Troubleshoot and Eliminate Annoying Ceiling Fan Ticking Noises – A Step-by-Step Guide

No one likes the constant ticking noise produced by an old ceiling fan. The noise may be caused by an oversized fan that is too powerful for the motor size, or a wall switch’s dimmer control box could be causing it. Fortunately, the solution isn’t necessarily to buy a new fan; there are some simple tricks you can use to get rid of a ticking ceiling fan.

First, check to see if the fan you have is the right size for the motor. If the fan is too big, it is likely making a humming sound. If this is the case, then replacing the fan with a new, appropriately sized one is the best fix. To make sure the new fan you buy won’t have this problem, get a high-quality model with a lifetime warranty on the motor.

Second, change the light dimmer after the fan is installed. It should be replaced with an on and off switch instead. Although dimmer controls can be used with ceiling fans, they often create a humming noise that can be hard to get rid of.

Also, use a rubber spacer or washer between the motor flange and the mounting bracket. If a fan didn’t come with one, you can purchase a rubber spacer online or from a hardware store for a small cost. These are designed to cushion vibration, which can reduce the humming or ticking noise the fan makes.

If you already have a ceiling fan installed, try replacing the wall switch with a pull-chain. Pull-chains are designed to work with ceiling fans and often cause less noise than other controls.

Once these steps are completed, test the fan’s speeds to see if one produces less noise than another. In some instances, a ticking sound occurs at lower speeds. If that is the case, then temporarily fix the problem by turning the speed setting higher and then turning it down again.

Sometimes noises can occur if the screws attaching the fan blades to the motor or the screws on the motor casing and mounting plate assembly are loose. To fix this, tighten these screws using a flathead screwdriver, and also check to make sure the light bulbs and shades are securely fastened.

Finally, check the fan blade itself. Heat can also cause warping in ceiling fans, which could lead to a ticking noise. If a blade is warped, remove it and use a straightedge to see if your fan has warped blades. If it does, you may need to buy new ones.

By taking these few steps, you can significantly reduce the amount of ticking or humming noise a ceiling fan makes. Make sure to check for any fault or incorrect installation when installing your fan, for the best results. You can also contact an electrician or a ceiling fan specialist for more advice on how to minimize or get rid of any ticking noises.