Attic fans are crucial for helping to retain the internal temperature of your attic. They prevent the development of mold and mildew in the space. There are few things quite as annoying as an attic fan that insists on squeaking.
You’ve likely experienced this annoying situation before. You’re lying in bed, hoping to get some rest, but you can just make out the most subtle squeaking noise from the attic above you! It’s a small nuisance, but it can very quickly drive you insane!
So, why don’t we try to find out what it is that is causing your attic fan to squeak, and then take a look at how you can resolve the problem? Read on down below to get a little bit of insight into your attic fan woes!
There are numerous things that can cause an attic fan to start squeaking. These include things like worn-out parts, stiff ball bearings, lack of oil, and more.
Luckily, you can solve the problem of a squeaky fan with some minor tinkering, and prevent further issues.
What Causes An Attic Fan To Squeak?
Worn-Out Parts
If your attic fan is getting older, it may begin to show its age by squeaking. This can be caused by parts becoming loose, or the joints between certain parts not being oiled up correctly.
The likelihood of worn-out parts causing the squeaking issues can largely depend on the type of fan that it is.
Some fans are driven by specific components that may begin squeaking, while others may not be! It would be worth taking a look at your fan to find out what model it is specifically, to see if maybe a specific part is causing the issue.
Loose Parts
The reason for your squeaking attic fan may be just as simple as one of the parts coming loose and then rubbing on another part while the fan is in motion!
No Oil!
The problem of squeaking from your attic fan may simply be a result of a lack of lubrication, causing parts to rub against each other! It likely makes your hair stand on end even thinking about it!
How Do You Stop An Attic Fan From Squeaking?
Tighten The Screws
As we mentioned earlier, the cause of a ceiling fan squeaking may simply be that a specific part has come loose. In some cases, depending on the model of fan, and your willingness to tinker with it, you should be able to tighten some parts yourself.
Before modifying your attic fan in any way, you should make sure to completely disconnect it from power for your safety and to avoid the risk of damaging the fan, should it kick back into action while you are tinkering.
Replace The Fan Blades
While it is definitely possible to reposition the blades of your attic fan, it may simply be the case that they are beyond their best, or they will no longer fit.
You can easily purchase replacement blades for your specific attic fan model, and then fit it into place yourself.
Replace The Fan Motor
If your attic fan operates via a motor, you may need to replace the motor altogether, as it could be grinding against itself, creating that grating noise!
Replace Ball Bearings
Some attic fans make use of ball bearings, which help to lubricate the entire motion of the fan, helping it to operate more smoothly. These small silver balls are very tough, and can last for years and years of use, but eventually, they may begin to wear down, especially after frequent heavy use.
The solution to your attic fan woes may be as simple as replacing the ball bearings in your attic fan mechanism!
Tighten The Fan Mount
Many times we’ve encountered situations in which attic fan owners have tightened the blades and motors of the fan, only to find that the fan still continued to squeak, and rattle in its position.
It may be the case that the fan mount itself needs to be tightened into place to keep all of the other components of the fan in position.
In some cases, you may need to replace the fan mount outright!
How Do You Prevent An Attic Fan From Squeaking?
At this point, you may have now solved the issue of your attic fan squeaking, so you need to know how to go about maintaining the fan in order to keep it from squeaking.
Check The Fan Periodically
One of the best things you can do to stay on top of the health of your attic fan is to simply monitor it as much as possible. We recommend dedicating just a few minutes each week to checking that the fan is firmly in place and operating without a problem.
Make sure to turn off the power, and check that all of the parts are in position and that there is enough space between the fan blades and the fan mount. These two rubbing against each other is the most common cause of attic fan issues!
Keep The Fan Oiled Up
Luckily, you don’t need to do this too often, but it is very beneficial to stay on top of the oiling of your attic fan.
Every few years, make sure to top up your attic fan with some oil to help keep the parts from rubbing against one another, which also helps to prolong the life of the fan!
To Wrap Up
There you have it! There are numerous reasons why your attic fan may be squeaking, but luckily there are also plenty of easy fixes and solutions you can rely on!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use WD40 On Attic Fan?
Absolutely! WD40 can be a great solution to add to your attic fan to reduce friction!
Can You Lubricate A Attic Fan?
Yes. If you think that parts of your attic fan are squeaking against one another, it can be very beneficial to add some lubricant to the mechanism.
Do Attic Fans Need Oiling?
It can help to occasionally oil up your ceiling fan, but it is not always totally essential.
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