Posted on: November 24, 2016
By: Alan O'Neill
Posted in: Electrician
Ceiling fans can be a godsend during the summers when we have to deal with scorching heat, so it is important that you keep them in tip top shape. Ceiling fan maintenance, most people do not bother, but in order to keep your ceiling fan working at peak efficiency, you have to perform some routine maintenance on the fan.
When it comes to ceiling fans, one thing that you generally don’t want to hear is a grinding noise. Learn about ceiling fans and grinding noises.
Ceiling fans work by creating a “wind chill” effect. What this means is that when the wind blows across your skin, it increases the rate at which your body loses heat. All things, including humans, lose heat through conduction; a ceiling fan speeds the process up. This is great in the summertime when you want to get cool quicker. But, during the winter you want the opposite to happen, you want your body to retain heat for a longer amount of time. A ceiling fan can help. Have you ever noticed that on most ceiling fans, there is a little switch on the body of the fan? Well, that switch reverses the direction of the blades. By using that switch, you can cause your ceiling fan to blow air towards the ceiling as opposed to down into the room. This stops the wind chill effect, meaning the room will feel warmer. A lot of people forget to do this, and that’s a major mistake. By doing this, you can keep your heating costs down during the cooler months. Simply make sure the fan is off when you flip the switch.
An important part of appliance maintenance is doing regular checkups. With ceiling fan maintenance, you generally want to check up on them every six months. It can be a hassle, but it is worth it. So, stop your fan completely and grab a ladder. When inspecting your fan, you will want to verify that all the screws are in place and screwed in properly. You will also want to make sure that the decorative plate, downrod, and light fixture (if your ceiling fan has one) are properly in place.
Dust on your ceiling fan blades are more than just an annoyance, excessive dust buildup can weight down your ceiling fan’s blades and reduce the efficiency of ceiling fan itself. You can clean blades several different ways. You can use a vacuum cleaner, but be careful, if your ceiling fan has delicate blades, they can be damaged and bent by the vacuum cleaner. Also, if you choose to use a vacuum cleaner, do not stop there, immediately after you finish vacuuming, use a damp washcloth on both sides of the blade. Another method is to remove the blades completely with a screwdriver, for a more thorough cleaning. I would only recommend doing this if the blades are really dusty or dirty. Finally, just as a tip, never use an ammonia or acid-based cleaning solution on your blades, they can cause damage to the finish and cause the blades to warp. If you have to use a cleaning solution, choose something meant for delicate surfaces. If you want to make your blades look really nice, then you can add a layer of furniture polish; not only does it make your blades look better, but they will also work better (the furniture polish makes the blades more air efficient).
Cleaning a Ceiling Fan’s Blades
There are several different ways to properly clean a ceiling fan’s blades:
Vacuuming the blades may be a quick way to deal with light dust that has accumulated on the blades. Use your vacuum’s brush attachment to carefully vacuum the top and bottom of each blade. If the blades have a thick layer of dust, follow up with a damp microfiber cloth and wipe the top and bottom of each blade. Place equal pressure on a damp cloth, folding the cloth over the blade from the center top and bottom. Slowly pull the cloth outward. Do not twist, lift, or pull down on the blades. Be gentle!
Rinse the cloth to ensure you are not just transferring dust from one blade to another. Using a feather duster or other type of dry duster after the blades have been dried can also be helpful. Whatever you do, be sure to use these techniques for cleaning a ceiling fan gently so you do not bend the blades, and never use an ammonia or bleach-based cleaner or any harsh cleaner on the blades. The finish can be damaged and warping may occur.
You can go a step further and remove the blades from the ceiling fan for a more thorough cleaning. This will also be helpful if you have to replace a bent or broken blade. You will need to locate the screws on the unit and, while holding it in place, unscrew the blade from the fan base. Carefully set the blade on a clean surface, taking into consideration which side is the top of the blade. Use the tips provided above for properly cleaning a ceiling fan’s blades and then replace the blades.
When is the last time you cleaned your ceiling fan? Like any other home appliance, regularly cleaning a ceiling fan is important to ensure optimal performance. Light maintenance such as replacing blades and keeping the ceiling fan from shaking, wobbling, or squeaking is necessary to keep the fan running smoothly. Cleaning fans properly also help with longevity. Call (713) 812-7070 us for your home service and repair needs.
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