the user manual to see if your model requires a specific type of oil. You can buy Hunter ceiling fan oil, suitable for all models.
Dig a hole in the ground.
Clean the oil hole and the fan as well. Clean your fan with a universal cleaner and cloth. Ensure the surface is free of dust and grime. Wipe it clean before lubricating to prevent the oil hole from becoming clogged with dirt. It would help if you kept the fan clean. If you want a smooth ceiling fan performance without noise and problems, clean the fan once a month.
Fill the hole with oil.
Pour the oil slowly into the oil hole. Check it periodically with the 1/2 ′′ pipe cleaning hook, and stop draining it when the pipe reaches the oil. If you do not add oil for a long time, it may take 2 ounces or more of oil. After filling the hole, you are done without dismantling the fan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply oil to the ceiling fan?
Use 10, 15, or 20 parts by weight of non-detergent engine oil to lubricate the fan. It is important to avoid cleaning agents that can contaminate the bearings. Do not rely on penetrating oils such as 3 in 1 oil. Lubricants can clean dirt from metal parts inside the fan motor.
Can you oil the ceiling fan without disassembling it?
You should only remove the ceiling fan if necessary. While many models are still attached to the ceiling, they can be lubricated. If you can’t get to the oil hole, you’ll have to remove the ceiling fan, which is a little trickier; however, this is necessary if your fan has sealed bearings.
Should ceiling fans be oiled?
Like any machine with moving parts, ceiling fans need proper lubrication to work properly. Some newer fan models are self-lubricating and do not require much maintenance on your part.
What kind of ceiling fan lubricant do you use?
Use 10, 15, or 20 parts by weight of non-detergent engine oil to lubricate the fan. It is important to avoid cleaning agents that can contaminate the bearings. Do not rely on penetrating oils such as 3 in 1 oil. They are great for loosening jammed screws but are not heavy enough to lubricate the fan.
What causes the ceiling fan to hum?
Amplified vibrations from the fan parts cause the hum of the ceiling fan. The motor vibration causes the hum in the ceiling fan, and the volume of the noise is determined by the bracket, cover, and blades. Many modern fans feature parts that interrupt the hum; however, these pieces can break down.
Conclusion
Ceiling fans are not just great accents; they will also help you save money on your electricity bill. But like any machine, it needs occasional maintenance to ensure it lasts longer. However, when lubricating the ceiling fan, you should always remember to turn off the fan, unplug it, and clean the fan blades and other parts of the fan before lubricating.
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