Ceiling fans are one of the most affordable ways to keep your home cool. A typical fan only uses 30 watts per hour.
In contrast, air conditioners consume 50% of all home energy costs, especially during summer. Therefore, maintaining an AC unit may cost about $100 to $150.
For ceiling fans, you only need to clean the blade, tighten the screws, and lubricate the bearings.
Usually, a ceiling fan can last eight to ten years. However, it may depend on how often you use it. If you are using your ceiling fan continuously, it may wear out after six years.
Several factors may also affect the lifespan of the ceiling fan. Regular maintenance can help in prolonging the service life of the ceiling fan.
Do Ceiling Fans Last Forever? How Long Do They Last?
Unfortunately, ceiling fans don’t last forever. However, you can use them for a very long time. The average lifespan of a ceiling fan is eight years. But good quality and well-maintained ceiling fans can last up to ten years.
Some factors that may affect the lifespan of a ceiling fan are usage, quality, climate, maintenance, motor size, and placement. If the fan is often used and operated, it may only last for less than six years.
The weather can quickly wear out ceiling fans outside the home. Also, ceiling fans in the kitchen can be exposed to grime and steam.
The quality of the ceiling fan also affects its lifespan. Fans that are constructed with low-quality materials are easily damaged. The motor size also matters, especially if the weather is hot.
Without a proper cooling system, a ceiling fan may overheat. If you want to prolong the service life of your fan, maintaining it regularly helps a lot.
How Often Should I Replace Ceiling Fans?
Since ceiling fans don’t last forever, it is crucial to replace them once they have stopped working properly. However, as mentioned before, several factors can affect the lifespan of the ceiling fan.
If you are using a typical ceiling fan, replacing it after eight years is highly recommended, especially if you notice inefficiency in its operation.
Choosing a high-quality ceiling fan and maintaining it regularly can help lengthen its lifespan. Some ceiling fans, can last for more than 20 years. Ensuring that it is properly installed can also contribute to its longevity.
How Do I Know When a Ceiling Fan Is Going Bad?
Some signs may indicate that your ceiling fan needs to be replaced. One of these is if it’s already making noises. Several causes are faulty dimmers, malfunctioning receivers, loose or missing screws, and incorrect installation.
Call the electrician if you notice a foul odor accompanying the noises. It can be due to a malfunctioning drive capacitor.
Another sign you must watch for is the wobbling blade of the ceiling fan. Ignoring it may wear the fan’s moving parts, damaging it permanently. Here are the following factors why the blades wobble: improper installation, imbalanced blades, excessive dust, or misaligned blades.
Typically, the speed of a ceiling fan is categorized into three kinds-slow, medium, and fast. A dysfunctional ceiling fan does not change speed, whatever button you press.
It may happen once the motor of the ceiling fan starts failing. Aside from that, faulty wires may also be present, and you need to replace them.
If the ceiling fan fails after several professional fixes, you must replace it immediately. However, it will prevent you from dealing with the hassles that a malfunctioning ceiling fan brings.
How Long Can a Ceiling Fan Run Continuously?
The duration of the ceiling fan operation may depend on the weather. If it is not too hot, you can run the fan for an average of seven to eight hours without worrying about overheating.
Others usually leave their ceiling fans open overnight without encountering any problems. Fortunately, ceiling fans are built for extended operations, especially those with reputable brands.
High-quality ceiling fans can run continuously for 18 hours. However, if you are unsure about the quality of your ceiling fan, you should not risk running it for more than eight hours since it can damage the fan’s motor.
Can Ceiling Fans Overheat And Catch Fire?
Although ceiling fans can overheat, they cannot catch fire. In contrast to popular belief, the ceiling fan’s heat does not create fire. The motor of the fan is built with a safe limit. Even if the temperature exceeds, the fan won’t catch fire. However, it may result in a burnt motor.
There are some ways to prevent the ceiling fan from overheating. Lubricating the fan and cleaning it correctly will prevent dust build-up. It will also ensure the bearings won’t create friction with the motor.
If the fan is not properly installed, you must install it to prevent wobbling. Also, avoid hanging anything on the ceiling fan.
