Is Your Ceiling Fan Humming? (5 Major Reasons Why & Fixes)

Are There Different Types of Humming Sounds?

Yes, sometimes humming noises can be drowned out by daily noise. However, once the house goes quiet at night, you may start to hear a low humming. What you need to ask yourself are these following questions;

To determine the problem, you’ll need to identify the frequency and noise of the humming. The reason for this is because it can help you identify the problem. Once you understand what is wrong with the ceiling fan, you can then fix it. If the noise persists, then you may need to try another option to fix the fan.

Is it Normal To Head Ceiling Fans Humming?

Five Major Reasons Ceiling Fans Produce Humming Noises

1. How to Fix Loose Screws

A rattling sound or low hum may be audible if there are a few loose screws. It’s not uncommon for screws to loosen over time. Hence, you’ll start to hear noises over a few months or years.

Step 1: Identify Loose Screws

To identify if the screws are the problem, you will need to tighten them. All screws should be around the junction box or canopy of the ceiling fan. Once you identify the area, you can start fixing it.

Step 2: Tighten Screws Around the Junction Box

Use your screwdriver and find the right screw head size. From there, you will need to twist the screwdriver clockwise to tighten the screws. Go around the junction box and make sure to tighten every screw.

Step 3: Tighten Screws Around the Down Rod

Make sure when tightening screws that you don’t forget the ones around the down rod. These are usually hard to spot if you aren’t up close. If these screws are loose, then they could be what’s producing some noise.

Step 4: Tighten Screws Around Motor Housing Base

Other areas to check are the ones near the lock slot or the motor housing base. These areas tend to cause the whole fan to rattle and vibrate. This is what produces a humming sound.

2. How to Fix Loose Wire Connections

When the ceiling fan is installed, an electrician will attach wires to the wing nut connector. The wing nut connector is located inside the upper bracket inside the junction box. A humming noise can be produced if the wires become loose or are not tightly in place.

Step 1: Open Junction Box

To fix this issue, you’re going to need to open the junction box and check the wires. Using a screwdriver, remove the opening of the junction box.

Step 2: Check For Loose Wiring

From there, gently tug on the cables and see if any are loose. Sometimes the wires end up creating noise because they aren’t aligned properly in the down rod.

Step 3: Organize Wiring

If this is the problem, you’ll want to gently pull the wires close together until they are neatly organized. To ensure they don’t create a rattling or humming sound, make sure they aren’t touching the edges of the junction box or down rod.

Step 4: Check Space Between Wires and Rod

Once you’ve realigned the wires, you can check to see if they are in place by running your finger against the outside of the rod. If there are no vibrations, then the wires were successfully aligned. However, vibrations mean that some of the wires may need to be moved again.

Step 5: Secure Wiring With Tape if Necessary

If the humming sound persists, then you may need to use electrical tape to secure the wires together. Also, check the wires located in the motor housing, as these may also produce noise.

3. How to Fix the Motor Housing Mount

The motor housing unit has the potential of creating a humming sound if any debris has fallen inside. This usually happens over time and can produce a slight humming noise.

Step 1: Remove Lid

To fix this issue, you’ll need to remove the motor housing mount’s lid. It can be a tedious process due to having to remove the entire fan. However, it’s the only way to assess the problem accurately.

Step 2: Check For Debris

Once you have the fan down and remove the lid cover, you can check the components. It’s normal for plastic bits or debris to fall off and get trapped inside the motor housing.

Step 3: Clean Out Debris

If you notice anything, you’ll need to clear out the area using tweezers and a dry cloth. Once you’ve cleaned out the motor housing, then you’ll need to put the ceiling fan back together.

4. How to Lubricate the Motor

All machinery will eventually need you to apply some oil to help the gears move efficiently. Over time, the ball bearings and motor pins will heat up. This, in turn, causes the motor to accumulate dust as it cools down.

Step 1: Gather Tools

To fix this issue, you’ll need to get a few tools; paper towels and WD-40. Spray a light coating of WD-40 onto the paper towels.

Step 2: Wipe Down Motor Components

Use the soaked towel to wipe down the motor components. If the towel doesn’t reach into all the crevasses then you can alternatively use a q-tip. Just be sure to not damage any of the components.

Step 3: Apply WD-40

Don’t apply WD-40 directly onto the surface. The reason is that it may oversaturate the device. If that happens, then the unit could end up making more noise and won’t work correctly.

Step 4: Test

To confirm if this worked or not, test the motor spin. If there’s no noise after you’ve applied the WD-40 and wiped it down, then you’ve fixed the problem. Additionally, to ensure this problem doesn’t occur again, wipe the motor down every three months.

5. How to Fix Warped Fan Blades

If you’re living in a humid climate, then chances are your ceiling fans may start to warp. Bathroom and ceiling fans made of wood are known to warp with repeat exposure to moisture. When this happens, it’s tough to notice because the blades may only be warped by a centimeter or two.

Step 1: Measure

To fix a bent or broken blade, you’ll need to use a measuring tape. Measure the distance between each of the blades. If the distance doesn’t match, then you’ll need to balance out the blades again.

Step 2: Balance Out Blades

Use a few pennies and electrical tape. Each blade that has been warped will need weight on the opposite side to balance the blade. Attach either one or two pennies on the top of the blade and secure with tape.

Step 3: Test

If the sound persists, then you may have a more complex issue at hand.