Is it worthwhile to try to fix a ceiling fan?

Question

Maybe the fan is burned out. How would I be able to tell? The fan was expensive. What would it cost to be fixed? Who would I get to check it out?

Answer 1

First check power to the wall switch(if used)and/or the breaker box. A breaker might be tripped off or bad/wire loose. Do you have lights on the fan?== are they working? Yes? Then the wall switch is good. No? Then check breaker=don"t have a meter tester?=then you can make one using a light =lamp will do=strip the end wires bare=touch 1 wire to the screw on the breaker where the black wire is(hot)=the other wire to the ground bar where the white wires are connected. Reset the breaker=if good=the light will light up. If this tests good=double-check your electrical wire connections to your "fan" inside where the light connects up to the bottom of the fan=wire might have slipped out of the wire nut(?)going to the fan. OK on this?==then that leaves the fan switch =fan switch ok?==then that leaves the little black "box" inside where the switch is called a "capacitor". This gives the fan motor that extra "boost" and will not start/run if bad. All these parts can be bought off the shelf at--say Wal-Mart==fan switch/capacitor==at a much lower cost than replacing the entire fan. Check the electrical ratings on the capacitor with the old one/replace with same. You could >>turn power off>>take the 2 wires off the fan switch and wirenut them together=this by-passes the switch itself.Turn on power==fan working? Yes?==then replace the fan switch== No?==then that leaves the capacitor bad==or the windings in the fan itself is bad.Replace the capacitor==Working now?== NO?==then buy a new fan. Good Luck !

Answer 2

The issue might be in the wiring; the easiest way to tell is with a voltmeter to the power wires where they meet the fan.

If you're not very competent like that or don't know of someone to check for free, you can always hire an electrician, but the low-budget fix is to replace the fan with a simple light bulb ($5). If the light fails to turn on, then the wiring in the walls is the problem and you don't have to throw out the old fan.

Answer 3

use an electronic multi-tester (or multi meter) and see if it is getting power...if it is getting power to it the motor has burned out, and no, i wouldn't bother getting it fixed (though you can call small motor stores and ask) if it isn't getting power you need to replace either the switch that turns it on at the light base, the power cable going to it (which is unlikely) or the switch that gives it power

Answer 4

If it was me I would just buy another fan, it will probably cost more to fix it

Answer 5

you will find that you can replace it cheaper than you can repair it if it needs more than a switch. a good 52" ceiling fan can be bought at walmart for about $30.00 with the light kit included.

Answer 6

I woudn't bother with trying to fix it. When they get to a point where they don't work, and you have had it a long time. Then i would go out and buy another one... Hope this helped..