Should I repair or replace a ceiling fan?

Repair a ceiling fan when the fault is a cheap, replaceable part, such as a control, a switch, a connection or an out-of-balance blade. Replace it when the motor has failed, parts cannot be found, the fan has outlived its usefulness, or the repair quote approaches the price of a new fan installed. A licensed electrician can give you both numbers in one visit.

Fixes that are usually worth making

These are the problems where the fan itself is sound.

Wobble and noise. Wobble is often a balance or tightness problem rather than a dying fan. ENERGY STAR says all fan blades should be balanced before shipment, and that if a fan is wobbly after installation the first step is to make sure that all connections are properly aligned and tightly fastened, then check blade alignment, and use a balancing kit.^[3] It adds that these kits are either provided within product packaging or can be sent by the manufacturer free of charge.^[3] Hunter lists blade brackets screwed loosely to the motor, a blade screwed loosely to the blade iron, a cracked blade and a loose switch housing among the causes of noisy operation.^[1] All of these are cheap compared with a new fan.

Fan that does nothing. Hunter's troubleshooting table starts with a tripped breaker or blown fuse, loose or wrong wire connections, a reversing switch not engaged and a pull chain switch not "on".^[1] A bad wall control or remote is another common culprit, and ENERGY STAR says controls should match the fan on maximum amps, number of speeds, total lamp wattage and brand.^[4] A control swap costs far less than a fan.

A light that has gone out. Light kits are sold three ways, according to ENERGY STAR: integrated into the fan, included with the fan at the time of purchase, or sold separately.^[4] A failed light kit or socket can often be replaced on its own, though compatibility can be limited to the same brand.^[4]

Signs a replacement is the better buy

The motor is gone or the fan is old. If the motor hums but will not turn, or the fan has been failing in several ways at once, the labour to repair it can be more than the fan is worth. Parts for discontinued models may simply not exist.

The hanging hardware is wrong. If the electrician finds that the box is not marked for a fan, the job needs a new box or brace whether you repair or replace. Replacement is the natural moment to fix that. ENERGY STAR advises a UL-listed metal box marked "For Use With Ceiling Fans" and notes that ceiling fans can weigh as much as 50 pounds.^[3] Hunter says to mount a fan directly from building structure and/or an outlet box marked acceptable for fan support of 70 lbs.^[2]

You want a better fan. ENERGY STAR says certified ceiling fans are up to 44% more efficient than conventional fans.^[5] That matters most for a fan you run all day. Our answer on what size ceiling fan you need for a room helps with the choice.

The fan is unsafe. A fan that has worked loose from the ceiling, scorch marks, a burning smell or a hot switch are reasons to switch it off at the breaker and call an electrician. Do not run it while you decide.

Comparing the two quotes

Ask the electrician for a written price to repair and a written price to replace, with the same items in each:

• the diagnosis or trip charge
• parts, including any new box, brace or control
• labour, and removal and disposal of the old fan
• the brand and model of any new fan, and its warranty
• whether a permit applies and who pulls it

If the repair price comes close to the installed price of a comparable new fan, replacing is usually the better buy. The Board for Contractors advises getting at least three written bids or estimates using identical plans and specifications so you can compare prices and contractors.^[7]

Virginia's building code lists replacement of luminaires and ceiling (paddle) fans among ordinary repairs that need no permit application in Group R-2 where serving a single dwelling unit and in Groups R-3, R-4, and R-5.^[6] A like-for-like swap on the existing, correctly rated box is normally that kind of job.

When to call a licensed pro

For both options if you are paying someone. The Code of Virginia says no individual may engage in, or offer to engage in, work as a tradesman unless licensed.^[8] The Board for Contractors warns that if you contract with someone who does not hold a license, it may not be able to help you resolve a complaint,^[7] so check the licence before the visit. Hunter's own manual advises, if you are unfamiliar with wiring, to contact a qualified electrician.^[2]

To see what each option involves, read what an electrician does to fix a ceiling fan, how much repair costs in Virginia and what a new fan costs to install.

Find an electrician

Browse electrical services on Loclis or read more electrical repair answers.

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