- Fan wobbles or shakes
- Wobbling indicates unbalanced blades, loose mounting, or an inadequate electrical box. This stresses the motor and mounting, potentially causing the fan to fall.
- Grinding or humming noise
- Unusual sounds indicate motor bearing failure, loose parts, or electrical issues. A healthy fan should be nearly silent.
- Fan mounted to plastic box
- Plastic electrical boxes cannot safely support ceiling fan weight and vibration. The fan could fall. Replace with a fan-rated box immediately.
- Lights flicker when fan runs
- Flickering indicates loose connections, inadequate wiring, or a motor drawing too much current. This can be a fire hazard.
- Fan runs slowly on high speed
- A fan that won't reach full speed has a failing capacitor or motor. Replacement is usually more cost-effective than repair.
- Burning smell from fan
- A burning smell means the motor is overheating or wiring is failing. Turn off immediately and have it inspected.
- Fan installed without support box
- Some DIY installations attach fans directly to drywall or use inadequate brackets. This is dangerous. The fan can fall without warning.