Nothing worse than lying in bed at night, trying to get to sleep and the ceiling fan making a clicking noise is keeping you up! The knocking or clicking sound is the electrician equivalent of a leaking tap – it can have you pulling your hair out in frustration.
We rely on ceiling fans a lot in Queensland. They’re a cheaper alternative to having the aircon on the whole time, and an effective way to keep us cool. We tend to have them on the whole time in the summer – so if yours is making strange sounds, it’s best to deal with the problem ASAP.
There’s a chance you could be able to fix the issue yourself, but if the noise is symptomatic of a bigger problem, it’s a good idea to get a professional Brisbane electrician in. To help you decide which path to take, let’s look at the common causes of clicking fan noises and see which one’s are an easy fix.
Common Causes of a Ceiling Fan Making a Clicking Noise
Loose Components
There are a bunch of components in your ceiling fan that can become loose over time due to the vibrations created by the moving blades. This is the most common cause of a noisy fan because the loose parts make clicking sounds with each rotation.
It’s a pretty easy fix – turn off the fan and inspect the mounting brackets, blade holders, light fixtures and the fan housing for loose screws. Tighten them up with a screwdriver, and most of the time that should take care of the problem.
Blade Imbalance
They may be simple in design, but ceiling fans need to be finely balanced to work effectively. Dust accumulation, warping, or manufacturing defects can make them uneven, and that’s when you run into trouble. You get an unbalanced rotation that puts strain on the motor and mount, making clicking sounds as the fan rotates.
To prevent this from happening, regularly maintain your fan by cleaning the blades of any dirt build-up. If this doesn’t solve the issue, you may need a blade balancing kit that attaches small weights to the blades to restore balance.
Motor Housing Issues
The motor driving the fan blades suffers wear and tear over time. Internal parts can become loose or damaged, and they will make a noise as the fan rotates. Smaller parts may have broken off the motor and can be rattling inside the housing too.
Remove the housing cover and visually inspect the motor and internal components for any loose parts or signs of damage. If the solution is not immediately evident, this might be one of those occasions when it is best to call on a residential electrician.
Ceiling Mounting Problems
A poor installation job will lead to problems with your ceiling fan down the track. If the mounting bracket or electrical box isn’t properly secured, the entire fan unit can shift slightly during operation. This will cause those frustrating clicking sounds.
To check this, take a look at the mounting bracket and make sure it’s firmly attached to the ceiling electrical box. Then check the electrical box itself – is it correctly rated for ceiling fans? Is it securely fastened to a ceiling joist or support beam?
Pull Chain Mechanism
Some fans come with a pull chain mechanism to control the fan speed or the light. This can create clicking noises if the mechanism is damaged or the chain knocks against the housing and becomes damaged or if the chain itself hits against the housing during operation.
You may need to replace the chain assembly to get this fault right. Start off by removing the pull chain temporarily, and seeing if the noise goes. You might even be able to operate the fan without the chain.
When to Call a Professional Electrician
Those are simple DIY fixes that can be employed if the problem itself is simple. For more complex problems, you’re going to need to call a professional like Voltora Industries. Your safety is our main priority, and as a fan is electrical equipment you want to maintain caution and care at all times.
Here are some sure fire signs you need to get an electrician in to look at your noisy fan:
- It’s making clicking noises accompanied by sparking or burning smells.
- The motor housing becomes extremely hot to the touch during operation.
- The fan wobbles excessively despite your attempts to balance it.
- You’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps above and the clicking won’t go away.
Preventative Maintenance
There are some simple maintenance tasks you can perform to keep your fan in good, noise-free condition. To prevent clicking noises from developing in your ceiling fan:
- Clean your fan regularly to prevent dust build up on the blades and in the motor housing.
- Take regular inspections of the screws and components to check if anything is loose.
- You may want to get a professional to service your ceiling fans if they are starting to show their age.
Conclusion
A ceiling fan making a clicking noise is more of an irritation than a cause for major concern. It’s also an indication that some maintenance or repair is required. You may be able to do that yourself by following the above steps and restoring peaceful, quiet operations!
If basic troubleshooting steps don’t solve the clicking fan noise, Voltora Industries is here to help in a safe and professional way that’s compliant with Queensland electrical standards. Our team of mobile electricians will come to your property at a pre-arranged time and advise on the best path of action to take with your noisy fan!
Get in touch to make a booking, or to have a chat about the wide range of electrical services we offer!
